International Life Summer 2011

The global luxury lifestyle magazine bringing you the best of brands, business, new ideas and trends

YO U. LO N D O N. THE WORLD

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escape

ConnectJets: Beyond First Class / TopMarques for Dante Alpine Spa luxury in Leukerbad / Rolls Royce fashion

Haute Joaillerie ColleCtion exclusively available at Chopard Boutiques

ilife

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summer 2011

INTERNATIONAL LIFE

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FEATURES

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international insight luxury entrepreneur business

below: the new 51˚ Spa residences in the exclusive alpine resort of Leukerbad middle: the Rolls Royce of fashion bottom: Top Marques; Monaco’s luxury supercar and superboat show

Spa Israel: Cecilia d’Felice marvels at her mud bath massage during her Dead Sea sojourn in the ‘Promised Land’ and makes her own promise to return at her earliest convenience

RhythMs of the new brazil: Sao Paulo, the nation’s financial capital leaves a lasting impression on Maisha Frost, as she encounters a steely work ethic amongst the mesmeric samba beats

Emerging india: Priyadarshini Kohli highlights the cultural nuances and economic challenges facing western luxury brands in India

BUSINESS INSIGHT: Sukhi Wahiwala discusses our collective tendency to avoid making decisions and taking action and suggests our relationship with money may well need rethinking

BUSINESS AVIATION: Gabriella Somerville believes the business community is embracing private jet travel as a key tool to improve competitiveness and productivity

Q&A One minute entrepreneur: Quentin Mackay reveals the advantages and challenges facing small brands in the luxury sector

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alpine Spa luxury: Peter Doherty examines a rare investment opportunity in the stunning thermal spa town of Leukerbad

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Dante at top marques: International Life sees Swiss Artist Dante, upstage the supercars and superboats at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum www.internationallife.tv

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LISTINGS

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GALLERIES

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SECTIONS

london villages: Clare Richardson goes on a fact finding mission for the best cutural events, dining experiences and fashion London’s prestigious villages have to offer

watch & jewellery gallery: International Life pay homage to the humble bangle with a stunningly bejewelled selection and throw in a couple of cool timepieces for the guys

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rolls royce fashion: Photographer Yves de Contades combines the glory of Rolls Royce with chic, contemporary summer fashion

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tech/gadgets: International Life rounds up a cool seletion of hi-tech gadgets from racing bikes and iphone apps to a contemporary Wurlitzer

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travel: Yves de Contades enjoys the sunshine lifestyle of Miami and its endearing Art Deco facades

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LUXURY trends: Shane McCoubrey explains how the knock-on effect of the Royal Wedding is paying dividends for the British Fashion industry

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beauty: Geraldine Shaker reveals that make-up disasters are not just reserved for mere mortals - the beautiful people make mistakes too

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FILM: Martin Guttridge-Hewitt discusses our contentious relationship with food with documentary makers Shelley Lee Davies and Or Shlomi

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hotel: International Life discover 4 star Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Monaco has 5 star appeal PROPERTY: Rosy Khalastchy reveals the colourful history of the elegant Nash residences in exclusive Regent’s Park and showcases the stunning homes on offer at Cornwall Terrace

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dining: Iqbal Wahhab immerses himself in London’s Spanish gastronomy and finds a natural affinity to the idea of siesta

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food & Drink: Levanah Reyes-Wainwright compares London’s elite picnic hampers and draws up a hit-list of 5 killer summer cocktails

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best of london: Clare Richardson rounds up her pick of key cultural events and indulgences in this great city

futurology: International Life’s Yves de Contades interviews Mark Stevenson about embracing change and the future and how it’s all happening quicker than we could ever imagine

www.internationallife.tv

Ten unique and exclusive fully serviced spa residences.

First to feature direct-from-the-source in-home thermal baths.

Convenient to both Geneva and Zurich international airports.

Completion Winter 2013. Showroom now open.

Open to freehold ownership by Non-Swiss residents.

info@51Degrees.ch +41 22 799 44 16

+44 20 7629 8171 james.price@knightfrank.com

masthead The International Life brand is expressed through multiple media: quarterly magazine / website / e-newsletter / social media / video

Escape. Summer 2011

You. London. The World

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ith escapism, there’s almost a perceived wisdom that it’s a mental diversion by means of entertainment. A “way out” from the perceived unpleasant aspects of daily life and yet there’s a whole other dimension rarely lauded. It starts with day-dreaming and the imagination - conjuring up magical far-away lands and our place in them. This can be tied in with our aspirations and our desire to succeed.

When we’ve ‘made it’ and achieved a level of financial independence, we can fully reconnect with these dreams and set off on our travels to realise them. Who says the dream can’t become reality?

In this issue we look at the dreams of the ‘new world’. Brazil and it’s burgeoning prosperity and the cultural challenges faced by western brands to fulfill the desires of India’s new money generation.

We also examine modes of travel and why ConnectJets believe private aviation is the perfect way to take us to our business destinations as well as on our fantasy shopping sojourns.

And onto feeling good. The emergence of the ‘Health and Wellness’ industry in the luxury sector has not gone unnoticed as we take a close look at what a Dead Sea vacation can do to our tired frames and weary souls.

And for those who want to live their dreams, we run the rule over 51˚, the exclusive new spa residences just launched in Leukerbad, the largest thermal spa and wellness resort in the Alps.

Go on, dare to dream ...

International Life

Publishers Managing Director: Peter Doherty peter@publishingsociety.com www.twitter.com/luxurybrand Managing Director: Yves de Contades yves@publishingsociety.com Editorial team Editor in Chief: Peter Doherty peter@publishingsociety.com Editorial Director: Yves de Contades yves@publishingsociety.com Editorial (Film): Martin Guttridge-Hewitt martin@internationallife.tv Fashion Fashion: Sara Darling Photography: Yves de Contades Photographic Assistant: James Nixon Hair: Amanda Oliver www.amandaoliver.co.uk Make up: Vaida Mugenyte using Becca make-up and Bumble for hair Fashion Assistants Chad Burton and David Daley Advertising Sales: 020 7932 0802 sales@internationallife.tv m 07957 246 845 m 07939 285 296

Editorial Specialists Psychology: Dr Cecilia d’Felice Arts/Travel/India: Priyadarshini Kohli Beauty: Geraldine Shaker Film: Martin Guttridge-Hewitt Boats and Sailing: Laura Aitken Business: Maisha Frost Business: Sukhi Wahiwala London/Travel: Kris Griffiths London: Clare Richardson Luxury Brands/Arts/Travel: Peter Doherty Fashion/Psychology/Tech: Yves de Contades Fashion: Sara Darling Food & Drink/Travel: Iqbal Wahhab Food & Drink: Levanah Reyes-Wainwright Luxury: Quentin Mackay Front cover credits: Model - Lucy at M&P. Fur shawl - Lungta De Fancy Red “Shiloh’ silk dress - Beulah. Magenta leather gloves - Gant ‘Delphine’ Acid Python clutch bag - Quentin Mackay, £1995 P.3. Fashion: Pink dress -Vivetta. Persia crème Bag -­ Quentin Mackay, Price: £1,595. Chopard Necklace in yellow gold from the Pushkin collection, featuring diamonds. Price on request. Bracelet - Ongwat.

Sunglasses - Kate Spade

International Life is published quarterly by International Life Magazine Ltd., 35 Morland House, Marsham St, London SW1P 4JH. Registered Company No: 06532821.

Telephone: 020 7932 0802. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of the publishers. Transparencies and other material submitted for publication are sent at the owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither International Life Magazine Ltd, nor their agents accept any liability for loss or damage. Although International Life Magazine Ltd has endeavoured to ensure that all information inside the magazine is correct, prices and details may be subject to change. Opinions expressed are those of the contributors. Always seek independent advice before making any investment which is at your own risk.

For subscriptions and back issues: email subscriptions@internationallife.tv for details.

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feature

Spa out Israel

Cecilia d’Felice finds spa heaven in the promised land, enjoys her Cleopatra fantasy during a divine Dead Sea treatment and tells us why she has already pencilled in this destination for a repeat visit

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airly galloping through life, it is time for a radical rethink on how to progress into my middle years with humour. A healthy fear of the knife - pace all the times one has had to be cut open - leaves me with only one option: to preserve as best I can the good fortune that was my youth. The priority is skin. They say you get the face you deserve when you kiss forty and so far I seem to have been a good girl despite my reputation for having a portrait in the attic, however, it is time to get serious about taking care of the largest organ of the body. Such responsibility!

A Spa trip is the obvious answer, but not one where we huddle shivering indoors in English nascent springtime with its unpredictable meteorological foibles.

Although long gone are the days when

I desire to lie full stretch on a hot little beach for hours on end, some heat in my bones and an excuse to wear my hottest All Saints ‘sparkle mirelle’ bikini still requires some sort of sunshine and some sort of water. I need to slough off the winter, get skin-shape and smooth away the creases that have built up over a season of recessionary worries.

So I find myself at Heathrow surrounded by machine guns and sniffer dogs. I realise I said ‘Why Fly?’ only last week but being a woman am allowed to change my mind, thank goodness!

Everyone had been telling me that I was bound to be arrested, deported or tortured or some other such nonsense when throwing myself at the mercy of Israeli security but from the moment Moshe from El Al looked at me with his beautiful blue

eyes and told me that he had to ask me all these beastly questions in case someone had put a bomb in a ‘present’ for me, my heart melted.

The real terror and the only fly in the ointment of a perfectly good flight was opening the lid on the hideous squirming mass of overcooked pasta on the aeroplane. Now that really should have been interrogated for masquerading as the real thing. Crimes against pasta have been many but this was a tragedy and my only advice is don’t have the vegetarian option so exhorted by fashionable types as they trit-trot around the globe. Save your appetite for the most deliciously fresh and abundant grub that you will find when you land at Ben Gurion airport. Now I see why Ottolenghi is so fab. Israeli food is a wonderful synthesis of Arab, Greek and >> www.internationallife.tv/travel

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>> Lebanese cuisines, which is perhaps why tagliatelle isn’t their strong point.

You will have surmised, dear reader that my quest for Spa heaven has led me bizarrely to Israel. Yet perhaps not so bizarrely, for I have long been a fan of dead sea salt and mud pie treatments and just as their winter is turning dramatically into glorious summer, this transitional time of year - before it gets too hot and too crowded - seems the perfect time to take advantage of their fabulous Spas. And they do Spas well. Trust me, they do and very reasonably at that.

In the absence of Mr Litton Holt whom I, of course, miss most terribly, a sweet young man delivers my Ralph Lauren bag (which my friend Simon tells me is fearfully naff, but I think is perfect) to my room at the Daniel Shizen Spa. Having no change I send him off with a 50 shekel note (divide by 5½ for sterling) to procure aforementioned shrapnel so I could give him a tip. Isn’t shekel a delicious word?

So onomatopoeic. He returned (the boy, not Ralph or Mr LH) sometime later with another sweet thing, my namesake,

save my face. Dermalogica comes to the rescue like a superhero dressed in silver, entirely transforming my relationship with my little phizog. In fact I cannot remember when my skin looked this soft, dewy and, dare I say it, downright edible after half an hour of being stroked, exfoliated, lightly pummelled and plumped.

So smitten am I that - with only the very slightest persuasion from my adorable Asian fusion therapist (am I allowed to say that? Probably not!) - I end up spending Mr Litton Holt’s life savings on a whole new wardrobe of pots and potions. What I do not realise is that the rate of exchange I am working with is slightly off kilter as I can’t do sums. Seconds after the transaction has gone through my bank calls me up worrying that someone has just bought a handful of rough diamonds or a couple of magnums of Vintage Dom Pérignon. Remembering my education at the 150 in the Mayfair Hotel I manage to squeak, ‘I gather 2000 is a rather good year’ to the marvellous Clydesdale, whom I thank profusely from protecting me from fraud. My own of course.

- waves of tension are sucked out of you as the salt polarises your cells, releasing toxins and generally giving you an inside out cleanse. The locals, quite rightly, are hoping it will make one of the 7 natural wonders of the world in the competition that is taking place next year.

My desire is to give my body a complete treat, a thank you for seeing me through the winter with very little complaint, so I opt for a scrub & mud. First I am ‘peeled’ with a salt and almond oil concoction that Marina, from the Shizen spa in the unpretentiously fun and spacious 300+ roomed Daniel Dead Sea Hotel, rubs diligently over my hungry skin. It is not unpleasant; more like peeling a grape than a potato. Next, I am slathered in the most delicious hot Dead Sea mud, rich in skin softening, cleansing minerals and wrapped in layer upon layer of blanket. I can feel myself gathering exponential wellbeing points and all I have to do is lie here.

Almost before Marina is out of the door with the simple instruction, ‘Sleep’, which even a foolish creature like myself can understand, I am dropping down into a

I am Cleopatra, borne aloft by oiled muscular slaves ..., royally visiting Masada to seduce Herod in the huge hilltop fort he built to keep my scented hands off his sweet balsam standing at the door like Hansel and Gretel with 48 shekels in change. We worked out between us that the concierge has made 50 cents and my chap got $1.50 for carrying my bag. He seemed pleased with that. It is always better to let people take the tip they think is right for the job, it means everyone is happy. Including presumably the concierge.

And all this is what makes Israel such a delightful place to visit, because contrary to popular belief nearly everyone you meet is relaxed, charming and humourous despite the emphasis on security. Smiles and laughter come easily here. Something we could do a little better ourselves darlings, don’t you think?

A few minutes drive from lively Tel Aviv lies Herzelia where, in the aforementioned comfortable Shizen Spa, every one of the 39 feng shui’d rooms overlooks the fat shimmering beach. I can see and hear the gentle Mediterranean waves caress the sand; all that lies between us is the pool.

Fabulous. There are dozens of treatments to choose from but here I am looking to

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Not to worry, money-shmoney! I am off to have lunch in one of the most elegant Spas in the world, Isrotel’s Carmel Forest Spa Resort nestling high in the hills above Tel Aviv. The food is fresh as a daisy, healthy as a horse and just looking at it makes you feel slimmer. Tennis courts, several pools, 26 treatment rooms and a distinct lack of children make this a very grown up affair. With only 126 rooms it is relatively small by Israeli hotel standards.

I am definitely returning here, it is, as the Italians say, tranquilo. Bellissima.

But my quest for surgeon-free (I am not saying never but I am saying not now) skin rejuvenation continues and the Dead Sea beckons. Dropping the 400 metres below sea level pops the ears yet also soothes the nerves as oxygen levels rise. Miasma’d in with all that cell reviving O2 is bromide, reputed reducer of carnality but improver of sleep and relaxation. The inhabitants of the Dead Sea resort are appropriately laid back and mostly horizontal. Floating on the sea itself - you cannot swim, it simply won’t let you do anything so exerting

blissful daydream chock full of Jungian archetypes. We are, after all, lying in the crucible of the world’s ancient religions.

Dream sequence - soft music and fade in… I am Cleopatra, borne aloft by oiled muscular slaves (naturally), royally visiting Masada to seduce Herod in the huge hilltop fort he built to keep my scented hands off his sweet balsam.

This I know because Oded, my guide tells me so. Oded, incidentally and by the way, not in my dream, barked at my leg while gently nuzzling it as we waited for the cable car to the top of the mountain.

This apparently is not a local custom but one of Oded’s very own courtship rituals. It seems my skin really is good enough to eat; these Spas are amazing! Then again my legs have been known to make grown men cry, which is why they are worth preserving for as long as possible.

Anyhow, I digress. Oded, with whom I am now betrothed (this is what happens when you let your wife go off by herself Mr Litton Holt), reminds me that

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top left; In the name of beauty Dead Sea mud treatments below left and right; Daniel Dead Sea Hotel and Shizen Spa top right; Relaxing on the beach in Tel Aviv

Cleopatra conquered many more nations than the Roman sword just by swishing her sweet little tail feathers. She brought a whole new meaning to the word shopping.

I suspect she probably also wanted the Dead Sea and all its beautifying bounty for herself; I would. She never actually went to Masada but Herod reputedly built the fort to prevent her from stealing the lucrative perfumes made in nearby Ein Gedi, as well as wanting to keep other less glamorous ne’er do wells out of Judea.

You really need to see Masada (now a national park twenty minutes drive from the Dead Sea resort) before the crowds arrive as it is a cultural icon, representing as it does, the last bastion of Jewish freedom fighters (there was a mass suicide, simply too grizzly to retell) and the end of the kingdom of Judea, despite Herod and his successor’s best efforts. So it gets a tad busy for my taste around lunchtime when the coaches flood in.

