LIFE’S LUXURIES
Hammock bathtub in 24-carat gold, designed and produced by Bath’s SplinterWorks
quality and craftsmanship of the finished pieces. “We offer a 24-carat gold hammock bathtub that costs just over £45,000,” he says. “And furniture-wise, we do a spherical Dime cabinet priced at £26,700. “For me, a luxury is something that should make you happy,” he says. “The joy of owning something beautiful and rare which fulfils its purpose perfectly is a real motivator.”
look of an outfit. But if you were to talk about a pair of pure silk pyjamas, for example, most people work very hard and are entitled to spoil themselves, so why not do it with silk?” When it comes to accessorising an outfit, Henry Nicholds, the sales manager at Mallory jewellers on Bridge Street thinks it’s important to “reward your inner feelings with something special” from time to time. “The sky’s the limit if you wish it to be,” he says. PASSION FOR FASHION “Needless to say we can offer a tempting piece of As the co-owner of Kingsmead Square’s Grace jewellery for a few hundred pounds, to an iconic & Ted – a boutique specialising in pre-owned Patek Philippe watch which could be priceless. designer clothing, shoes and accessories – Emma Luxury could be described as an indulgence, but Savage believes that money doesn’t come into on occasions this could be something as simple play when it comes to the meaning of ‘luxury’, it’s as a Links of London charm, to a Gucci watch about a feeling. or a diamond eternity ring; there are times when luxury becomes a “It’s about whatever makes you feel special,” she says. “We started necessity. the shop [where you’ll find items such as Christian Louboutin shoes, “Luxury items are precious,” he adds. “They could mark an Chanel bags, Yves Saint Lauren jackets and Hermès scarves] with engagement, an anniversary, or a reward for something well done. a view to offering luxury items at more affordable prices, and whilst Luxury usually ensures quality which should last there are pieces that cost thousands, we have beautifully made a lifetime.” items that cost £20. What makes you feel a million dollars Bath-based designer Bibi Herron, whose is individual to each person and that’s what we love studio is based on London Road, thinks about fashion. if something is made with love, care and “We’re programmed to believe that ‘treating exceptional skill, it’s special. ourselves’ is a bad thing and that we should “It’s all about the detail and making of always be thinking sensibly, but sometimes it’s an item,” says Bibi, who specialises in silk nice to say ‘what the hell’ and just do it,” she scarves and pocket squares, but is also soon adds. “We love seeing our customers treating to branch out into homeware. “It’s something themselves to something really special; no one that doesn’t just serve a purpose, but is, at ever regrets it.” the same time, something that awakens the Tessa Brand, the owner of lingerie, beach senses, feels incredible against the skin, smells and nightwear boutique The Dressing Room wonderful, sounds blissful and looks beautiful.” on Quiet Street, Bath, quotes a saying coined Bibi feels it’s important to be kind to yourself as by Coco Chanel, ‘luxury must be comfortable, often as you can; she suggests finding what you love otherwise it is not luxury’, with a few and basking in it. exceptions, though. “It’s amazing how much better we can feel after Yellow and blue sapphire “I will confess that years ago we did sell a a treat,” she says. “Not only this, but we have become such ring, set in 18-carat gold limited edition Swarovski Crystal bra for £1,240,” a ‘disposable’ culture, which really devalues certain arts and with diamond shoulders, she says. “It was as beautiful as it was impractical. skills which are important to be kept alive. Luxury is about from Mallory, Bath “In general, though, I don’t consider underwear to be keeping these arts alive by creating something that can be a luxury particularly. Properly fitted lingerie can change the whole coveted for generations rather than just following the newest trends.” w
WE’RE PROGRAMMED TO BELIEVE THAT ‘TREATING OURSELVES’ IS A BAD THING
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