DECEMBER 2021 s ISSUE 090
A Modern
CLASSIC Sky Cinema’s ‘A Boy Called Christmas’
THE SAVOY X GUCCI
Celebrating 100 years
LUXURY Gif t Guide
Find the perfect present for everyone on your list
A Modern Christmas Classic Bringing the magic to Sky Cinema this Christmas, A Boy Called Christmas is the origin story of Father Christmas from director and co-writer Gil Kenan
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ublished in November (naturally) of 2015, Matt Haig’s same-titled book was heralded an instant classic. The origin story of Father Christmas, it follows a 12-year-old boy, Nikolas, as he sets off to the Far North to look for the fabled settlement of Elfhelm in an effort to restore hope to the world. It is a tale that is full of adventure and excitement, optimism and magic, but it also knows that there is no light in the world without darkness, dealing with loss, financial hardship and divisions caused by misunderstanding and fear. A Boy Called Christmas is a throat-tightening, heart-swelling adventure that offers up elves, pixies and a faraway kingdom, marauding bears, flying reindeer and a loquacious mouse. But weaved into this vibrant tapestry is poverty, fear and grief, making the moments of joy all the more special and the starbursts of magic all the more dazzling. Filmed on location in Lapland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and London, the film boasts an all-star cast including newcomer Henry Lawfull, Toby Jones, Sally Hawkins, Stephen Merchant, Jim Broadbent, and the legendary Maggie Smith.
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“There is a reason that we
celebrate Christmas, and it’s to bring light to the darkness” For director and co-writer Gil Kenan, it was essential to have some hardscrabble reality to offset the punch-the-air thrills and glee. “I think it’s critical,” he states. “One of the things that I realised when I lifted the hood on the idea of what a Christmas story is – never mind a Christmas film; a Christmas story – is that the entire concept of Christmas as a tradition that we celebrate... the idea is that in the bleakest, darkest times of the year, in the time when the sun rises at noon and sets at 3pm, when your fingers are numb to the bones, when there’s no crops growing in the field and you’re eating the last of the turnips that you had put up for jarring in the waning days of summer, you turn to a tradition that allows you the opportunity to bring light and hope. There is a reason that we celebrate Christmas, and it’s to bring light to the darkness. “If you think about what Matt did with his book, it creates a name and a face to that need,” he continues. “And that face belongs to Nikolas, a young man who has lots of reasons to despair and to give
up hope, through fate and circumstance and misdeeds all conspiring to make him one of the most tragic cases in modern literature. And yet, perhaps because of all of that weight stacked on his shoulders, he finds a point of bright light. And that point of bright light was a story that was told to him about a place called Elfhelm. It’s a place that he chooses to keep aiming for. And that choice, and that hope, and that belief, and that animating spirit – they keep him alive in the bleakest times. They give him joy, and a sense of adventure and discovery in the greatest moments. They give him empathy and hope and love, and all of these things felt so supremely well-designed to pin the Christmas legend of this particular world on.” Making a Christmas film that will delight families and stand the test of time comes with its own particular set of pressures. But how do you ensure that your movie becomes one of those tried-and-trusted classics, a family favourite that’s as sure to light up living rooms as the blinking bulbs wrapped around the Christmas tree? “I would be lying if I said that it was a stated goal to make an immortal classic,” says Kenan. “That’s a dangerous way to approach telling a story. I think you’re lucky if it’s coherent, 25
The DMR Christmas Collection This year, DMR’s experts have worked on a collaborative project that has injected fresh inspiration into these iconic suites of jewellery, introducing contemporary products that will inspire a new generation of client.
CLOUD NINE
DMR’s Cloud Nine collection translates the feeling of elation into elegant diamond jewellery. One of our most iconic designs, this exclusive collection has earned its reputation as a modern classic. The story behind the collection is an interesting one; clouds are measured in terms of their height and the highest level is nine – hence to be high on life is to be on “Cloud Nine”. Cloud Nine Yellow Gold Diamond Huggies, £750, Set with 0.09cts of round brilliant cut diamonds; Cloud Nine Yellow Gold Diamond Torque Bangle, £1750, Set with 0.13cts of round brilliant cut diamonds
HOPSCOTCH
A childhood classic, Hopscotch is a lively playground game that has been enjoyed for centuries by children around the country. A playful, iconic and eye-catching pattern makes it a clever and unusual source of design inspiration. Hopscotch Wrap Diamond Ring, £1200, Set with 0.57cts of princess cut diamonds; Hopscotch Polished Gold Stud Earrings, £580
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection
GIALLO
DMR brings Italian glamour and catwalk style to the collection this year, with the launch of ‘Giallo’. Taking its name from the Italian word for ‘yellow’, this striking 18ct Yellow Gold suite of jewellery is a contemporary addition to DMR’s showrooms, inspired by the romantic padlocks that line the iconic canals of Venice. Giallo Yellow Gold Earrings, £450; Giallo Yellow Gold Necklace, £3900
HONEYCOMB
A long-established emblem of Manchester, the worker bee symbolises the hard work of every Mancunian who contributed to the city’s hive of activity during the industrial revolution, for which Manchester led the charge. As home to DMR since 1979, Manchester is an important city in the journey of their brand, and the exclusive Honeycomb collection is a tribute to its role in shaping DMR. Honeycomb Yellow Gold Large Diamond Hoop Earrings, £2000 Set with 0.64cts of round brilliant cut diamonds; Honeycomb Yellow Gold Small Hoop Earrings, £340
LOVE LINES
Originally released to DMR’s showrooms in 2019 as a celebration of their 50th anniversary, Love Lines is a nod to our design heritage, with a contemporary edge. A collection designed with stacking and layering in mind, the suite featuring striking diamond set bars which create an impact when worn individually or alongside other pieces within the collection. Love Lines Yellow Gold Diamond Drop Earrings, £1100, Set with 0.12cts of round brilliant cut diamonds; Love Lines Yellow Gold Diamond Bracelet, £1100 Set with 0.27cts of round brilliant cut diamonds
www.davidmrobinson.co.uk
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Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas with
Individual Restaurants Located in beautiful venues and combining outstanding food and drinks with exceptional service, Individual Restaurants has pulled out all the stops to ensure guests have the most magical and merry Christmas this year
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ith the festive season in sight, here is a small taste of what guests can expect to enjoy at Individual Restaurants’ impressive portfolio of restaurants including Piccolino, Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, and the Bar & Grills, featuring The Restaurant Bar & Grill in Liverpool and Opera Grill in Chester, this November and December.