The desert has a shamanic magic that combined with the Dead Sea microclimate makes it a very unusual place to Spa out.

The extra 400 metres below sea level provides us with another layer of UV filtration which means you don’t burn. For those of you with skin conditions, such as psoriasis, the Dead Sea represents a cure all and most Spas have their own doctor to supervise your treatments.

The uber stylish will definitely want to stay at David Lewis’ genuinely 5 star Isrotel complex. A sublime Arad design feast, it is not to be missed if you are blessed with an aesthetic sensibility. It is helpful to remember that this is a relatively undeveloped resort, catch it while it is still young and fresh, rather like the new soft and supple skin adorning my body. I feel like a snake that has wriggled out of something rather dried up and papery and can return to the smoke with a sensational new hide ready to be pampered and adored by Mr Litton Holt. What a lucky man. But first I must disengage Oded from my newly glistening leg…

Dead Sea Wellbeing points 10/10 for a complete rest and optimal skin rejuvenation.

Insider knowledge Sophisticated nightlife is centred around the Mediterranean coastal cities. The Dead Sea is more laid back and homespun in its entertainments.

For more information on the Daniel Shizen Spa Hotels: www.tamareshotels.co.il For Isrotel Carmel Forest Spa: www.isrotelexclusivecollection.com/ carmel_forest For Isrotel Dead Sea Spa: www.isrotel.com/isrotel_dead_sea Oded Hamm Licenced Tour Guide: www.sabajeepeto.co.il You can also package it from £1,100 per person through Superstar Holidays which includes Return EL AL flights to Tel Aviv, 3 nights in a Zen Room at The Daniel Shizen, Herzelia and 4 nights in a Classic room at The Daniel Dead Sea Hotel, half board.

Contact the fabulous Charlene, who knows everything worth knowing about Israel at http://www.superstar.co.uk Daniel Dead Sea Hotel and Shizen Spa www.internationallife.tv/travel

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Best of London Clare Richardson compiles the London ‘to do’ list from July to October, including the ‘open air’ screening of film classics in some of London’s most spectacular outdoor spaces, a celebration of the Tuxedo at Harrods and Bombay’s most famous beach ‘relocated’ to the South Bank! And did we mention the delicious deal we’ve got for readers at the summer Foodie Festival??

The Little black Jacket.

Celebrating 150 Years of the Tuxedo The London College of Fashion has teamed up with Savile Row tailor Henry Poole & Co and fabric supplier Dormeuil to commemorate “The Little Black Jacket - Celebrating 150 Years of the Tuxedo.” Students were challenged with reinventing the Tuxedo for the 21st Century. The resulting work will be showcased internationally from September as a ‘pop-up’ in Harrods and the Burlington Arcade in London then on to Tuxedo Park in New York - where the dinner jacket was first worn in the U.S. In addition to the garments a series of black and white images will display fashion celebrities in their personal tuxedos, including Chairman of the British Fashion Council Harold Tillman CBE, and two short films illustrating the creative process of this British fashion icon.

Tues 13 September - Tues 27 September.

Harrods, Knightsbridge

Dishoom Chowpatty Beach If you dream of feeling the sand between your toes on long summer days in the office - escape to Dishoom’s pop-up Bombay cafe on the Southbank. As part of the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, 48 tonnes of sand have been shipped in, bringing the famous Indian, Chowpatty Beach to the banks of the Thames. The construction is built ‘juggard’ style which is Hindi for ‘creative improvisation’ using old materials such as brightly coloured barrels for stools, a bar made from recycled plastic and walls

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erected using tightly rolled newspapers.

Tasty food such as the classic Pau Bhaji and Gola - wallahs are served with a tempting cocktail menu of Bombay Pimms Summer Cup and Spiked Colaba Ice Tea. Open until 4 October 2011.

Queen Elizabeth Hall Terrace, Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX

Nomad Cinema and Film4 Summer Screen For a totally different viewing experience the Nomad cinema is hosting a season of cinematic journeys through London’s prestigious Royal Parks. These stunning locations include some of the most beautiful settings in the capital, from bang in the heart of the city to the sprawling parks outside of London, including Kensington Gardens, The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Hyde Park Lido, Richmond Park, Bushey Park and more.

Each venue has been given its own sub-

theme - with a selection of films that connect and embrace each setting a fine example is Greenwich Park’s Royal Observatory where the theme of Time and Space is reflected in the programming with cult classic ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and 80’s smash ‘Back To The Future.’

Not forgetting the ever popular Film4 Summer Screen, films are projected in the dramatic surroundings of the Somerset House Courtyard. With over a week’s worth of cult classics and recent releases during late July and Early August - there’s sure to be something for everyone. Listings yet to be made available.

Nomad Cinema: July - September 2011.

Tickets £10 - £15 with 50 per cent of profits donated to the Sustainability Institute in South Africa www.whereisthenomad.com Film4 Summer Screen: Thurs 28 July - Sun 7 August. Listings available: www.somersethouse.com Somerset House, The Strand, WC2R 1LA

best of london

Foodies Festival.

Battersea Park Foodies Festival comes to Battersea Park this summer - a three day food festival showcasing fine food, drink and culinary talent. The festival joins a line up of seven Foodies Festivals taking place across the UK. With over one hundred exhibitors offering local, seasonal produce and specialty food and drink, food lovers will be inspired to experience, celebrate and learn about the culinary arts. Highlights include: Chef Theatre - Michelin star and top chefs cook signature dishes passing on hints and tips including Angela Hartnett of Murano, Anna Hansen of the Modern Pantry, Gary Lee of The Ivy and Phil Usher of Le Caprice. Don’t miss the Harvey Nichols food market and new for this year - the Great Taste Market featuring stall holders whose produce has won a prestigious Great Taste Award within the last three years.

Foodies Festival - Battersea Park 29-31 July.

Special discount 2-for-1 for International Life readers: 2 x day-tickets for £15 and 2 x three-day tickets for £25 Use booking code foodies241 when booking online at www.foodiesfestival.com or on 0871 230 5573

right: Lucas Hugh - tailored jacket and left: versatile body suit worn under formal wear

Chic Fitness Shrewd operators Lucas Hugh seem to be one of few who’ve noticed the yawning gap in the market for fashion performance wear. The stunning design and quality of their garments must put them top spot in this sector. The 2011 collection features sleek bodysuits, tanks, shorts, leggings and jackets in futuristic styles and prints with high visibility, geometric detailing. One of their statement pieces is the tailored jacket which addresses the age old dilemma of feeling dressed down in sportswear. We’ve seen pieces passed off as day wear and when you see the collection in its entirety there’s a feeling that it’s almost too good to hit the gym with. It didn’t take long before celebrities like Sienna Miller, Elle left hand page, top left: Happy Birthday 150th to the Tuxedo; Marie Helvin & Ashley Cambridge left hand page, bottom left: Monty Python’s ‘Holy Grail’ at Leeds Castle, Kent above right: Foodie Festival in Battersea Park top right: Lucas Hugh - high performance wear

MacPherson, Efua Baker and even the Saudi Royals to become fans. There’s one drawback guys - there’s no menswear collection as yet! Watch this space.

On sale at net-a-porter.com from early august 2011. RRP prices remain extremely competitive and range from £65 - £280.

If you can’t wait, call the showroom to arrange a viewing.

Lucas Hugh, 1b Kensington Park Mews, London W11 2EY 020 7221 4885 www.lucashugh.com

The ice cream of London We defy anybody to walk past Jeff de Bruges in Mayfair’s South Molton Street, without feeling the magnetic pull of their summer ice creams. Yummy flavours include: Triple Chocolate origin Ecuador / Scottish Caramel / Creme brûlée /

Stracciatella - a vanilla based ice cream with chocolate shavings / Banana Chocolate Twist / New York Cheese Cake / Coconut and Chocolate / Pistachio Pure Bronte Sicily / Coffee Meringue Chocolate / Strawberry Cream. Finallly, Speculoos and Chocolate - fantastically creamy ice cream with chocolate pieces and Speculoos (Belgian Cinnamon biscuit), which is owner Raks Shah’s personal favourite!

There’s also a dreamy selection of healthy Yoghurt Ice Creams and Sorbets with only free range eggs used in the ice creams and all are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. A loyalty card scheme exists for devotees.

Jeff de Bruges, 13 St Molton St., Mayfair London W1K 5QW 020 7409 0213 www.jbchocolates.co.uk www.internationallife.tv/london

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watches

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K9085 - 74cts D/E/F diamonds 6cts Natural Fancy, Intense & Deep Pink diamonds Moussaieff. Price on request

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Daisy Heritage Bracelet Daisy Heritage bracelet with marquis cut diamonds and pavé diamonds, set in 18ct white gold.

Asprey. Price £60,000

Tiffany Diamond Bangle Tiffany diamond bangle with pavé diamonds in platinum Tiffany & co. Price on request

e this

Photo: Carlton Davis

Lady Arpels motif Paon Case in white gold 38mm, set with diamonds.

Champlevé enamel, vallonné enamel, gold sculpting, hard stone marquetry, stone setting.

Mechanical 830 P Movement. Alligator strap, white gold and round diamonds pin buckle.

Limited edition to 22 pieces.

Van Cleef & Arpels. Price on request

Jean Schlumberger Bracelet Thistle bracelet of red enamel in 18 karat gold with diamonds set in platinum by Jean Shlumberger for Tiffany & co. Price on request Photo: Carlton Davis

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Female etiquette dictates that one shouldn’t be brash and snap ones fingers. This summer all one needs to do is gently rotate ones wrist wearing one of the above gems and the merest inflection will get all the attention one truly deserves. Gentleman, select a classic timepiece and do the same

jewellery Atlas® Collection Atlas® collection (from left): Atlas® cuff links in midnight titanium and sterling silver; Atlas® dome watch with silver dial in stainless steel; Atlas® dome watch with black dial in stainless steel; Atlas® cuff links in galaxy titanium and sterling silver Tiffany & co. Price on request © Tiffany & Co.

Feather Bracelet Feather diamond bracelet set in white gold.

Asprey. Price £26,000

Tiffany Montana Sapphire Bracelet Tiffany Montana sapphire and diamond bracelet in platinum Tiffany & co. Price on request Photo: Carlton Davis

Touche du Bois cuff, ebony and rhodium plated black gold set with diamonds.

Noor. £14,000

Van Cleef & Arpels, 9 New Bond Street, London W1 T +44 (0)20 7493 0400 www.vancleef-arpels.com Noor, 177a Old Brompton Road (By Appt.) or Harrods T +44 (0)20 7370 2527 www.noorfares.com Moussaieff Jewellers Ltd, 173 New Bond Street, London W1 T +44 (0)20 7290 1536 www.moussaieff.co.uk Tiffany & Co., 25 Old Bond Street, London W1 T +44 (0)20 7409 2790 www.tiffany.co.uk Asprey, 167 New Bond Street, London W1 T +44 (0)20 7493 6767 www.asprey.com

Victorian-style Bracelet of Diamonds and Black Enamel Victorian bangle in black enamel and diamonds set in platinum © Tiffany & Co.

www.internationallife.tv/jewellery

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“A TOP SPOT FOR LUNCH” - daILy teLeGraPh

“Best Breakfast In London” - the Good food GuIde and the tImes

“roast has a menu to make BrItIsh cookInG cooL and an envIronment to make It sexy” - London eatInG

% (E] MR XLI PMJI SJ 6SEWX 7am Breakfast, and the day Begins...

As the traders of Borough Market start to appear one by one, the first breakfast dishes start to roll out of the kitchen heading for the early birds eager to devour the best brekkie in town...

Aromas of smoky bacon, crusty toast and fresh teas fill the air, as the restaurant quickly begins to fill. A sense of excitement begins to grow - The ‘Full Borough’ has been served no doubt – a celebration of the Great British Breakfast, with all the usual components, with a couple of special treats – Ramsay of Carluke Black pudding and Roast’s very own special recipe sausages!

12pm the lunch rush...

One hundred and fifty diners are about to arrive, hungry and awaiting a feast of the most wholesome, fresh and seasonal produce our shores have to offer.

Canny concoctions such as hot scotch duck eggs with pea shoots and piccalilli fill the starter list. As cries of ‘pound a punnet’ echo from the market below, guests wash down a glass of the exclusive Roast Bacchus white wine, whilst enjoying flavours such as cold poached organic salmon or our house favourite – slow roast pork belly, crispy crackling and Bramley apple sauce.

6pm dinner overlooking st paul’s cathedral...

The restaurant is alive, atmosphere buzzing as dinner gets underway. Soft jazz piano can be heard from the bar, among the pouring of fancy drinks and ‘Bloody Tasty Mary’s’ for the after work sharpener.

Melt in the mouth ox tongue can be seen amongst the tables, a staple of British cuisine, while others take on the 14oz Shorthorn rib eye steak. The restaurant is in its prime, people eating, drinking, smiling whilst enjoying the special sense of occasion.

iPhone and iPad users: download the free Roast app!

ROAST: The Floral Hall, Borough Market, Stoney Street, London SE1 1TL T: 0845 034 7300 | info@roast-restaurant.com | www.roast-restaurant.com

11pm service ends...

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E Environment

U Ci Universal

City

B R Behavioural

Research

En L In P Bu S D Co Entrepreneur

Luxury

Innovation

Property

Business

Sales

Development

Consumer

Le W M I Br O Ps F Ma Ex Leader

World

Markets

Investment

Brands

Opportunity

Psychology

Fortune

Management

Exchange

Sp C G Di A Cu H Sk Specialist

Capital

Global

Digital

International Life’s Business section examines the emergence of the BRIC nations with an insightful analysis by Priyadarshini Kohli of the growing Indian middle class and their fledgling relationship with western luxury brands.

Arts

Currency

Handmade

Skills

T Transaction

Maisha Frost takes a trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil’s financial heartland and discovers a dynamic, thriving city with a keen entrepreneurial spirit. Strange that British business is so far down the trade pecking order with this emerging economy?

We look at two property investment opportunities at home and abroad. The stunning Nash style, Cornwall Terrace in London’s Regent’s Park - home to the global super wealthy and the spectacular thermal Spa residences in the fairytale snowscapes of the Swiss Alps.

Gabriella Somerville argues business jets are now perceived as a vital tool in a company’s operating efficiency and competitiveness, in a similar vein to hi-tech gadgets like the iphone, blackberry and ipad. With the emergence of iplane she may well have a point. www.internationallife.tv/business

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D Development

Rhythms of the

NEW BRAZIL

Amongst the exuberance and mesmeric samba beats Maisha Frost discovers a city that personifies the new Brazil. The work hard, play hard culture of the country’s financial heart; Sao Paulo or as 11 million Paulistanos affectionately call it ‘Sampa’

B

razil, for so long the next big thing, is now delivering on its promise.

The world champion of partying, football and taut bikini bums is on a roll as the money pours in from other rising stars such as China keen to get their hands on its natural assets to fuel their own booms.

Of course the sombre underbelly of life in Latin America’s biggest country - witnessed by its shanty towns, violent gangs and lawless logging - still exists. But the landscape is changing rapidly as Brazil forges a future of such economic power it’s sure to affect us all.

Brazil’s biggest city Sao Paulo.

Sampa, as the 11 million Paulistanos call it, is Brazil’s turbo-charged financial heart. Situated slightly inland south of Rio, it doesn’t have that poster girl’s exuberant beauty, but it’s more dynamic in a 21st century kind of way.

This is where the World Cup will kick off, where the Interlagos circuit hosts a Formula One Grand Prix every year and premier cru rock stars like Madonna gig.

It is the home of Latin America’s most fabulous art collections and Brazilian super model Gisele Bundchen also regularly strikes a pose during its fashion week, after being first discovered in one of its

opting for an upmarket casual chic style.

Sure they like to party late to samba beats, but only after a full day’s work.

And should you get to go drinking with Paulistanos - caipirinhas most probably, the national cocktail that’s a heady mix of a sugar-based spirit cachaca and lime juice - you can guarantee you’ll never hear talk of recession.

Love, however, might well crop up Brazilians are very open and disarmingly confessional - even so tread delicately.

Apparently (according to mischief makers from Rio anyway) Sao Paulo’s high fliers perform better in the boardroom than the bedroom.

More Brazilians are better off now than they have ever been. Stable government has curbed inflation and the nation’s stock is rocketing More Brazilians are better off now than they have ever been. Stable government has curbed inflation and the nation’s stock is rocketing internationally. Even the major cities are getting safer as they prepare to host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics two years later.

For travellers there’s a zeitgeist moment to be captured. One of the best ways of getting the measure of it is to skirt the traditional Rio de Janeiro-centred tourist track, as I did when I spent a few days in

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many shopping malls (tucking into a hamburger). Sampa, you soon realise, is very big on events.

The profits of coffee barons gave rise to this city and their decorative, but dilapidated mansions still stand among the 30-storey glass towers on Avenue Paulista, the three-kilometre commercial and cultural highway, that with some justification likens itself to New York.

In this metropolis however the movers and shakers are more casually dressed,

Plastic surgery is another subject the folk embrace with gusto and especially Paulistanos whose affluent leafy suburbs are rammed with shaded institutos and clinicas. Inside armies of surgical enhancers and reducers pump and chisel away, the bedrock of a highly profitable medical industry.

Breast enlargements consistently top the ops for women while, more intriguingly, bigger calves do it for the boys.

So wherever you turn size obviously

mentoring

matters in Sao Paulo, where by day a thick carpet of white skyscrapers stretches to the horizon, morphing into a boundless glittering grid after dark.

But whatever the hour, there are helicopters overhead, visible proof of the growing number of millionaires and traffic jams too.

In a place of this scale, staying central is a must for visitors who will find English is spoken fairly widely. It could also pay to get to grips with some Portuguese,

although the exaggerated Brazilian version, glorious-sounding though the nasal stresses are, does take some doing.

The five-star Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej hotel, full of sleek black marble, dazzling chandeliers and luxurious bathrooms after a £1.8 million (200 million Euros) refit, makes an ideal base whether you are in town for business or pleasure, given its location in the affluent Jardins neighbourhood.

The airy ground floor bar gives on to a

garden and spacious bathing pool.

At cocktail hour the spot becomes a magnet for the city’s networkers and celebrity-watching. Many world leaders stay here, probably because the hotel boasts Latin America’s biggest presidential suite.

Other good reasons are the massages offered by its pamper palace, the Banyan Tree spa and the inventive tapas created by double Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola in the master’s first restaurant outside of >> www.internationallife.tv/business

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Brazil fact file Doubles at Tivoli Sao Paulo Mofarrej start at £250, www.tivolihotels.com TAP Portgual flies to Sao Paulo 14 times a week from £660 return www.flytap.com

>> Spain, the Arola Vintetres. On the Tivoli’s 23rd floor the panorama from here runs the food a close second.

When you do have the will to step outside you will find plenty to spend your reals (the Brazilian currency) or dollars on in the designer boutiques and shopping centres nearby.

The elegant ruas Augusta and Oscar Freire (equivalent to London’s New Bond street) feature Chanel and Givenchy, but also have the Ouro Fino gallery, famous for its alternative brands and vintage couture shops. For brash extravagance, where some shoppers fly in by helicopter, there’s Daslu with 20,000 square metres of labels like Prada and Valentino.

The jet set’s latest new favourite however is the exclusive Clube Chocolate whose wooden front door and lack of windows give little clue to what’s inside.

There, once you have got your head round the palms and the fake beach, are three floors of swish, uber trendy styles.

Among all that global brand gazing it is easy to forget Sao Paulo’s long history of immigration that stretches from Italy to Japan. At Kinoshita, lunch is an event with singing Japanese chef Tsuyoshi Murakame who serves up creations like mini-stuffed Nameko mushrooms in a lime cup and mango ravioli.

A short walk from Jardins will bring you to the ex-rain forest Parque Ibirapuera, where locals work out (and

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show off their newly boosted calves) and stroll past sculptures by modern Brazilian artists or drop in on the Museu de Arte Moderna, a minimalist temple to contemporary design.

There’s two fitting ways to round off any trip to Sao Paulo. First visit the recently opened Museu do Futebol which charts the history of Brazilian soccer. Using interactive displays every skillful move is carefully documented along with past commentaries, fans’ reactions and a touching tribute to the

street children whose skills have formed the talent pool that has thrilled the world.

Then persuade an obliging Paulistano (there are legions of them) to find you a typical Samba club and dance the night away. I was taken to Grazie a Dio! Where a mixed crowd of professionals and students get to hear the latest Latin live music in a simple, whitewashed hall with great acoustics, friendly vibes, superb cocktails and no queues. Totally Brazilian and pretty much perfect.

Cracking

Br Brands

NDIA

Priyadarshini Kohli highlights the cultural nuances and economic challenges facing western luxury brands trying to tap into India’s burgeoning ‘new wealth’

W

hile some parts of the world are still grappling with the after effects of the economic meltdown, India seems to be on an upswing, going by the number of BMW’s, Birkins and Jimmy Choos being snapped up. Not surprising that the luxury sector is growing at an impressive 30% upward rate. So has the Indian luxury market really evolved or is it just a superficial bubble waiting to burst?

A recent CII (Confederation of Indian

are willing to risk investing in a market as nascent as India.

Indians are not alien to the concept of luxury. Whether it’s jewellery (the most expensive Cartier necklace was commissioned by the Maharaja of Patiala in the 1900’s and is now proudly displayed at the Cartier museum), apparels (fine silks from Southern India and soft “pashmina” and the now prohibited “shahtoosh” from the North), automobiles (Cadillacs and Rolls Royces were a common sight in the driveways of the Maharajas) or

For “new money”, their first time luxury buy would be a bag versus a shoe OR products with conspicuously flashy monograms. They’re more in demand than subtle branding Industry) A.T Kearney report states that the Indian luxury market is set to touch USD 14.27 billion by 2015. A powerful fact supported by brands like Hermes, Jimmy Choo and Ermenegildo Zegna who have finally got a piece of the great Indian curry and whose presence is being felt in the mini metros with their stand alone flagship stores and multiple stores within the larger cities. It remains to be seen whether these brands are actually profitable or just have deep pockets and

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architecture (Indian palaces and temples attract tourists from across the world).

“Luxury retail” however, is a different concept altogether.

The Emporio Mall in New Delhi, the first and only one of its kind in India, spells grandeur with an array of the top luxury brands from across the world. For an Indian making his “first foray” as a luxury shopper, it can appear intimidating and at the same time arouse feelings similar to those of a “child in a candy shop.”

behavioural below: Emporio Mall, New Delhi. Contemporary luxury brand environments abound from shops to bars

Is the new Indian, middle class consumer really the next ‘luxury connoisseur’ after the Maharajas or are they still just ‘aspirational?’

Outsourcing to India by European and American companies has lead to the younger generation earning higher salaries. With higher disposable incomes, where parents would have invested in fixed deposits, land and jewellery and consciously avoided indebting themselves, this generation seems to have no such qualms and is investing in ‘aspirational products.’ However, the ‘Indian middle class mentality,’ developed by witnessing generations of poverty and oppression, remains a constant along with the mantra of ‘maximum value for the buck spent.’

For ‘new money,’ their first time luxury buy would be a bag versus a shoe and products with conspicuously flashy monograms. They’re more in demand than subtle branding. The ‘show off mentality’ which is typical of the north Indian feeds this aspiration as opposed to the south. Luxury brands across genres do far better in the north. Northerners are more flamboyant with a love for the finer

materialistic items, whereas southerners are more conservative, inclined towards art and culture.

While the new generation has started spending, traditional families with old money from areas like Uttar Pradhesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat have also started loosening their purse strings and even if they do call Dior “Dyer” and Louis Vuitton “Louvitten,” luxury brands aren’t complaining.

The very affluent too have a ‘middle class mentality.’ They prefer to shop overseas as the products are cheaper and the VAT refund is an added bonus. This brings to mind the challenges faced by luxury brands in India. Tarun Sharma, Country Head, Jaeger-LeCoultre, comments “Today the main challenges for luxury brands in India are maintaining quality, finding affordable commercial real estate, attracting customers and managing costs. The high cost is mainly a result of import duties that luxury brands have to bear, which are prohibitively high as compared to other countries.”

Another challenge that most brands have ignored is that the Indian shopper

is still not as experimental as his western counterpart. Though some brands have employed stylists to educate their consumers, the Indian consumer would still prefer to play it safe. “By and large the purchases have been statement pieces.

Most Indian luxury buyers have stuck to the classic Burberry shirt or an LV Speedy rather than an ‘out of the box’ Alexander McQueen or Galliano dress,” says designer Gayatri Khanna, who epitomises 21st century young India. She is creating waves overseas for her superbly crafted, intricate designs, under her own label and for global fashion houses like Lanvin, Givenchy, Pucci and Balmain. Echoing these thoughts, Sanjay Kapoor, M.D. Genesis Luxury, who parted ways with Kenzo says, “The reason Kenzo did not do as well as some of the other brands we have brought in for the menswear category such as Canali, Paul Smith and Etro is purely because it was a bit premature to launch this label, which is high on its eclectic sensibilities, while the consumer here is still traditional preferring classic looks.”

The other question is whether luxury >> www.internationallife.tv/business

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Br below: Emporio Mall, New Delhi, home to an assortment of western luxury marques

Brands

>> brands are best managed by themselves, or through an Indian retail partner. Whilst purists believe that it’s best for the luxury experts (from the brand’s home countries) to control operations to maintain ‘luxury heritage’ and ‘brand genetics’ as is the case with Tom Ford, Chanel and Dior (they have silent Indian partners).

Sanjay Kapoor, whose Genesis Luxury is the franchise partner for a plethora of brands (Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Just Cavali) feels “It is always an advantage to come in with an experienced local partner as they have a better understanding of the Indian market and its sensibilities, better access to retail environments and reach to consumers.”

Partnerships are enforced by Indian law, making it mandatory for foreign brands to have an Indian retail partner.

Whilst the likes of Audi, Cartier and Gucci have made their presence felt in India, the Indian luxury consumer is eagerly awaiting Manolo Blahnik,

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Prada, Bally, Tiffany, Coach, Kate Spade and Chloe (the latter two are personal favourites)… not to forget Michelin Star restaurants… Gordon Ramsay should be ready for his next stint with India after his gourmet travel show.

With some aggressive marketing and investment by parent brands, there is no reason to doubt that consumers of luxury goods in India will be a match for their Japanese and Chinese counterparts.

This in part can be achieved by educating retail staff to fully understand the mechanics of luxury and how it should be articulated in order to communicate the principles of ‘brand genetics and heritage,’ and the ‘how’ and ‘why’ to consumers.

This would, in the long run, build customer loyalty and harness the prevalent ‘word of mouth’ culture in India to gain trusted referrals. Conversely, if brands get it wrong and lose this trust, it will not take long for the bad word to spread.

Brands negotiating this cultural high

wire act still need to be brave and self assured and override certain customs like ‘discounting’ in order to retain brand integrity and value.

The fact that the Indian consumer is price sensitive and finicky on quality and finish should play into the hands of luxury brands. After all, their forte is delivering premium products and services using the finest materials, craftsmanship and presentation with the added reassurance of expert after-sales care. This is something that is delivered successfully in the west everyday and in India, will get there very soon. They’re quick learners.

Beyond the BRIC nations where do the luxury brands go next? The possibilities are endless and could even include the new African middle class in the next decade, but until then, the Indian and Chinese consumer, through sheer size and growth potential will rule the luxury roost, catapulting it to unimaginable heights.

In Asia the sky is certainly not the limit.

B Behavioural

H

ow can I make a decision and stay committed to taking action?

There is always a lot of discussion around decision making and being decisive at the right time and also conversely not being too impulsive.

Everyone of us is faced with varying levels of daily decision making; some simple to make and others require deep involvement.

Could it be decisions that are non financial are easier than money based ones?

Is this statement true or just an illusive phenomenon?

Well, I am usually one to say solution based decisions come easier to me than

Taking action Business Mentor Sukhi Wahiwala explains why we avoid taking action and making decisions and how best to combat this dilemma or emotional pain that is understood to be more acute than the possible outcome at that time.

In the 1930’s an American Polish Psychologist called Alfred Korzipski, wrote a genius book called ‘Science and Sanity’ in which he explained that humans are ‘Meaning Making Machines.’ He goes on to explain that we make meaning of everything that we do and understand in our lives. Could this mean that we take action if we have the right meaning attached to the outcome? This is definitely a possibility; when I look back at my own subjectively progressive life, I can clearly recall accomplished decisions that were

system, whether it is auditory, visual, kinesthetic or gustatory, we can start to understand what thoughts influence our mindsets. As every decision taken is ultimately subject to our mindset at that particular moment.

If this is a mindset thing, then how does one break the cycle? There are a number of practical solutions and strategies to taking decisions. One of which is my favourite for its SIMPLE logical step by step approach.

It’s called ‘The Rubber Band Model.’ This is advised regularly by me to family and friends when they have decisions at hand that could irrevocably alter their future: like changing job roles, moving to another

Is there a connection BETWEEN the speed of a decision AND the financial gravity of the outcome? those which seem to be emotionally linked to non tangibles. Like, driving or walking to the shops for a pint of milk, as opposed to which house to buy and be happy in.

Is there a connection between the speed of a decision and the financial gravity of the outcome? Financial questions, that have clear connections to wealth and quantifiable gain, can get deferred to a later time, as though they are going to magically disappear or get resolved themselves! Hmmm...

In the world of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) this is known as a ‘nonconfrontal’, when a person starts creating reasons to warrant not taking any kind of action to resolve challenges at hand. In these cases it is consciously easier to ‘face the consequences’ than to resolve the issue or problem. For example, when we find ourselves not paying that overdue ‘red bill’ or just calling to face the creditor to discuss a SIMPLE solution, thus resulting in us losing, doing without or possibly being disconnected from a service; and dealing with hardships after not taking action. This feeling of non-confrontal is usually attached to some kind of physical

attached to an emotional meaning. Such as the first time I drove into the grounds of my current home whilst attending an appointment. As soon as I saw the jaw dropping estate, I started to imagine my hard working parents, wife and kids living there. This meaning was the driver that kept me focused during the seven long years before the vendor was ready to sell.

What about those that do take action, but drift off to another project avoiding completion (possible failure)? Is this due to fear of failure? Or have they just made the wrong meaning? This is more than likely a mixture of both ascribed meaning and fear. Only the fear or pain of not taking a decision is enough motivation to create movement ‘away’ from the issue and action; but the meaning that was attached to the decision was not valid enough so their volition was poor leaving them with a lack of ‘toward motivation’ to keep them interested long enough.

There are more psychometric realisations to be made in these kinds of cases, in order to identify natural tendencies of each of our learning patterns.

By identifying our preferred learning

city or taking early retirement. You can usually find that the decision is ‘harder’ than normal because the arguments for and against are equally balanced.

Step 1: Draw out two vertical columns on a sheet of paper, and head one of the columns with ‘what is holding me?’ and the other with ‘what is pulling me?’

Step 2: Now ask yourself these questions and start to list reasons in each column.

Step 3: Assess the results and take action.

At first glance this method seems too SIMPLE and a variation of the conventional question ‘what are the pros and cons?’ But don’t be fooled, the difference is that ‘what is holding me?’ and ‘what is pulling me?’ are both positive questions, thus reflecting the situation with only two attractive alternatives!

There is a certain level of satisfaction that is achieved by reaching a decision to a challenge. A lovely quote comes to mind “A peacefulness follows any decision, even the wrong one” by Rita Mae Brown.

Sukhi Wahiwala Business Mentor & Coach www.internationallife.tv/business

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Business

1 Life beyond

Bu

P

st Class Gabriella Somerville believes that now business travellers have fully embraced private aviation, there’s also a dawning realisation that its time saving efficiency and competitiveness has made it an indispensible business tool in the modern world

rivate jets have long been associated with A list celebrities, sport superstars, government dignitaries and the super-rich.

The post millennium arrival of business aviation into Europe brought an almost overnight success story: our American neighbours to the west had migrated into Europe and their timing could not have been more perfect for the industry. Europe was ripe for an alternative to the lengthy queues, flight cancellations, baggage restrictions and heightened security measures inherent with commercial air travel. World-weary business travellers, seeking ways to bypass the increasingly inconvenient and restrictive commercial travel system, realised that business jets were a highly efficient business tool and a vital asset for increasing a company’s operating efficiency and competitiveness - as much a productivity tool as an iPhone, Blackberry and iPad. There are numerous benefits to flying privately - a streamlined door to door service, direct flights into small regional airfields away from the frenzy of major hubs. With more than 2000 airports across Europe, you get closer to your door than the most convenient airline route.