Beautiful Venues in which to Create Lasting Memories From beautiful Grade II heritage buildings to sleek and stylish modern interiors, Individual Restaurants’ portfolio of restaurants provide the most spectacular backdrop to festive celebrations this Christmas. Decorated to impress and with selected restaurants even boasting their own magical chic chalets complete with fire pits, cosy throws, twinkling fairy lights and
of course, mulled wine, the countdown to Christmas promises to be special.
Seasonal Menus with Sparkle Capturing the very essence of Christmas and available now through to Sunday January 9th, 2022, the festive menus at Piccolino, Gino D’Acampo My Restaurant, and the Bar & Grills, featuring The Restaurant Bar & Grill in Liverpool and Opera Grill in Chester, are brimming with the finest seasonal fayre. Offering a choice of two or three courses, the restaurants’ selection of festive lunchtime, evening, and à la carte menus make celebratory dining easy, ensuring that the only thing you need to focus on is having a good time.
Celebratory Drinks Full of Fizz Add a little sparkle to festivities and savour the taste 64
of the impressive drinks’ menus available at Individual Restaurants’ portfolio of restaurants, including an extensive selection of wine, sparkling wine, spirits and premium beers. A new range of signature cocktails including the photo-worthy Getting’ Figgy With It and Xmas Tree Bramble promise to add a little theatre to the occasion, whether you’re enjoying them alongside dinner or enjoying a well-deserved break from Christmas shopping.
An Occasion to Be Remembered – Private Dining & Events Looking to pull out all the stops this Christmas? From the new and breathtakingly beautiful private event space at Piccolino Caffé Grande in Manchester, complete with private bar, to the equally impressive private dining room at The Restaurant Bar & Grill in Liverpool, Individual Restaurants boasts a wide selection of areas perfect for hosting intimate family gatherings and corporate celebrations. Contact the restaurant of your choice and ask to speak to the events manager to find out more.
Father Christmas events at select restaurants. Events include story- time with Father Christmas, a photo-opportunity and gift for the little ones, whilst the adults can sit back and enjoy a coffee.
Magic & Sparkle – Carol Concerts and More… Ensuring that all guests have a very merry little Christmas this festive season, Individual Restaurants is proud to host a series of magical events for all the family. From Christmas carol concerts, and wreath making to beauty masterclasses with Charlotte Tilbury, there’s an occasion to suit every taste.
Raise a Glass to a Wonderful New Year Kiss goodbye to 2021 and embrace the start of the New Year in style at Individual Restaurants with an evening of fine dining, drinks and first-class entertainment. For further details contact your chosen restaurant; party-wear and dancing shoes at the ready. www.Individualrestaurants.com
Visit Santa One of the most magical times of the year, Individual Restaurants is inviting guests of every age to experience the excitement of visiting Santa with a series of exclusive Meet 65
DEFENDER
Drive | The CHESHIRE Magazine
o f the Faith
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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Drive
The old Defender was an icon, writes James Fossdyke, but the new model is a very different beast – and it’s the better for it.