Additionally, you can arrive at the airport just 20 minutes prior to departure time,

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pre-cleared by customs and no longer be subject to the restrictive security rituals of commercial clearance.

Most private jets fly above 40,000 feet, well above busy commercial corridors and inclement weather. Whilst your colleagues and friends are still engaged in the gruelling check-in process at Terminal 5, you are well on your way, sipping Champagne or hosting your own board meeting at altitude. It is no wonder that executives and individuals from all sectors see private aviation as an integral tool to their travel schedule, the sheer economics of time are proof enough that it pays to travel privately.

Business aviation has earned its right to be a serious contender in the aviation arena, but we still have work to do perception is everything.

As an industry we still need to establish our position in the European market-place, the press has not always been supportivebut as we move forward the tide is turning and we are seen as a worthy alternative to commercial aviation.

With the new world economy - based on productivity, transparency and efficiency, business aviation is no longer just for the jet aficionado. Clients now exist with iPhones, iPads and Blackberries and now we have the iPlane - the entry

business

pe Jet ex Private

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a

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B

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Commercial Airline experience

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Whilst your colleagues and friends are still engaged in the gruelling check-in process at Terminal 5, you are well on your way, sipping Champagne or hosting your own board meeting at altitude

a

level jet providing private jet travel at affordable pricing.

There is certainly life beyond First Class ....and it is certainly worth consideration.

ConnectJets prides itself on presenting business aviation to a wider audience, engaging all sectors of the business and leisure markets - highlighting the many benefits that business aviation can provide to corporations or the individual. www.connectjets.com www.internationallife.tv/business

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En Entrepreneur

one

minute entrepreneur Quentin Mackay, owner of self titled luxury goods brand About Quentin Mackay: Quentin’s impressive cv, includes stints at LVMH, Tanner Krolle and Samsonite (as Creative Director) and has helped establish his self titled brand. But it’s his devotion to what he calls ‘the true values of luxury’ that has really caught the eye

When did you start Quentin Mackay?

Quentin Mackay was started in August 2008 but the brands first live season was Autumn/Winter 2009.

Where did you work before? I have worked on 3 heritage brands that are specialists in their own categories. Loewe (LVMH), Madrid - founded 1846, Tanner Krolle, London - founded 1856 and Samsonite, London - founded (Denver, Colorado) 1910. All three brands competently compete in their respective categories and encompass my two main passions, the masterful use of leather in fashion and accessories and the often scientific approach to innovation through improved user benefit, material development and function progression.

From where do you get your love of luxury and passion for creating? My love for creating comes from my maternal grandmother. Alice Verrall was a very industrious individual who hand created items throughout her life and put these passions to good use during the frugal war years, making clothing and accessories for her friends and family. Alice’s succinct sentiments to her family were ‘to always be a thinker’ and ‘never accept second best.’

These principles I have carried through into the Quentin Mackay brand in every aspect.

How is the business structured?

QM is like any other company that is started by an individual through passion, very small. Coming into its 3rd season the product level, detail, philosophy and clear personal passion has been very well received by the public and press and I am now at the stage of investment to take it to the next level - an international luxury brand.

QM currently wholesales in the UK and I have just launched a new simple to use e-commerce site from which we can sell directly to customers internationally.

A store is in planning for late 2012.

What has been your best move at the company? My first move regarding product level. In recent fragile times I was called all manner of names for aiming high but it was very important for me to represent myself and my aspirations honestly and I felt that the higher the altitude the fewer clouds - aka the less competition. I stuck resolutely to my principles and belief that ‘the strongest takes the longest’ and this is now paying off. I did not foresee or want Quentin Mackay to be an overnight thrill for the fashionista, the brand is like its product and the true values of luxury, it is long term and will last.

And your worst mistake? I did try to do too much too soon early on, but fortunately I realised before getting in too My passion was further nurtured when I deep and pulled back - haste makes waste! was employed by Tanner Krolle from 1994- There has been some bad advice on the 1997 as a leather craftsman apprentice and journey but fortunately much more good was trained under a master craftsman in advice and I have some highly skilled leather hand working techniques that have people around me that I respect immensely remained unchanged for centuries. This for their input, guidance and support. provided a solid basis for not only being able to create luxurious items but knowing How is working in the luxury sector exactly how things are made, knowledge different to working at a mainstream appreciated and respected by the ateliers company? There are many differences in Italy. working in the luxury sector. Firstly if you

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read my article: www.internationallife. tv/how-to-buy-luxury-handbag-10-luxuryhandbag-commandments, this will give you a clear difference on the product values.

Personally at the higher level I enjoy the touch and sensuality of the high quality leathers, detailed hardware and the (more) intelligent approach to the product and its target customer.

I like to think that the stealth consumer is far more calculated and will combine their items more individually - style not fashion.

The mainstream market does not allow a brand ‘time to think’ with 6-8 collections per year and this zeal trickled into the luxury market before the global crisis.

Luckily sensible brands have re-evaluated and realised that this was brand dissolution and have readjusted their approach.

The ultimate accolade is to see one of my styles being used by a happy customer, with a positive press review. However, before this ever happens it really is amazing to see your ideas and drawing become a 3d object in the hands of a craftsman.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Until now because of the restrictions on manpower (myself, an incredibly patient wife and a wonderful product manager) and time I have only been able to focus on the UK market. I recently became acquainted with what can only be described as QM’s fairy god mother and with her passion have created a business plan to inject capital into the brand.

This will provide much needed skills and manpower to achieve growth, to become an international luxury brand.

If you weren’t doing this what would you be doing? Crying. quentinmackay.com

I Investment

51 THIS IS A WORLD where luxury is quite literally on tap. with a personAl thermal spring in the master suite of each residence Nicolas Garnier CEo SDG

of luxury At some time in our lives we’ll encounter a special place we’re loath to share with anyone. Why? Because it’s ‘our place,’ ‘our find.’ Guy de Maupassant, James Baldwin and the gregarious and irrepressible Mark Twain felt just the same when they experienced the heavenly thermal waters of Leukerbad. Now with the arrival of the sumptious 51˚ Spa Residences, there’s a chance for the few to purchase their own bit of sanctuary in this little known alpine gem.

International Life’s Peter Doherty paid a visit to test the waters

W

hen one thinks of the Swiss luxury lifestyle, the usual suspects spring to mind; Gstaad, Verbier and St. Moritz. Why so? The jet set’s fixation with ski seems omnipresent to the exclusion of one or two hidden national treasures.

The village of Leukerbad is one such example and talking to the locals I get the feeling they’ve enjoyed this oversight far too long. They live in the heart of the stunning Valais mountain range which stretches 150 km across the narrow Rhone Valley between Lake Geneva and the Rhone Glacier. The village itself sits at an altitude of 1,400 metres and remains the largest spa resort in the Alps.

The population of Leukerbad is 1,500 - astonishing really when you consider the enviable, relaxed lifestyle.

Inhabitants have been enjoying the thermal spring in Leukerbad since the Roman-Helvetian era. Many outsiders would undertake the challenging climb to Leukerbad to recuperate in the waters, all 3.9 million litres of it, feeding 30 thermal pools. Guy de Maupassant, Mark Twain and James Baldwin made the trip and all seem to have done a pretty good job of keeping the secret.

It’s fair to say the population is mature.

There is obviously a higher than average life expectancy and a distinctly secure and family oriented feel to Leukerbad. Locals boast of never having to lock their cars or in fact their front doors. Despite the mix of French and German languages people communicate and visitors are made to feel welcome - a far cry from the rather impersonal culture and brashness of the premier ski resorts.

How does one develop an idyll like this without spoiling the attraction? The Swiss Development Group (SDG), believe they have the answer and have set out their stall in a compelling and imaginative way.

The locals seem to have embraced this new vision to create a world class thermal spa hotel and residences. Many believe it to be the necessary leap forward the village requires and the blueprint suggests a collaborative, organic plan that is empathetic and culturally sensitive both in architecture and social integration.

So what’s on offer for potential buyers?

SDG have just released Building A for sale (June 2011) from their aptly named 51˚ Spa Residences*. It includes 9 residential apartments at an average size of 230msq.

Freehold ownership is available to all nonSwiss nationals. 51˚ represents the luxury core of Leukerbad as an all year round 5 star destination and prices reflect this, >> www.internationallife.tv/property

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investment

A second home perspective Property investors David and Alison Nicholson own a stunning holiday home in the town of Leukerbad and offer their thoughts on the area and the addition of 51ËšSpa Residences...

Leukerbad is a very different option for a second home. For us as a family it ticks all the boxes. It really still holds on to its historical identity as a Swiss community town. It is a small ski resort, it has its own infrastructure and is not a ghost town in the summer. The local people have a voice and maintain their historic values. It has a large indigenous population for its size.

It goes with out saying the area is of outstanding natural beauty, offering idyllic walks through all seasons. The thermal waters are a rare treat and something to embrace.

The surrounding vineyards lower down the valley offer a different slant on the area and are evidence of the amazing amount of sunshine and heat this region gets both in the summer and winter.

We are a family with two late teenage children who have embraced the area. After a days skiing they head to the local ice rink and play ice hockey with the locals. The night life I have to say is limited for youngsters, but this is an added attraction, offering safety and integration for our children with those in the town. It brings back family values, playing cards or taking advantage of the great local.

There are plans at Canton government level to extend the ski area into the adjacent resort in Liechtenstein via a long cable car - the ‘skiwell project’. This valley is of outstanding beauty and would add massive value throughout the seasons for skiers and walkers alike.

Leukerbad will appeal to people who want more than just a ski town, it is however accessible to places like Zermatt, Crans Montana, Nandes all of which are under 1hr by car. Crans is only 40mins away.

51 degrees is an exciting new development and I think it can only be positive for the area and will serve to highlight the quality of this location.

It is an expensive development and will appeal to people who eschew the glitz and bling of Verbier, Gstaad etc, in order to seek authenticity.

Leukerbad is just that. It cannot be manufactured or copied. It will appeal to the super-rich who want to come away and not be disturbed. People who buy here will understand that less is actually more. It will invoke a new kind of snobbery to that of the premier ski resorts and offer as much in the winter as it does in the summer.

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** Swiss Property Law. If you are purchasing as a holiday home, under ‘Lex Koller’ regulation you must live in the property for 3 months a year.

The normal procedure for foreign buyers is to apply for a Permit (B). This is an annual residency permit usually valid for 5 years and covers spouse and family. There is also regulations on foreign ownership and resales cannot be done until 5 years after purchase date. There is no VAT on the purchase of property.

Key facts 51˚ Spa Residences

Note: All images featured are projected computer generated visualisations of the interior and exterior of 51˚ Spa Residences

>> one beds start from CHF 2,080,000.

Each residence will enjoy in-room thermal spas with Sun Showers, generous wrap-around terraces, grand stone fireplaces and sumptious Moon Bath pools on balconies, attractively realised by interior specialists Marc Michaels. The approach is uncomplicated but exudes a calm sophistication with polished metals and leathers in evidence alongside the natural alpine resources of wood and stone.

SDG have left nothing to chance and have commissioned a prestigious team to realise this vision with architects Michael Grave Associates creating a modern, home spun Swiss framework that blends seamlessly into the alpine environment.

Los Angeles based WET, creators of spectacular water sculptures and symphonies are another wise addition with a fire and ice sculpture planned as a village centre piece.

Employing the expertise of Amy McDonald’s ‘Under a Tree’ consultancy, should ensure the attributes of health and wellness remain at the core of this spa development. One of the unique onsite features is the (Russian style) Banya Experience Spa, where people socialise and spa together. At an extravagant 900msq it boasts numerous thermal water pools, a crystal steam bath, an ice fountain and outdoor pool.

Apart from the children’s ski club, ski valet, private wine cave and high end restaurants and retail brands, owners have the luxury lifestyle services of the Rockerfeller Living Club at their disposal, which extends off-site to other properties in the Rockerfeller portfolio.

So who is this going to attract? Well already Switzerland pulls in a wealthy international audience due its financial

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discretion, impeccable standards and fantastic ski resorts. One could say there’s a captive audience on their doorstep.

That said, Leukerbad scores not in ski or international banking but in its fantastic natural thermal spa waters. Added to that its old world charm and core values of health and wellness, security, friendliness, a great outdoor lifestyle and the focus on family make it an attractive proposition.

51˚ adds another dimension. It brings modernity and luxury. I see these apartments as second homes, second (family) holiday homes or retirement homes for empty nesters.

Families and retirees will certainly buy in to the welcoming community, lifestyle and security and would embrace the luxury add-ons and the central location as the focal point for the village. However, I also believe wealthy singletons, entrepreneurs and global trend setters who are looking to add to their property portfolios with something unique, state-ofthe-art and cutting edge will be attracted by the design, vision and build at 51˚, as well as the authenticity of Leukerbad itself.

51˚ is always going to attract a more diverse pool of buyers, because quite simply, it has so many unique selling points. The buy-to-let option is also considered a strong card, gauging by the sort of questions I heard in the show suite and is clearly on the agenda. The only issue foreign buyers may have is stringency of Swiss property law**.

As those in real estate know so well, fortune tends to favour those who seize the opportunity ‘off plan’ before the ‘Men at Work’ sign has seen the light of day.

So here’s the chance to stake your claim... * The max. natural thermal water temperature is 51˚

51˚ Spa Residences. Price guide: Building A. June 2011 release.

9 residential apartments. Average size: 230msq.

Freehold ownership open to non-Swiss nationals 1, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments.

Completion expected late 2013.

Prices start from CHF 2,080,000 Note: Second phase. Building B 21 residential apts. Average size 125sqm.

Release early 2012.

Hotel completion 2015.

The village of Leukerbad 50 mins from Sion Int. in Valais 2.5 hrs from Geneva 3.5 hrs from Zurich 1,500 inhabitants Quiet, secure, family orientated environment Largest spa resort in the alps 365 days of thermal of indoor and outdoor pools 300 days of sunshine a year 50km of ski slope peaking at 2,900m Skiiing, snowboarding, toboggan, mountain biking, scooter biking, paragliding, cross-country ski, climbing, golf and hiking are just some of the activities in the Valais Alps The indoor sports arena is also the Swiss Olympic training base Children’s slalom, funparks and family activities The Gemmi Pass allows views of exceptional natural beauty from lakes, to glaciers to mtns Wellness treatments in the spas embrace Ayurvedic and Far Eastern methods A full annual programme of cultural events 4 public thermal baths Languages Predominantly German or French although basic English is understood Tourism 28 hotels 1700 holiday flats 50 restaurants and inns 1 rehabilitation clinic (90 beds) 1 seasonal camp site Contact: Lois Vitry-Trapman T +41 22 799 44 15 www.51degrees.ch email: LVitry@sdg.ch

A midnight sapphire and jubilee silver upper twotone Rolls-Royce Phantom and the perfect summer wardrobe. Could one ask for more?

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Photographer: Yves de Contades Fashion: Sara Darling Models: Vince Dickson & Lucy Edwards @ M and P Hair & Make Up: Vaida Mugentyte using Becca make up and Bumble for hair.

Photographers Assistant: James Nixon Fashion Assistants: Chad Burton & David Daley Car: Midnight Sapphire and Jubilee Silver Upper Two-Tone Rolls-Royce Phantom. On the road prices for Phantom family models start at £285,000.

Further details: www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Shot 1.Vince: Jacket - James Small.

Orange knitted top - Zegna. Sunglasses- Rayban.

Orange bag - Zegna

Special thanks: Graham Dick & Nicola King from the Parks & Countryside Ranger Service, Guildford Borough Council, for all their help

Shot 3.Vince: Grey suit from Kenneth Cole.

White shirt from Brian Clarke.

Leather gloves from Calvin Klein

Shot 2. Lucy: Lavender dress - Nicole Murray.

Leopard jacket - Basler. Leather gloves w/tasslesCorlette. Black crystal encrusted shoes - Gianmarco Lorenzi. Persia ‘Superpard’ bag - Quentin Mackay, Price: £1,795. Chopard High Jewellery earrings with two big rubellites and white diamonds, Price: £73,150

Shot 4. Lucy: Chopard High Jewellery earrings in white gold, set with diamonds and aquamarines, Price: £36,850. Green dress - Bora Aksu. ‘Delphine’ gold bamboo mirror calf - Quentin Mackay, Price: £950. Green velvet shoes - Ursula Mascaro Shot 5. Vince: Stripey jacket- Brian Clarke.

Orange trousers - James Small. Pale blue polo shirt - Original Penguin. White shoes - Zegna Sport.

Watch - D&G. Glasses - Just Cavalli Lucy: Green silk maxi dress - Ashley Isham Nude heels - Julien Macdonald. Square silver bangle - Jamie Jewellery. Silver bangle - Pyrrha Picnic basket - Stylist’s own

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property

A walk in Regent’s Park Rosy Khalastchy of Beauchamp Estates recounts the intriguing history of the iconic Nash mansions in London’s Regent’s Park and tells us why she believes the residences now available at Cornwall Terrace are the perfect choice for the global super wealthy

R

egent’s Park, renowned in the 1500’s as Henry VIII’s hunting ground, would be unrecognisable today with its stylish gardens and many local amenities. The park, surrounded by magnificent stucco terraces designed by John Nash, offers some of the most varied and architecturally stunning residential property in the capital. Amongst the terraces are Hanover Terrace that comprises some 20 houses with gardens and mews, and Chester Terrace, Kent Terrace, Cumberland Terrace, Clarence Terrace, York Terrace East and West, and Ulster Terrace which provide both houses and a wide range of flats.

Beauchamp Estates has been active in Regent’s Park for 30 years and was responsible for the two record sales, the highest being just short of £40,000,000.

The area has seen some new development including several new villas built in 2006, with the splendid names Ionic, Gothic and

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Tuscan Villas, as well as the refurbishment and upgrading of the most beautiful double fronted villa adjacent to the Mosque which was once was the French Embassy residence. Constructed in the Nash style as detached villas with driveways and small gardens, the lateral space proved a strong draw. Within the park itself there are 3 of London’s greatest homes. The first, which sits in several acres of grounds is the only non-Nash mansion in the Park known as Winfield House and was gifted to the United States of America by Woolworth Heiress Barbara Hutton. The house stands behind fifteen-foot high iron gates on land that was once part of a “great forest, with wooded glades and lairs of wild beasts, deer both red and fallow, wild bulls and boars”.

Half a century before the Norman Conquest the land belonged to the Abbey of Barking. Over the years, King Henry Vlll hunted there, Queen Elizabeth I used it for

property

These Grade I Listed Regency mansions, (WERE) once occupied by members of the nobility, admirals, generals and adventurers... entertaining dignitaries and King James I offered it as collateral to raise money to go to war. King Charles II had the whole area “disparked” and toward the end of the 17th century Lord Arlington was given one of the first private leases. Within the inner circle of the park are the remaining two great Nash mansions - these are probably the most important private residences in the Capital.

The first, The Holme, is an enormous and spectacularly beautiful villa and sits on the edge of the Regent’s Park lake and is surrounded by gardens on three sides.

This is the Home of Prince Khaled alWaleed, the son HRH Prince Sultan, the Crown prince of Saudi Arabia. The other great villa within the inner circle of the Park, is also a splendid Nash house known as St Johns Lodge. It is within the bounds of the park as is one of the many properties used to belong to Prince Jafrai, the Sultan of Brunei’s brother and belongs to the Sultan himself. These are the only two villas remaining from John Nash’s original

conception of Regents Park.

Currently available for sale and the most impressive redevelopment within this Royal Park is Cornwall Terrace, which was the refurbishment of a stretch of offices within the terrace into eight individual houses.

Situated in the southwest corner of Regent’s Park these magnificent residences have the most stunning views across the park. All the houses retain classical features and, blended with the contemporary finishes, stylish interiors and latest technology, create a unique choice for the discerning purchaser. Unusually the Crown Estate has permitted the creation of lateral space within this terrace. Each house has its own passenger lift, garaging, a separate mews flat with additional garaging and is individually interior designed and indeed several are fully furnished.

These Grade I Listed Regency mansions, once occupied by members of the nobility, admirals, generals and adventurers, bear historical names - Blackwood House, Siddons House, Paget House, Silk House,

left hand page: Iconic Nash Terraces, Regent’s Park bottom left: Cornwall Terrace. Reception room above: Cornwall Terrace. Entrance reception top: Cornwall Terrace. Master bedroom

Stanley House, Carruthers House, Boswall House and Lethbridge House. Of the eight houses originally offered for sale, five await their modern day equivalent occupiers, who we believe could come from any part of the globe, but with prices up to £50,000,000, will need to be in the elite group of the super wealthy. With a cumulative value in the order of £400 million, interest has come from Russians and Ukrainians alike as well as from Royal Sheikhs and Potentates and powerful international businessmen, each and everyone considering Cornwall Terrace residences as homes worthy of being added to their worldwide portfolios. www.beauchamp.com 020 7499 7722 www.internationallife.tv/property

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luxury

Shane McCoubrey believes William and Kate’s dazzling wedding has put British fashion talent firmly back in the global shop window. He also discusses the impact of Kate’s ‘Hi Low dressing’ style and how international brands have embraced the ‘new simplicity’

above: Royal Wedding 29th April 2011 bottom: Chantilly lace next page: Sarah Burton’s iconic creation for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge

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Luxury trends W

ithout a doubt one of the biggest moments in British luxury fashion in recent decades was the marriage of Kate Middleton to HRH Prince William of Wales on the 29th April 2011.

Watched by 2 billion people worldwide the message is clear about the state of British luxury brands. Our luxury houses; big and small are back on the forefront of the world fashion stage with a vengeance.

Indeed the future of luxury can be no more better demonstrated by our Royal Bride, the dress she wore; the materials used in its making and the designer behind it.

Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen is the undisputed Queen of Fashion at the moment and was applauded at the recent Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York just 2 days after the Royal Wedding where the equivalent of fashion Oscars was held.

She was awarded with the Designer Of The Year Award for not only her sterling work in keeping the McQueen brand alive but her general fresh attitude to life and the fashion world. Not a hard edge fashion harridan like the majority of the international clique, she remains calm, fresh and totally professional - rather like our Royal Bride.

In terms of trends, the Royal Wedding has had so many knock on effects for luxury fashion and the people who wear it.

The realisation that you cannot buy class and sophistication is paramount in the message of the wedding. The fresh faced beauty and happiness in Kate’s smile is worth more than a million Kelly bags and

Louboutin shoes. Simplicity is the key to beauty and the perception of luxury in our world seems to be too many logos, a full body fake tan, inappropriate cleavage and too many holidays in Marbella.

The lesson is ‘if you are truly happy do you really need so much stuff’. The new trend to come from this wedding is that SIMPLICITY is key from the womenswear to menswear and accessory collections of international brands. It is best to invest in the best key pieces and combine them with lower priced items. As the new Duchess of Cambridge shows us you can spend on luxury items but never buy the whole look out of the store. This new trend is termed ‘Hi Low dressing.’ She is as happy on the High Street as in Harrods. It’s just how you wear it.

In the last few years we have witnessed a resurgence of cottage industries. This is a reaction to the huge multi-brand conglomerates. Indeed the lace used for the royal wedding dress will help elevate the wedding industry to unseen heights. The lace was painstakingly made at Hampton Court Palace in the 400 year-old style of Chantilly in a small English studio. The stunning lace work and embroidery on the dress will be copied the world over at multiple wedding shows from Beijing to Los Angeles to the Haute Couture wedding collections of Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana.

In America, designers with Couture wedding collections such as Oscar De la Renta will reflect lace, padded waists á la McQueen with a simple Victorian bodice. Chanel already owns specialist

luxury

Indeed the lace used for the royal wedding dress will help elevate the wedding industry to unseen heights. The lace was painstakingly made at Hampton Court Palace in the 400 yearold style of Chantilly in a small English studio companies like Lesage that supply it with its embroidery and will benefit hugely from the new trend of simple English design and craftsmanship inspired by McQueen’s designs. Even the great French capital will be using us as inspiration at the highest level.

This English simplicity will also be reflected in accessory collections worldwide. Specialist workmanship, beautiful innovative hardware and luxurious rare skins will be consumer drivers and of course, classic design.

A name to watch is Quentin Mackay, whose beautiful £32,000 lizard bag is a prime example of small brands and old

traditions being revived in the making of luxury items. Mackay’s ladies handbag collection has been picked up by Fortnum and Mason and Harvey Nichols London store as well as the Middle East branches in Qatar and Dubai.

The British social season has changed dramatically since the stuffiness of the 1950’s, although a modicum of etiquette remains. Hats are still part of the essentials for society occasions like Royal Ascot and the wedding season throughout the UK and the profile of British Millinery remains high through the creative accomplishments and invention of designers like Philip Treacy and

Stephen Jones. Love it or hate it who can ever forget the coronet hat of Princess Beatrice and its incredible English eccentricity. The Fascinator hat is here to stay.

From womenswear and menswear to accessories and jewellery the landscape of luxury is changing dramatically from extreme ostentation to this new simplicity with emphasis on quality, design, feel of material and limited edition runs.

One must still pay attention to how one combines these subtleties. The new luxury is the luxury of being happy in yourself and how you present yourself to the world.

Without it, the brand is wearing you. www.internationallife.tv/luxury

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Miami

travel

International Life jetted off to Miami, one of the top luxury destinations in the world. The mind whirled with endless glamorous connotations, Miami Vice, beach ball, beautiful models, Scarface, Latin Cuban dancing and the Rat Pack. Miami shares with New York that certain frisson when you arrive; like Monaco, it exhibits some serious wealth and like Rio, it promises a party

I

am transported to the Canyon Ranch in Miami Beach from the airport in a lavish vehicle that is part ‘A-Team’ van and part limousine with glossy black exterior, interior and of course blacked out windows. This is a limo you can boogie in, complete with a not so mini bar (it holds champagne flutes for 12). The Canyon Ranch is famous in the States as a celebrity relax and detox Spa. Eva Longoria, Ricky Martin, Micky Rourke and Alec Baldwin are all regulars. When I arrive I immediately see why; the lobby is beautiful, modern and opulent yet very welcoming.

There is a rich sybaritic atmosphere to the place without the formality of some other hotels, with a three floor sculpture and polished stone and shell floors designed by the pre-eminent architect David Rockwell.

The rooms are delightful, spacious and modern with a HD television system that can be viewed from the living room or the bedroom. The view of the beach

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is stunning, stretching out in a wide panorama. As you would expect from a top Spa resort the bathroom is huge and designed for indulgence with double sinks and the deepest baths I have ever seen.

Elegant, minimalist, luxury decor aimed at relaxation.

It was time to lose the jet lag in the sea which was lovely and warm for this time of year, the waves on one day were pure art, perfect spherical waves that just roll along the sand forever. Beach bum heaven.

The sea is a translucent Caribbean colour, light and dark greens to blues. After a long swim I ambled off to the Spa where I had an Ashiatsu massage booked to banish the post flight aches. Ashiatsu is a foot massage where they use their feet to give you a deep tissue massage rather than twiddle with your toes for an a hour and a half. The Aquavana is just the most wonderful Spa, akin to an Alice in Waterland extravaganza.

The thermal suites are a fantastic sensory

travel

experience, emulating tropical rainstorms, utilizing coloured lights to simulate times of the day, sounds to invoke jungles or arctic vistas, and herb scented waters that steam, rain or mist all over you, imbuing you with incredible scents, aromas and sensory delights. There are hours of fun to be had leaping from Atlantic Storm to Caribbean Monsoon to Polar Mist and back again at the touch of a button. Do not miss the Igloo with menthol, mint and eucalyptus, though do try to avoid screaming in a high pitched voice when the first cold mist descends if you want to exit with any dignity.

The next morning I started my exploration of Miami with a kayak tour along the Oleta river through the mangrove swamps with Dragonfly expeditions. It was Homeresque, we paddled out into the wild Mangrove swamps unarmed apart from a large double bladed paddle and two guides.

We were instantly besieged by Great Blue Heron, Egrets, Ospreys (Eagle like birds) and Jumping Mullet that leapt out of the water. Turkey Vultures swarmed overhead, wonderful gliders with their outstretched wing feathers riding the thermals. Little Blue Heron, Ibises, Kingfishers and three Brown Pelicans flew overhead in the

classic 3 birds on a wall formation a foot away from me. Do not miss out on the Everglades if you want to see manatees, dolphins, alligators, birds, and turtles or go air boating in the flat bottomed boats with a giant fan on the back.

Next it was off to Lincoln Road in Miami Beach which is a pedestrian strip between Lenox Avenue and Washington Avenue, filled with the very best bars, cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating lining the middle, this is the place to watch and be seen. I literally bumped into IceT with his wife and friends, who were followed by a parade of people gasping in recognition and flocking to shake his hand and get a picture with him. He could not have been more charming and friendly.

Wonderful atmosphere and fantastic Art Deco architecture. Great fun at the beach people watching on Ocean Drive; athletic volleyball players, wealthy ladies on roller skates walking their dogs, muscle boys pumping iron, ladies in bikinis glued to their iphones and the cars, everything from the latest Bentleys to 50’s Cadillacs, cruising up and down the strip.

In the evening I met up with friends and we went to W South Beach and sat outside by the pool. It was a special event >>

Little Blue Heron, Ibises, Kingfishers and three Brown Pelicans flew overhead in the classic 3 birds on a wall formation a foot away from me

left page: Miami Beach. Dog takes owner for a spin top left: Miami Beach - Art Deco buildings middle: Miami Acqualina. Lobby area top right: The body beautiful. Miami Beach at play overleaf: Palm trees typify Miami Beach front

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Miami Beach is where neon goes to die Lenny Bruce >> for all the lawyers attending the different Florida state universities. The theme appropriately enough was Miami Vice in white, so wall to wall tiny white dresses on the longest shapeliest legs you have ever seen, and that was just the men. It was like a catwalk show, 99% were pretty enough to model, there were many models there too, but impossible to tell the lawyers from the models. Miami really is full of stunningly healthy, fit, beautiful people. This is what the whole world will look like once a healthy lifestyle and cosmetic surgery become the norm.

Fabulous. Next, on to Ocean drive and to Mango’s. A must see, it’s like the film Coyote Ugly, the bar-staff are all trained dancers and entertain between drinks on the bar tops. No shirts for the men and bikinis for the girls. The whole place is pulsating with Cuban dancing and a lively friendly atmosphere.

The Acqualina is a little further North along on Collins Avenue, the entrance is magnificent with enormous chandeliers that drip down from the huge ceiling. The car park outside is exclusive: Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Lamborghinis and Ferraris. There are 97 rooms and 188 residences here. You can stay here for a week or buy and live here. Very tempting.

The Mediterranean-inspired tower faces on to the sea and has 3 pools and a hot tub in the immaculate tropical garden that borders the beach. The service and the decor are pristine and lush, very French Riviera. The restaurant and bar are divine and this is a great place to relax and watch the famous go by. The facilities include ESPA which is a British company offering the highest luxury Spa treatments. The ESPA products are absolutely incredible, simply the best and their oils and unguents pamper and soften to perfection. The Swedish massage is magnificent and highly recommended.

I spent the afternoon at the Miami Boat show, looking at boats Stavro “I have a big laser Mr Bond” Blofeld would have coveted. Amazing Super Yacht brands such as Azimut, Oceanco and Cigarette that are replete with the latest high technology, contemporary exterior and interior design.

The next few days were taken up with a tour of the palatial shopping Malls, Coconut Grove and Little Havana which,

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along with Coral Gables, are a must see.

Miami Beach is sumptuous and exciting, it has more beautiful people per square inch than anywhere else in the world and combines the best luxury city living and nightlife with a sensational beach and promenade. This is where the wealthy and healthy work, live and play.

This is the old playground of the Rat Pack after all and whilst it saw a fall in fortune a while back it is making a serious come back. International Life will be returning regularly.

International Life recommends: Art Basel Miami Beach. www.artbaselmiamibeach.com Miami Boat Show. 16-20th February 2012. www.miamiboatshow.com W South Beach. www.starwoodhotels.com Ocean Drive Limo: 555 N.E 15th Street, Suite 18A, Miami Fl., 33132 USA. Tel: (305) 374 7182 www.oceandrivelimo.com Ask for Hector.