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mage is a funny old thing. In a world of Instagram and Tik Tok, it seems vast fortunes can be made on the basis of what is, essentially, a lie. Where filters and Photoshop reign supreme, what you are is no longer as important as what you’re seen to be. For the Land Rover Defender, image has been a fickle friend. The instantly recognisable shape has become a symbol of off-road capability and British engineering. It’s woven into the fabric of the nation and indeed the fabric of tourists’ T-shirts – much like the red phone box or the Supermarine Spitfire. Like the phone box and the Spitfire, though, the Defender’s image was a byproduct of its success. A utilitarian 4x4 from the old school, it became the ideal workhorse for anyone who needed a simple, robust off-roader. That, coupled with its history and charm, made the Defender incredibly desirable. Everyone wanted the big, bulky Land Rover sitting on their driveway – no matter whether they needed such a thing or not. Suddenly, it was no longer the preserve of farmers and shepherds and tree surgeons, but a fashion statement for the great and the good. Which was something of a problem, because the Defender had issues. Lots of them. A design almost untouched since the 1970s brought manufacturing issues and, more importantly, bred safety concerns. And with simple but somewhat old-school diesel engines under the bonnet, it was hardly a favourite among environmentalists. Then there were the drivability issues. Changing gear was like stirring gravel, the seating position was awful and the only thing more awkward to reach than the handbrake was the door latch. There was nowhere for your right arm, the on-road performance was non-existent and the noise was appalling. I, for one, was glad when the old Defender was finally killed off, quietly binned amid mutterings about emissions standards and crash test results. And so should you be. Because the new Defender is a completely different animal. Gone are the hateful engines, the horrid ergonomics and the horrendous
discomfort. At last, the Defender is no longer a truck fit only for towing tree trunks or carting sheepdogs to wherever they’re needed; it’s a proper, pukka SUV that you might actually want to own. The boxy shape remains, but it has been thoroughly modernised, with a space-age front end and LED headlights, it looks like something out of Star Wars. Particularly if you get one in black or white. And Land Rover has made the interior much more comfortable and appealing, although there are touches that hint at its predecessor’s rough-and-ready heritage. Avoid the soft carpets, for example, and you can still mop the cabin out, while everywhere you look, you’ll find exposed screw heads. It’s form over function, of course – they’re completely pointless features – but the thought is there. More importantly, you get the mod cons the old Defender could only dream of. There’s a proper touchscreen infotainment system with gadgets galore and a really, really smart interface, plus a digital instrument display and seats that adjust to suit the human form. You can have seven of them, too, depending on whether you choose the three-door ‘90’ model or the five-door ‘110’. On the road, meanwhile, the new Defender is definitely all new. Driving the old Defender was like steering a very slow hovercraft while wearing boxing gloves. It was clumsy, awkward and you only had a semblance of control at anything over about 4mph. Unless, of course, you bought one of the awesome Twisted versions, with the Chevrolet V8 and the reworked suspension.
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The Savoy X Gucc Guccii:
C E LE LEB B R ATI ATIN NG 100 YEARS The Savoy’s Royal Suite is transformed by Gucci and Christie’s in the fashion house’s centenary year
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ver since its foundation, Gucci has frequently featured or mentioned the theme of travel, referencing the iconography of luxury hotels and the jet-setters who populated them in the early decades of the 1900s. It was with irony, pride, and selfawareness that the House’s founder, Guccio Gucci, introduced these themes and symbols, after his first-hand experience. Still very young, he was employed at The Savoy as a luggage porter and liftboy, when he gained direct access to the tastes and needs of travelling customers, escorting them from floor to floor. Seeing the luxurious luggage and elegant clothes of guests was a major impetus in his desire to start his own leather goods company, shortly after his return to Italy from London. One hundred years from that moment, The Savoy and Gucci are pleased to celebrate their shared history in a host of creative ways, from design features to exceptional experiences for guests and clients.
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The relationship between the two was first under the spotlight upon the reveal of Gucci’s Aria Collection in April 2021, privately screened locally at The Savoy. The Collection and its presentation included numerous nods to the hotel and its role in shaping Gucci’s mythology. Now, the partnership’s next iteration is the transformation of The Savoy’s Royal Suite into a reflection of the Gucci world, featuring furniture, furnishings and decorative items from the Gucci Décor collection. In addition, art and antiquities from auctioneers Christie’s have been carefully chosen to complement the aesthetic, which has been conceived to harmonise with the design and heritage of The Savoy. Adrien Meyer, Global Head of Private Sales at Christie’s, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to partner with two iconic luxury brands and bring
Interiors Homes Homes and and Interiors
our Private Sales service to guests of this great London hotel. At Christie’s, the ultimate luxury is to be surrounded by art. Together with Gucci, the Royal Suite at The Savoy will become the most exclusive place to stay in London.” All of the items in the Royal Suite added by Gucci and Christie’s will be available for purchase; making the Royal Suite an exceptionally exclusive showroom, as well as one of the most luxurious hotel suites in London, with its parade of rooms spanning the entire length of the fifth floor, giving unrivalled views over The Thames. The Royal Suite offering includes a dedicated butler, use of The Savoy’s Rolls Royce within a three mile radius,
return transfers, bespoke in-room amenities and Gucci experiences. The partnership will also see the two brands reveal further initiatives later in the year. Franck Arnold, Managing Director at The Savoy commented, ‘I’m so delighted that The Savoy is partnering with Gucci in such a creative way in the fashion house’s centenary year. It’s wonderful to bring alive our shared history to contemporary audiences, and we’re excited to unveil a transformed Royal Suite, as well as providing guests with charming experiences and exceptional service that befit two brands with such global renown.’ www.thesavoylondon.com
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