Aventura Mall, 19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura, Miami. Tel: (305) 933-5577 Find Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Macy’s and more. www.shopaventura Sustain Restaurant & Bar, 3252 NE 1st Avenue, Miami. Tel: (305) 424-9079 www.sustainmiami.com Blue Marlin Fish House at Oleta Park, 2500 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, FL 33160. Tel: (305)-957-8822 www.bluemoonmiami.com Mango Tropical Cafe, 900 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139 www.mangostropicalcafe.com Sushisamba, 600 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. Tel: (305) 673-5337 http://sushisamba.com/index.cfm/id/7/ id2/15.html Santo Lounge at The Village of Gulfstream, 1400 Village at Gulfstream Park Suite 2499. Tel: (305) 532-2882 www.santolounge.com Village at Gulfstream, 501 South Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009.

Tel: (954) 378-0900 www.thevillageatgulfstreampark.com Dragonfly Expeditions. 1825 Ponce de Leon Blvd., 369 Coral Gables, FL. Tel: (305) 774-9019 www.dragonflyexpeditions.com

Miami Information: www.MiamiandBeaches.com Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa www.canyonranch.com/miamibeach Rates start from $525 per suite per night inclusive of complimentary use of Aquavana® thermal suite and complimentary indoor fitness and movement classes plus beach and surf activities.

See website for special offers.

Acqualina Resort & Spa On The Beach www.acqualinaresort.com Stay seven nights from £1,620 per person in an Intracoastal Room, room only, including return economy flights & transfers with Elegant Resorts. For details and to book www.elegantresorts.co.uk/acqualina/

Flight Information: American Airlines, KLM, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all operate daily services to Miami from London Heathrow.

GMCVB has launched a new iPhone App, Miami and Beaches, available for download at the Apple Store.

During the annual Miami Spa Month taking place from 1 July to 31 August, over 30 of Miami’s top spas will be offering signature treatments for $99.

For full listing of participating spas and details of treatments offered, visit: www.MiamiSpaMonth.com

1:8 scale sculpture of the iconic Ferrari 250 GTO sports coupe

by Dante

Dante

GETS Top Marques in MONACO International Life attended Top Marques Monaco - the showpiece event for luxury supercars and found it was Swiss Artist, Dante Rubli’s stunning 24-carat gold sculptures that really got the pulse racing

T

op Marques Monaco, a mecca for fast car aficionados witnessed the world premiere launches of six supercars at its 8th edition in 2011. Despite these high profile debuts, it was Swiss Artist, Dante Rubli who stole the show with his display of head turning 24-carat gold chassis sculptures of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO and the iconic Aston Martin DB5. The ensuing press scrum was witness to that with a delighted H.S.H., Prince Albert II in discussion with Dante. British television and radio presenter and former media mogul, Chris Evans flew in to unveil his prize purchase, the Ferrari 250 GTO sculpture (one of only 10 limited edition pieces) which he snapped up prior to the event.

It was only fitting as an owner of an original 250 GTO, chassis number 4675 SA, that Chris lifted the veil with the help of the renowned Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. The new 1:8 scale interpretation of what many consider to be Enzo Ferrari’s greatest creation was greeted by a shock of press flashbulbs. Among the other attendees were the Stieger family, who kindly made their Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis number 3589 GT, available to the artist, and with only thirty-nine original 250 GTOs ever produced. A fitting addition to the series.

Award-winning Swiss artist Dante critically acclaimed series of sculptures depict a select number of iconic sports

cars. These limited edition works of art have been exhibited in locations such as Cannes, Florence, London and Miami, and the world premieres have attracted a host of royalty and celebrities. The sculptures capture the spirit and aesthetic of the cars.

Much like the original machines they are works of art in themselves.

Dante, who lives and works in Switzerland has built a formidable reputation in his homeland with commissions as diverse as interiors, lighting and furniture and is collaborating with elite watch brands to design his own collection. So what’s next for the versatile Swiss maestro? Collaborator and agent John Franklin spoke excitedly of an august invitation to showcase at the world’s most prestigious car and motorcycle collectors event, the Concours d’Elegance - a motoring spectacular where prized classics roll onto what is often called the best finishing hole in golf - the famed eighteenth fairway at Pebble Beach. Usual attendees range from the Hollywood elite (prize car collectors include Jay Leno and Ralph Lauren) and an esteemed assembly of America’s billionaires. With such a discerning captive audience, exposure like this will serve to enhance Dante’s reputation. Good news for existing collectors no doubt!

Dante is due to show in London in november 2011. Further details will be posted on www.internationalife.tv/art. www.internationallife.tv/art

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My dream is to create... and make objects that people love Dante

1:4 scale sculpture of the iconic Aston Martin DB5

by Dante

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feature

MAN and machine. Dante RIDING HIS treasured ‘INDIAN’ BONNEVILLE and the perfectionist at work in his studio

above: Ferarri collector Chris Evans unveils his new prize possession, the 1:8 scale sculpture of the Ferrari 250 GTO sports coupe. below left: Dante and H.S.H., Prince Albert II. below centre: Mr & Mrs Chris Evans with Dante. below right: Admirers. Ferrari historian Marcel Massini with Chris

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above right: Dante enjoys the patronage of a number of high profile collectors and celebrities. Fashion designer Kenzo admires Dante’s sculptural interpretation of The Aston Martin DB5, the gadget-laden car driven by Sean Connery in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger and the Ferrari 250 GTO sports coupe. above left: Dante clinks glasses with another ‘James Bond’, one who is equally familiar with the merits of the Aston Martin DB5, actor Sir Roger Moore. below: Dante meets a Royal admirer and frequent visitor, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco

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feature

OTHER TOP MARQUES HIGHLIGHTS Top Marques Monaco launched 6 supercars world premieres from Gembella - the Tornado & the Mistral (Germany), from Spada Vetture Sport - the TSS Codatronca Monza (Italy), from Keating Supercars - the ZKRs (UK), from Tirrito - the Ayrton R (Italy), from Identity Cars the i1 (Spain), and from Soleil Motors - the Anadi (Italy); Top Marques Superboats hosted world launch of Black Magic by Cranchi.

beauty and the beast - above left: the new coachbuilt Corvette called the Anadi, premiered at Top Marques. Now under the brand name Soleil Motors, the super sleek Anadi was based on the Z03 design. above right: this beast was given the ‘once over’ by an assortment of security personnel. This was its first outing on European soil. Conquest Vehicles believes that it defines the future of the ultra-luxurious, handcrafted fully armoured SUV.

directly above left: aerial shot of the impressive range of Superboats on display on the esplanade directly above right: the Melkus GTS RS2000 above: aerial view of the Grimaldi Forum, Monaco. Superboats on display outside with Supercars and watches in the main halls. bottom left: the Jet-Lev Flyer, the German-built, ‘James Bond’ style flying water machine by EAMS bottom right: the super cool ‘electric powered’ Fisker brand part owned by Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio

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49

beauty

The Beauty Disaster Hollywood Make-up Artist, Geraldine Shaker recalls her own beauty disasters and maintains that it can happen to any woman, at any time and rather reassuringly, that includes catwalk models

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ake-up and hair is like any knowledge we gain in our lives - some things we instinctively know, some things we learn from others and some lessons we learn the hard way. It’s the lessons we learn the hard way that bring the most hilarity. Known in make-up terms as “The Beauty Disaster.”

What makes the beauty disaster hilarious (if you choose to focus on the humorous side) is that your original intention is to make yourself look fantastic, and the outcome as we know only too well is not only failure - it’s public humiliation because beauty disasters are easily spotted by everyone!

Of course being the personality type that insists on learning every lesson the hard way you can imagine I have experienced my fair share of personal beauty disasters.

When I was fifteen I thought a home perm was just what my new haircut needed to give it a bit more oomph. Since

from shock to laughter to panic and then finally, when I realized no gel, hairspray or wax was going to calm down my sheep like locks - I burst into tears.

Another thing about beauty disasters in general, they can and will strike at any point in your life. Just when you think you have hit an age when you know better or have no need to experiment with your look, a new product hits the shelves, marketing strategies go into overdrive and every single one of us is fair game for another BEAUTY DISASTER! When I was in my mid twenties, I moved in with a guy I was dating.

We had been living together for almost a year before I met his parents. Wanting to make a good impression, the day before the meeting I toddled off to my trusted facialist knowing that after an hour in her hands my skin would have a fantastic natural glow for at least a week. At the end of the session I bought a concoction of different potions and lotions all hand made

and falling into bed.

Her words came flooding back to me the next morning (the morning of the meeting I may add) when to my horror I looked in the mirror and all over my face in places where the extraction had been particularly deep I had thick black scabs that were stuck to my skin like super glue. Not only were they stuck on with a vengeance; they were so dark that no foundation on this earth would have been able to camouflage this beauty disaster.

With the best intention my boyfriend said, “don’t worry - my mum will just think you have bad eczema.”

It has taken me years of working with some of the most beautiful women to really understand that we are all the same, no matter how we perceive each other we all experience the same doubts, disasters, humiliations and triumphs as far as our image is concerned.

I once worked with a model that got her upper lip waxed before a photo shoot. She had really sensitive skin and ended up with an inflamed red shiny surface in the shape of a moustache, which was impossible to put make-up on and really painful.

I gave a tub of gold body shimmer to another model just as we were ready to shoot. As she nipped into the bathroom I instructed her to put just a small amount on her arms and legs to give them a glow for the camera - after a while I knocked on the door to see what was taking so long

to my horror ... all over my face ... where the extraction had been ... I had thick black scabs my hair was short I enlisted the help of my grandma to put the rollers in. I remember being really impressed by her ability to get every last hair into all of the rollers, and when she was finished I happily bounced up stairs to apply the perm lotion in the bathroom. I don’t know how long I was in the bathroom, but I remember experiencing the whole gamut of emotions

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that I knew would maintain my newly acquired glow. In an over excited rush to get out of the door I vaguely remember her telling me not to use any scrubs on my skin for twenty four hours after the extraction.

I never questioned or even acknowledged her advice, and of course that night I used a mixture of scrubs on my face and neck before slathering my skin with moisturiser

and she confessed she had used too much.

I asked her to step out of the bathroom.

She finally emerged looking like the Jill Masterson character in Goldfinger with a really sheepish look on her face.

Beauty disasters thrive on innocence and the desire to better oneself. So in the spirit of innocence and desire I proclaim “Viva La Beauty Disaster!”

film

Adventures in modern cooking

From super-fruits to microwave burgers buzzing with e-numbers, food has never been more talked about.

Half the world doesn’t have enough and the other has too much and it’s (literally) killing its population.

Martin Guttridge-Hewitt talks to the filmmakers of ‘Planeat’, which tries to address this contentious issue

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he debate over how to manage human fuel has many sides, from whether soy is worse than cattle for the rainforests, to the effect of fast food on children. The word minefield comes to mind, meaning it’s often easier to stay at the back of the buffet, quietly chewing a toothpick (made, of course, from sustainable sources).

It’s not that we’re not political, or opinionated, more that we enjoy a good feed. So when filmmaking freshmen Shelley Lee Davies and Or Shlomi unveiled their feature documentary, Planeat, the thought of a statistical lecture ramming moralistic cuisine down our throat wasn’t particularly appealing. Luckily the 72 minutes therein didn’t preach.

From the respective standpoints of a carnivore, and dairy-loving vegetarian, the pair embarked on a journey that eventually took nearly four years. Along the way they spoke with physics professors, nutritional biochemists and endocrine surgeons. If watching those interviews doesn’t appeal, then they also showcase dazzling dishes, prepared by celebrated chefs like Chad Sarno, of London’s Saf. Part investigation, part cookery show, Planeat’s message is clear. Reducing our intake of meat and dairy products can markedly improve our ability to battle disease, and live healthier lives while still

devouring delicacies. But it goes much further than this, revealing the extent to which the world’s food supply damages our environment. In fact, the havoc is such that if a person switches to a plant-based diet they would have a greater effect on the problems facing Mother Nature than if they bought a hybrid car. Which is quite a claim to make, though one that comes not from the directorial debutants, nor their editing.

What’s most commendable about the film, and telling of the co-directors’ backgrounds in journalism and broadcast, is the neutrality. They themselves have enjoyed Emmental, and craved chicken, so we watch from a perspective that is, if not sceptical, then cautious. Sometimes they don’t know what to believe, so neither do we. Yet the characters they meet- and the letters preceding their titles- are convincing enough. This integrity serves up a more digestible slice of food for thought, and is the very reason we decided to call Davies and Shlomi. The day we did they had just been invited to screen Planeat in Parliament, and despite also preparing for the London International Documentary Film Festival, and Green Film Festival, still had a moment to talk.

IL: Both of you have media backgrounds, but this is your first film. How hard was it

to leave secure jobs and pursue this project?

OS: “The whole thing gradually grew.

We made the decision to go and film, but didn’t really know what we were going to produce. We couldn’t have imagined then it would end up being a feature. After we had done some interviews, and got a taste to do more, we did our first cut. From there it turned into a full length film.”

SLD: “We both felt so passionately about the subject that we kind of bulldozed into it without really knowing how long it would take, how much money we would need, or how difficult it would be. They say you never match your first film as you loose your innocence in the process, but it was a great experience and we learnt so much from it.”

Before starting the film you each advocated conflicting diets. Were you worried the documentary would lack a real conclusion?

SLD: “I think that conflict really helped us, actually. If we had agreed on everything, and agreed with everything we were being told then I don’t think we would have been able to treat the film as we did.

“We tried to tell the journey of the people in the film, through our eyes, but also those of someone who doesn’t know what to believe. So through arguing, many >> www.internationallife.tv/film

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film

Planeat is on selected theatrical release nationwide in 2011

left: still image from documentary - food preparation in a restaurant kitchen far right: visual graphic from Planeat

>> times, over what to eat, we found a way to speak to a broader range of people than we could have otherwise.”

OS: “We put in as many little opinions, and facts that may not have been consistent with a singular message as we could. This isn’t an advertisement for something, or a political idea. What we want is to encourage the debate and have people think about what they eat.”

Were you concerned it would come across biased?

SLD: “The bottom line of what we are saying is that people should consider eating less meat and dairy for their health and the environment. I think that message becomes confusing when people take it to the extreme, and think we are saying you have to turn vegan. We were careful not to use the word in the film, because we’re Documentary filmmaker Or Shlomi

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talking about reducing, not eliminating consumption.”

Do you think people are ready to acknowledge the harm their diet can cause?

OS: “Five years ago, if I was to tell you that a car people see as cool would be a hybrid, you may have laughed at me.

Now that is a reality, thanks to good marketing. With this film we were trying to demonstrate that, even at the high end of the market, in impressive restaurants with great chefs, complicated dishes can be created without any animal based products. So, with that in mind, reduction must be possible.”

SLD: “I think also one of the main things about this idea, and what got me excited about the project in the first place, was when I tried Chad Sano’s food. The level

film

The bottom line of what we are saying is that people should consider eating less meat and dairy for their health and the environment Shelley Lee Davies

of variety and diversity that he brought to this cooking was amazing. There are only a handful of meats people eat, but there are tons of grains and vegetables. Switching to a plant based diet isn’t a sacrifice, it broadens your culinary level.”

You managed to fund the production process yourselves, how has it worked out getting the distribution and exhibition sorted?

SLD: “Oh, God!” OS: “I think it comes down to us being first time filmmakers again. We got to the finish line, and then realised we had all the work to do, as nobody was going to push it out there. We’ve had a lot of help, and having Christopher Hird as an exec has been amazing- without that, and more than a few other people, we would have got nowhere.”

Dare you embark on another production after this epic journey?

SLD: “We’re heavily involved in the distribution, so it’s still a full-time job.

Because we’re unfunded it’s difficult to act like traditional directors, and leave it to the distribution team, as there isn’t really one. So we have little time to develop anything else at the moment, but it’s not something we’re not thinking about.”

OS: “The question makes us think ‘Oh no, we can’t cope.’ But looking at who we are, we want to give something back to people and documentaries are a way to do that. So on the one hand it’s difficult for me to imagine starting a new project, but then it’s absolutely impossible for me to think there won’t be another project.”

Martin Guttridge-Hewitt Documentary filmmaker Shelley Lee Davies

www.internationallife.tv/film

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tech / gadgets

For the serious Backgammon player on the move.

Geoffrey Parker has created 2 sizes of stunning hard-sided leather Backgammon roll-ups that play

like regular boards. Handkerchief Professional Roll-up Backgammon £199 with a pair of leather dice cups £299.

Café Table-top Professional Roll-up Backgammon £599 with a pair of leather dice cups £750. www.geoffreyparker.com

Red’s EPIC M camera, engineered to be a DSMC™ (Digital Still & Motion Camera), a camera that excels in both worlds... by design. Providing native dynamic range of over 13 stops and resolution that exceeds 35 mm motion picture film. EPIC body costs $28,000. http://www.red. com/products/epic

gadget

The BMW M Bike Carbon Racer is unrivalled in its combination of technically, sophisticated equipment and exclusive design. The summer of 2011 will be all about “driving pleasure” for every BMW owner, even those with two-wheeled vehicles. Price on request. Available from all BMW dealerships from July 2011

FundedApps. Offficial, a specialist mobile application investment fund, has launched FundedApps.

The new app is free to download and allows members of the public to submit an app idea and potentially see it created, developed and marketed with full investor backing. www.offficial.com

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Using Bluetooth® technology, ZOMM prevents users from losing or misplacing their mobile phone by vibrating, flashing and sounding an alarm every time users walk away from their phone and reach a set distance. £79.99 with no monthly fee www.firebox.com and www.amazon.co.uk

tech / gadgets

ihub iphone App. Leading online stock discussion site and financial market data provider iHub has launched a high end financial app - which includes real-time market data and stock discussion boards - for the iPhone and iPad. Free on itunes Eco Traveller solar powered briefcase.

Powered by Konarka’s Power Plastic®. Printed solar panels. $253.20 www.konarka.com www.travelerchoice.com

gallery Designed by the French designer David Turpin the Moshi Moshi POP Retro Handset for iPhones, iPads and Smartphones combines classic style with a contemporary edge and is finished with a luxurious soft-touch texture. £24.99 www.nativeunion.com www.Currys.co.uk

Powermat offers a wireless charging solution for various different devices including iPhone, BlackBerry and Nintendo DSi to name a few. As the battery is full, the Powermat stops using energy, which is great for both the environment and gadget’s battery life. No more wires. £49.99. www.powermateu.com

The Fast4ward Peak from Ultra Motor The innovative Fast4ward Peak is the latest e-bike from Ultra Motor, the UK’s leading manufacturer of electric bikes.

With a maximum speed of 15.5 mph these stylish and reliable bikes offer a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative for commuters. £1,249 www.ultramotor.com.

The new Wurlitzer Lyra Jukebox utilises touch screen technology to access millions of songs on the internet and allows you to listen to your favourite radio stations. From £2,995.00. www.wurlitzer.co.uk A USB stick that has a TV tuner built into it so that you can watch TV on your PC, with the included TVCenter application allowing you to time shift and record TV shows and even stream SD live-TV and TV recordings to your iPhone or iPad. Price: £76.99 www.pctvsystems.com www.dabs.com/

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travel

Review Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Monte Carlo International Life found a 4 star hotel with 5 star appeal, located right on Monte Carlo’s main promenade. ‘Business or pleasure?’ asked the concierge. After a quick glance at the private beach, ‘both’ we retorted happily. We were quite right, business was a pleasure

L

e Méridien Monte Carlo is said to enjoy a unique location in The Principality of Monaco and the French Riviera. How so? For a start it’s set on the prestigious Avenue Princesse Grace, Monaco’s main promenade with a number of luxury hotels and the famed nightspot Jimmyz. But stroll through the lobby and onto the terrace at the rear of the hotel and you will see a private beach. In fact, it’s the only Monte Carlo hotel who can boast such a thing and Le Méridien is only a 4 star!

The outside terrace includes a casual but refined dining area and a stunning swimming pool playfully arranged with footpaths, mini-bridges and an ornamental giant chess board set under the shade of exotic palms which gently sashay overhead. Being able to look out on to the water or simply sunbathe on the beach or pool are great advantages in this very condensed and populated principality.

I confess to indulging and booking a Premier room. The promise of a 180˚ panorama of glorious sea views, hotel private beach and the Principality itself stretched the plastic. Situated in the Crystal towers, the interiors were contemporary and stylish. The modern ensuites were generously arranged with walk in showers. That satiated the tourist in me

and the high-speed internet access and well appointed desk met my humble business requirements.

Most hotels do struggle when attempting to accommodate the very different needs of the business community and holidaying tourist. But Le Méridien seemed to have got it right. Business colleagues recommend the full service conference centre: The Sea Club. It offers 3,500sqm of meeting space, including high-tech rooms, private terraces, sea views and that rare treat at conferences - natural day light. There is also a service called “Le Carré”, Le Méridien Monte Carlo’s own concept for the organisation of last-minute meetings or business lunches.

Another compelling reason for Finance Directors to reserve here is the perception of prudence. You are booking 4 star, and getting great value.

Flexible dining is where the needs of tourists and business people overlap and the hotel rather astutely offers the only 24hr restaurant in Monte Carlo. The casual all day, buffet style and Mediterranean cuisine with original touches effortlessly fits the ebb and flow of the day and for the grander dining experience L’Intempo offers sophisticated

à la carte dinner and a popular Sunday brunch for hotel guests or the local community.

The hotel’s Balinese style, Alang bar is the playful destination for the summer months but it’s the romance of the terrace looking out to the ocean where many choose to spend the late evenings. The more conscientious and sporty types are happy to relax and unwind with a deep tissue massage or burning calories at the Fitness centre and pool.

Type of clientele: Wealthy international tourists. Grand Prix and Tennis personalities and followers. Business events and international Business travellers for the Grimaldi Forum.

Le Méridien Beach Plaza 22, Avenue Princesse Grace, Monte Carlo 98000 Monaco Phone: (377) (93) 30 98 80 www.lemeridienmontecarlo.com www.internationallife.tv/travel

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london villages

Clare Richardson scours parochial London for the very best food, fashion, entertainment and cultural initiatives.

But be warned you may have to cross into another zone to enjoy all this great city has to offer. And it’s just not true you’ll start feeling faint and breathless when you venture into another borough. Go on, enjoy.

London Villages

Belgravia | Canary Wharf & City | Notting Hill | Knightsbridge | Marylebone | Mayfair | S. Kensington | Westminster

Belgravia Kim Poor - Jewellery Top Brazilian jewellery designer Kim Poor launches her new collection, with stones from fellow Brazilian - designer Haroldo Burle Marx. Celebrating the beauty of these stones, a series of unique jewellery masterpieces are on offer at this Belgravia boutique.

All pieces in this inter-generational collaboration are sculpted in gold or silver with aquamarines, rose quartz, amethysts, and imperial citrines. Each stone is selected for its complex criteria of colour, texture, energy and healing properties.

A hugely respected gemmologist - these are known to be the very last of Haroldo Burle Marx’s gems - passed to Kim Poor to honour his legacy. Past clients of Burle Marx include; The Queen, Pope John Paul II, Indira Ghandi and many other important world political figures.

Kim Poor Jewellery, 53 Elizabeth Street, London SW1 The Terrace at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel Discover The Terrace at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel this summer. Providing a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of fashionable Belgravia, as well as a prime spot to entertain - this fabulous outdoor space is the ideal location to relax, drink and dine al fresco. Set within the hotel courtyard and framed with elegant

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above left: Kim Poor - Jewellery above: the Terrace at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel

Barbican Blaze at Canary Wharf

Boisdale of Canary Wharf

greenery, guests can enjoy the Pommery champagne bar, light bites and signature ‘Terrace Breeze’ cocktails.

21 Lowndes Street, London SW1X 9ES www.jumeirah.com

Canary Wharf Twilight Delights July and August welcomes Canary Wharf’s free annual Twilight Delights concert series. Canada Square Park hosts a stellar line-up including the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performing The Magic of the Movies. Other Twilight Delight concerts include Baroque by Candlelight, Ultimate Motown and A Night at The Opera (presented by Classic FM’s John Suchet), with the series culminating in the

Proms Spectacular Finale.

Free.

Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14 www.mycanarywharf.com Barbican Blaze at Canary Wharf Extraordinary Voices of the World presents Anda Union with their Mongolian traditions and Louisiana’s Grammy-nominated Feufollet fusing Cajun roots with a contemporary edge. Free.

Extraordinary Voices of the World: Thurs 28 July Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14 www.mycanarywharf.com Summer Screen You know summer has arrived in Canary Wharf when the Big Screen goes up in Canada Square Park and screening of live

london villages

national and international sport begins.

This year a packed programme includes Wimbledon, Formula 1 and golf plus fascinating archive footage of London, highlights of the Proms and a host of interactive onscreen games to while away the temperate days.

Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14 Until Fri 2 September www.mycanarywharf.com Canary Wharf Jazz Festival In August the annual Canary Wharf Jazz Festival celebrates all that is jazz with performances from the 2010 Mercury Prize nominees Kit Downes Sextet; London’s party band of the moment, Ska Cubano; critically acclaimed rising star Sarah Gillespie and British singer songwriter Gwyneth Herbert. Along with the Jay Phelps Big Band and Clare Teal, The Herbaliser, Aquarium and others - this year’s Jazz festival is set to be the best yet. Free.

Fri 12- Sun 14 August Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14 www.mycanarywharf.com West End at the Park Brand new for 2011, West End at the Park (in association with The Society of London Theatre) brings highlights from some of London’s top West End musicals including Mamma Mia, Chicago, Zoo Nation and Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Free.

Mon 1 August Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14 www.mycanarywharf.com London Symphony Orchestra The London Symphony Orchestra returns to Canada Square Park in August for a special one-off performance of music featured in the film ‘The King’s Speech’ led by the LSO’s Assistant Conductor Clemens Schuldts. Free.

Tues 16 August Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14 www.mycanarywharf.com

Celebrity fans include Sarah Jessica Parker and Elle Macpherson.

Collection available from Pistol Panties flagship store, 75 Westbourne Park Road, London W2 5QH www.pistolpanties.com Orit This summer, drop into Orit - the luxury boutique for unusual jewellery at sensible prices. With inspiring collections from international designers such as Todo Joia, 10m2 and Coretta, we say this is the ideal spot to accessorise your summer wardrobe.

95 Westbourne Park Villas W2 5ED www.oritlondon.com Capulet Designs Continuing its reputation of showcasing up and coming designers, Wolf and Badger now house a range of luxury leather cases for tablets and laptops. Designed

by Capulet, these gadget friendly cases are ideal for the recently launched iPad2, providing a vibrant and stylish alternative to help stand out from the crowd.

Stockists: Wolf and Badger in Notting Hill, Mercer and Wells in the City and also available from the website. www.capuletlondon.com

Knightsbridge Harrods - Tasting Rooms For the wine buffs and fine diners amongst you, the recently opened Tasting Rooms at Harrods offer a gastronomic experience, with access to a range of fine wines and gourmet cuisine. Nestled within newly launched The Wine Shop on the Lower Ground Floor of Harrods, the Tasting Rooms evoke a traditional wine cellar ambience. Private lunches, dinner parties, corporate events and special wine tasting master classes are available, pairing a

Notting Hill Pistol Panties For your summer swimwear, head to Pistol Panties for its vintage glamour, flattering cuts, and bold designs. Founded

by British/Colombian designer Deborah Fleming this quirky swimwear is now an internationally renowned British brand.

Pistol Panties at Notting Hill

bespoke Tasting Menu with The Wine Shop’s range of over 3,000 lines including many of the world’s finest wines and spirits.

For more information contact: 020 7225 5925 or thetastingroom@harrods.com Paul Edmonds - Beauty London’s leading hairdresser Paul Edmonds is launching The House this summer, a space devoted exclusively to beauty. The new rooms are an extension to the salon, forming a beautiful annex to the celebrated Knightsbridge location.

Designed by leading design agency Caulder Moore the new space is chic yet warming, enabling clients to feel relaxed and at home within the luxurious surroundings. The House welcomes this latest development, providing the complete hair and beauty experience under one roof. With a 35-strong team of stylists and beauty therapists - step into a haven of indulgence and tranquillity with a pampering experience to remember. www.pauledmonds.com

Marylebone Nordic Bakery If you fancy a snack with a difference, head to Nordic Bakery. A stone’s throw from Marylebone High Street and stripped down to its original finishes, this quiet and inviting space offers simple, sweet and savoury Scandinavian fare with a contemporary twist. The Finnish cinnamon bun is a particular favourite.

14A Golden Square, London W1F 9JG

Mayfair May Fair Hotel - 150 Vintage Magnum Champagne Experience 150cl - the measure of a magnum - is the inspiration for a new champagne experience at the May Fair hotel. 150 features premium magnums of vintage champagnes paired with an exclusive menu of small plate dining from the hotel’s Chef Patron Silvena Rowe. The highlight of the 150 concept is the Dom Pérignon Vintage Rosé 1998 experience, featuring four magnums of champagne and canapés for 12 guests. The menu includes seared diver-caught scallops and West Mersea native oysters with Sevruga caviar - priced at £4,400. 150 at >> www.internationallife.tv/london

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above: Harrods - Tasting Rooms

above: Paul Edmonds Beauty

>> May Fair host a comprehensive list of vintage champagnes with a variety of experiences to choose from.

Tel: 020 77693 150

with teas being served in beautiful glass teapots to optimize the aromas and allow guests to watch their chosen flower infuse as a post lunch/dinner digestif. www.alainducasse-dorchester.com

Lalique Crystal connoisseurs Lalique are launching their Signature Collection this season.

Inspired by Art-Deco architecture, classic designs are given an avant garde twist, with pure crystal taking graphic form. A highlight of the collection is the Manhattan series - combining crystal and porcelain in the shape of vases, perfume bottles/decanters and boxes. Evoking the architectural design of 1920’s New York, a stand out piece is the Manhattan XXL Perfume Bottle priced at £2,380.00 Lalique Boutique, 47 Conduit Street, London W1S 2YP 020 792 0444 Mayfair - TenPilates If you’re yearning for the perfect bikini body this summer try your luck at TenPilates. Leaders in Dynamic Pilates and opening their fourth London studio in Hanover Square, they offer one of the most effective body sculpting work-outs available. Ideal for anyone looking to tone up and a regular hang-out for the likes of Claudia Schiffer and other glamorous trend-setters, TenPilates is the destination to get in shape this summer. www.TenPilates.com Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester If the long, balmy days are proving thirsty work, why not head to The Dorchester for a refreshing cup of tea. With the summer season upon us and the English country gardens flourishing, so too is the infusions trolley at Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester.

The restaurant’s after dinner herb trolley has transformed with a bloom of fresh flowers including British Rose, English Elderflower, Sweet Jasmine and Calming Calendula. Delicate flowers are freshly cut

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Petleys Art Gallery Mayfair fine art gallery, Petleys, are showcasing art from an eclectic mix of gallery and emerging artists in its new Summer Exhibition. Based in London’s Cork Street, Petleys are donating 20 per cent from the proceeds of all exhibition sales to learning disability charity Mencap.

Owned by internationally renowned impressionist Roy Petley, his 30 year career has seen his work hang in hundreds of private collections throughout the world. Collections include those of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales.

Exhibition: Until 26 August. 9 Cork Street, Mayfair W1S 3LL Tel: 020 7494 2021 www.petleys.co.uk

South Kensington Baity Kitchen Head to Baity Kitchen for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fused cuisine. Baity Kitchen, meaning “my home” kitchen in Arabic, aims for visitors to enjoy good food in friendly surroundings. Inspired by founders Joudie Kalla-Anagnou and Christina Mouratoglou’s Palestinian and Greek backgrounds, different dishes are created each morning using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Having trained at Gordon Ramsay’s Pengelley’s, Daphne’s and Papillion, Joudie does much of the cooking herself.

Baity Kitchen serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, all available to take home, using only recyclable and biodegradable products and

right: Lalique of Mayfair

packaging. Cookery classes are also on offer for both adults and children.

172 Walton Street, London SW3 2JL www.baitykitchen.com Chelsea Psychic Gardens Situated in the heart of London, the Chelsea Psychic Garden is a centre of education, beauty and relaxation. Founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London to study the medicinal qualities of plants, this is the oldest botanic garden in the city. This living museum offers an adult learning programme with courses in beekeeping, papermaking, natural dyes and printing, herbal medicine and more. Delicious honey is produced by the resident bees which is available in the visitors shop from mid-July.

66 Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea SW3 www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk

Westminster & Pimlico Tom’s Terrace Somerset House is re-launching Tom’s Terrace. Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens has re-opened the alfresco bar, set underneath a stylish canopy with views over looking the river Thames. Offering a new menu of sharing boards and a party menu for larger groups, Tom’s Terrace will be hosting DJ nights throughout the summer, providing the perfect soundtrack to al fresco dining and imaginative cocktails such as the Elderflower Collins or Red Chilli Martini.

Open May - 25 September. Enquiries: 020 7845 4646 or email tomskitchen@somersethouse.org.uk

Jeff de Bruges offer a mouth watering choice of fine chocolate with intense flavours. Make your own selection with help from expert staff or choose from a sparkling array of beautifully gift wrapped offerings

Available exclusively in the UK at: N A T U R E L L E M E N T

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Dining

Iqbal Wahhab goes native after devouring a selection of delightful Spanish flavours served up by Opera Tavern; dreams of a siesta soon followed ...

I

f you’ve ever been to Barcelona’s Las Ramblas, you’ll probably be a statistical casualty of the Spanish sport of ripping off tourists. They give you a huge menu of dishes you can’t distinguish from each and there’s the gift in the form of a box at the bottom of the card saying “Tapas Selection” and you breathe a sigh of relief and everyone orders that, only to find a series of tiny and cheap offerings being presented to your table, half of which you only eat because after all, you chose to play the game. People often find that in Greek and Cypriot restaurants too by ordering mezze and being loaded with a whole load of cheap ingredients (exception to the rule: Vrisaki in Bounds Green, north London).

There’s more to Spanish food than tapas as I found in the city’s two Michelin starred Abaq. It’s impossible to get a table unless as on my visit Real Madrid were playing Barcelona that evening. High end Catalan cooking you would never imagine.

And there’s more to tapas than tapas.

The owners of the excellent Salt Yard off Charlotte Street have taken over the old Opera Tavern pub in Covent Garden and pretty much left it looking like a pub with a dining room above. This has got be one of the best and most talked about new restaurants in London this year. When you look at any menu for the first time and think there’s so many things you want to eat, you make a mental note to return.

With tapas, you cancel your afternoon’s meetings and order everything that takes your fancy, one course at a time. The restaurant may not encourage you to do it, but if you choose an expensive wine, it’s funny how the rules suddenly disappear (if you pull this stunt there, please don’t mention me in justification). We started with Cava and crispy pig’s ears, a more carteligenic version of the pub staple of scratchings. A noble foray into seafood brought us admirable anchovies and a perfectly cured mackerel escabeche.

Iberian ham is always worth the extra price (£14.95). Chorizo came oozingly

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Review Opera Tavern

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chunky rather than lame thin slices and with bright red piquillo peppers. The final moment of glory is a dish that should make this place permanently famous and they should never dare take it off, however bored the chef may get in making it.

A mini-burger (New York slider style) of Iberian pork and foie gras silenced my guests for a few minutes, only for them to resurface conversation by asking for another.

This has got be one of the best and most talked about new restaurants in London this year. When you look at any menu for the first time and think there’s so many things you want to eat, you make a mental note to return Four hours later, we felt we had lunched like Spaniards and I understood for the first time the concept of siesta.

dining

Review Cambio de Tercio Iqbal Wahhab finds Old Brompton Road’s much lauded Cambio de Tercio memorable, bewildering, disappointing and delightful in equal measure

Decades ago, Cockney servers were taught how to use hammed up French accents in restaurants.

Surely in a restaurant serving gutsy traditional Spanish food, it’s the dishes that need the heavy accents and not the waiters

I

asked one of my guests to select the wine for our dinner at this South Kensington mini-institution, beloved of the Eurotrash neighbourhood. The list didn’t make any obvious sense to me so I passed on my choosing duty. After about a five minute conversation with the Spanish waiter, I asked him what he had been talking about for so long. “I have no idea,” he said. Does the thread of authenticity in a restaurant experience need to be woven into heavily accented wait staff?

Decades ago, Cockney servers were taught how to use hammed up French accents in restaurants. Surely in a restaurant serving gutsy traditional Spanish food, it’s the dishes that need the heavy accents and not the waiters. Diction aside, this is a restaurant for grown-ups.

The kitchen will send out tapas starters in a carefully planned sequence rather than dump them on you whenever they are ready and you never feel rushed even though the place is packed by 7pm.

A plate of Iberian ham set a grand tone to our dinner - and so it should have at £23. Fried squid is better than you get in most places - none of that chewy texture from being over-cooked. Prawns with garlic and olive oil was memorable,

but not as much as the tuna tartare with avocado and salmon caviar. As that culinary genius Michael Winner would say, it was “epic.”

Some of the main courses try too hard - I have no idea if rabbit stew with sherry traditionally comes with poached quails eggs, but it’s a daft idea either way.

My guests shared what they said was an excellent suckling pig with rosemary potatoes. Disappointed not to see paella on the menu - I don’t know of a single place in London that serves a decent one - I stuck to more tapas with grilled lamb chops, which were OK but what more than OK can grilled lamb chops be outside of a Pakistani restaurant?

The room is noisy and energetic but going on a warm summer evening is perhaps not the best time as the place is cooled by ceiling fans rather than more conventional 21st century methods. It’s a local ritual to finish dinner at Cambio by nipping next door afterwards to Nam Long, where they make the meanest cocktails in SW5. So the complete and authentic Spanish experience is brought to a close with Vietnamese drinks late into the night. What were the accents like in there? Who can remember? www.internationallife.tv/food-drink

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food & drink

When you go down to the woods today...

The Great British Picnic has had a makeover and those Teddy Bear’s are no longer snacking on soggy cheese rolls, flat lemonade and squashed cakes. This time they’ve traded up for luxurious platters and high end hampers, you’ll certainly be surprised says Levanah Reyes-Wainwright

O

utdoors is the new indoors this year. A brand new league of luxury picnics from London restaurants are stepping up to the mark with brilliant ready-to-go hampers filled with delicious food and drink. No hassle or thinking required, just luxurious food and wonderful company to be had. So put on your sandals and step outside, I’m here to show you the pick of the best.

First up is Corrigan’s Mayfair with its quintessentially British luxury picnic baskets. Tailored to your requirements this al fresco dining option leans towards ‘A la Carte’ style. Complete with picnic rug and all the cookware, cutlery and glassware you could need for a perfectly relaxed afternoon in sun, Corrigan’s offers a freshly prepared picnic basket with luxurious ingredients. There is a range of delectable delights out to tempt you from this highly celebrated restaurant placed into a beautiful wicker basket at £75 or £45 for two.

The selection includes half a bottle of champagne, still and sparkling water, a selection of bread and butter and if

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that wasn’t enough, an array of seasonal produce to tickle your taste buds. This includes to name but a few Pickled Herrings, Smoked Salmon, Sliced Roast Beef, Native Lobster, Country Terrine and Sliced Ox Cheek finished with a Summer Berries Dessert. Now I can hear you salivating because it really does sound delicious however, this isn’t instantly ready for you it does require 24 hours notice for collection and a £15 deposit for the return of the hamper. Whilst this might be a bit of a pain and the weather is not always guaranteed, Corrigan’s Mayfair have ensured that there is everything else needed for the perfect picnic.

For a truly luxurious option and the perfect setting then you might want to consider The Palm Court Afternoon Tea Hamper by the Langham London. Taking advantage of the hotel’s excellent location just a few minutes walk from Regent’s Park this traditional wicker hamper complete with a picnic rug is what warm summer evenings were made for. The Hamper includes a selection of speciality sandwiches including: poached Scottish Salmon and Cucumber, Coronation Chicken and Cream Cheese with Piccalilli as well as Home-baked Scones with Champagne soaked raisins.

Finally to round off your Afternoon tea, a selection of uber luxury pastry items inspired by the collections of top jewellery designers in nearby Bond Street are sure to make for a special occasion.

Like the Langham, origins of the picnic can be traced back to the 19th century when it became the vogue for Victorians to enjoy many of London’s growing outdoor spaces and parks with an elegant meal eaten outdoors. I doubt the Victorians experienced such luxury as the Palm

Court Hamper and I also suspect they might not have had to wait the 72 hours notice period or pay £85 for their hamper.

Already though you believe it’s worth it, and you may scoff then if I told you the option of half a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve NV may be added for an extra £30 or Laurent Perrier NV for an extra £70 per hamper, but this is the ultimate picnic hamper for your outdoor retreat.

Finally we are offered wonderful picnic hampers from Italian chain Carluccio’s.

Arguably the most affordable at £45 for two adults or the Kids picnic hamper for £10 (serves one child), this doesn’t mean that Carluccio’s have skimped on quality.

You can choose from either a Classic or Vegetarian Hamper packed with authentic Italian dishes, freshly made to order which comes in a smart, reusable cool-bag for you to keep.

The ‘Classic’ hamper is a real Italian feast with dishes including temptingly stuffed focaccia, pork and wild mushroom terrine, individual chicken and leek tarts and delicately poached salmon with new potatoes, beetroot and watercress. For dessert, there’s raspberry meringue with passion fruit cream and summer fruits to accompany, along with a packet of traditional Piemontesi biscuits.

The ‘Vegetarian’ picnic has many of the great bites from the classic hamper, minus the meat but with individual mushroom tarts, antipasti misti featuring a selection of olives, sun blush tomatoes, balsamic onions, chargrilled artichokes and fresh asparagus spears with a creamy lemon mayonnaise.

Carluccio’s has got the drinks covered too. Summer tipples include a fruity Soave Serole white wine, £10.50, and a refreshing

food & drink

Prosecco Brut, £14.75, to make your picnic that little bit more special. Keep your wine chilled in a specially designed, smart zipup wine cooler, just £2.50 when you buy any bottle of wine. The kid’s picnic has a variety of fuss-free dishes to keep them happy while they enjoy the great outdoors, even grownups will want to share!

What I love about Carluccio’s option is that if it’s a last-minute get-together, the ‘chef’s choice’ will be available on the day, and for me that makes it the best value picnic hamper.

If none of the above take your fancy why not stop by Harrods Food Halls for a completely tailored assortment of picnic classics and innovations alike. Whatever your choice, this summer you are in for a treat. So move the Teddy Bear’s off the grass, there’s a new type of picnic in town.

Pink Jasmine by Croft

5 of the best quick-nic cocktails

Croft Pink port mixed with equal amount of cold Jasmine tea, served in a tall glass filled with diced strawberries & ice cubes.

Add these quick make cocktails to your picnic afternoon - just perfect!

Golden Nail by Drambuie

left: Carluccio’s ‘classic’ or vegetarian picnic hampers below: Croft Pink Port bottom left: Mount Gay Rum Golden Mojito left page: Corrigan’s Picnic Hamper

Monin Summer Rose Spritzer

One part Drambuie topped with 3 parts champagne

30ml Monin Rose syrup, 80ml white wine and 80ml soda water. Stir and serve over ice.

Key Information/Stockists:

Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Golden Mojito

Corrigan’s Mayfair Call 0207 499 9943 or order through the Miss Jones website. Please allow 24 hours for collection. 28 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 7EH www.corrigansmayfair.com

Muddle 1 tbsp brown sugar and 25ml lime juice in a Collins glass or a highball.

Add 3 sprigs of fresh mint and muddle a little more. Fill the glass with crushed or cracked ice. Add 30ml Mount Gay Rum Eclipse, stir and top with soda water.

Raspberry Mojito with funkin Cocktail Mixer Add the Raspberry Mojito funkin sachet to a shot of Rum. Shake and serve over ice.

Langham London 1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA. Phone (44) 20 7636 1000 Carluccio’s Ask deli staff for more information or visit www.carluccios.com. Picnics can be pre-ordered 24 hours in advance or ‘chef’s choice’ on the day Harrods 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL. www.harrods.com Monin Syrups Monin syrups are available from www.thedrinkshop.com, www.udalsupplies.co.uk and www.specialitydrinks.com. Prices start from £5.95 for a 70cl bottle. There are over 100 flavours to choose from including Elderflower, Lavender, Apple Pie, Basil, Cucumber and Chocolate Cookie, to name a few

Mount Gay Rum Eclipse www.thedrinkshop.com, Harrods and Waitrose. Prices vary funkin Cocktail Mixers Available at Waitrose, Asda, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Majestic wine, Sainsbury’s, and Harrods. www.funkin.co.uk. Prices vary Croft Pink Port Available from major multiples including The Co-op and Tesco. Prices vary.

Drambuie Drambuie is available from major multiples and independent spirit retailers RRP £23.99 www.internationallife.tv/food-drink

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futurology

Cheerful Reasons to be

International Life’s Yves de Contades went to interview Mark Stevenson. His latest book is an inspired tour of what is going to happen next in our world and how it is happening faster than we think

the role of institutions. As to when things will happen? At different times in different places. If you choose to ignore this revolution there will be consequences, just as there were for nations and companies that didn’t get industrialism.

A

n Optimists Tour of the Future manages to entertain and cover a vast range of topics with fluid ease. Erudite, fascinating, exhilarating and packed full of heroic characters. Not to mention a rich vein of possible investment sources.

Recommended reading.

What inspired you to create this book “An Optimists Tour of the Future?”

I wanted to write about the scientific horizon for a wide audience, because there’s a revolution coming and more of us should be informed. It’s worth noting the book didn’t start off with a reference to optimism in the title. That came later, when I’d seen the grand chances we have.

What aspects of the future does it deal with and how fast do you think these changes will happen? I deal with biotechnology, robotics, nanotechnology, networks, what’s happening with the climate and agriculture - but also explore mega-trends, matters of philosophy and

How important do you think psychology will be in both handling the changes to come and in the development of interfaces, infotech, robotics and AI? If you’re trying to build social machines (and I met the people who are) you find yourself shedding new light on age-old questions such as ‘what is consciousness?’

When you try to build something conscious you begin to break it down into separate questions, and helping us understand the human condition more, which is useful stuff for the coming age.

As an optimist do you think that the trend is for things to get better? I’m not saying the future will be better, I’m saying it could be and everyone of good conscience should be in that game.

All the fascinating people you met for this book, do they have any one or many characteristics in common and who left you with the most indelible impression?

Yes, all were driven by a desire to make the world better, and none of them were waiting for permission. A special mention must go to President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives who shared his journey from being tortured by his predecessor to bringing about a non-violent democratic revolution in his homeland. It puts your own obstacles into sharp perspective.

What changes do you think we will need to make individually and as an international society? My biggest battles are to police the cynicism we’ve been brought up to think is wise and to work more collaboratively, rather than revert to the antagonistic, polarisation of positions that characterizes so much ‘discussion’ in our society. On a broader level we need to radically rethink the unmitigated disaster that is our education systems, which stifle creativity, stigmatise mistakes and treat our children like widgets. Lot’s of parents complain their children ask too many questions. Don’t worry, by the time they leave school, the majority of them will have stopped.

What technology do you think will change our lives the most over the next decade?

Language. People don’t think of it as a technology, but it is - and we can use it better to dismantle some of our existing and damaging social norms.

What projects are you currently working on? A second book, a second play (the first has just gone into production), hopefully a TV version of this book (but broadcast is like herding cats… with jelly) and the launch of the League of Pragmatic Optimists - a meeting place for do-ers.

Also, I’ve just become an advisor to a large social networking project in Africa which we’re leveraging for social good. The cognitive surplus waiting to be connected there is truly inspiring.

“An Optimists Tour of the Future”

by Mark Stevenson (Profile Books) www.profilebooks.com

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t h e n e w c o n t i n e n t a l g t. a f u s i o n o f e x t r e m e s .

Welcome to a new chapter in Bentley history.

The new Continental GT – a remarkable fusion of breathtaking performance, sensuous luxury and modern technology. This stunningly sculpted coupe’s sharp features are indicative of Bentley’s DNA. It harnesses an incredibly powerful 567bhp (575PS, 423kW) FlexFuel W12 engine sporting innovative capabilities for everyday driving. This is matched with an exquisitely handcrafted, contemporary interior

to ensure you are transported by all-wheel drive across countries and continents in superior comfort and elegance. Supreme motoring that is unmistakably Bentley. Welcome to the new Continental GT. Fuel economy figures* for the Continental GT in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.1 (25.4); Extra Urban 24.9 (11.4); Combined 17.1 (16.5).

CO2 Emissions (g/km): 384.

For information call +44 (0) 1270 535032 or visit www.bentleymotors.com. * Fuel consumption figures are provisional and subject to Type Approval. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2010 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Continental GT.