MINE Winter 2018

AU T U M N/ WI N TER 2 0 1 8

M I N E

VO LU ME I I

Weddings Vic toria Mag rath

£12

©2015 Harry Winston, Inc. LOTUS CLUSTER by HARRY WINSTON

171 NEW BOND STREET LONDON W1S 4RD 0207 907 8800 FINE JEWELLERY ROOM HARRODS LONDON SW1X 7XL 0207 225 5976 HARRYWINSTON.COM

A LIFE IN COLOUR LONDON HOUSTON A N D O R R A AUSTR A LI A A ZER BA IJA N BA HR A IN BELGIUM CA NA DA CZECH R EPUBLIC FR A NCE GER M A N Y HONG KONG IR EL A ND ITA LY JER SEY M A LTA QATA R ROM A NI A SAUDI A R A BI A SOUTH A FR ICA SPA IN SW ITZER L A ND TH A IL A ND UA E UK UK R A INE USA

FA B E R G E . C O M

@ O F F I C I A L FA B E R G E

F A B E R G É P R O U D LY U S E S G E M F I E L D S C O L O U R E D G E M S T O N E S

MINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 VOLUME 2

CONTENTS COV ER V I CTOR I A M AG R ATH SH OT B Y EL I Z AB E T H G I B SON AT TH E R OYA L PEN TH OU SE SU I T E , COR I N TH I A (COR I N TH I A . COM ). STYL I N G : AST RI D J OSS, A SSI STED B Y R EM I B ETESH . H A I R : L ARRY K I N G A N D JA M ES PRYC E AT L A R RY K I N G U S I N G L A R RY K I N G PR OD U CTS A N D DYSON . M AK E U P: LOR I WOOD H OU SE U SI N G TOM FOR D. F LO W E RS : B Y A PPOI N TM EN T ON LY D ESI G N . SER R A N O C R EPE A N D SI L K OR G A N ZA G OW N , POA , SU ZA N N EN EV I L L E. COM . D EN TEL L E D E P E RL E S B R AC EL ET, £147, 800, ZEN YA SA PPH I R E P E N DAN T, £28, 800, D ÉL I C ES D ’ ÉTÉ B LU E SA PPH I R E RI N G , £59, 100, A L L FA B ER G E. COM

ACCE SSO RI SE AL L ARE AS 36 The dress is one thing but completing your look is another. Don’t forget to accessorise!

9 E DITOR’ S L E TTE R Weddings with Astrid 13 N E WS OF OUR WO RL D MINE rounds up the latest in romantic beauty

HO W A VO G U E G I RL G E TS WE D 4 0 Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey was British Vogue’s Retail Editor when she walked down the aisle.

As a fashion girl in the know, she had a very specific vision for her dress…

16 P E RF E CT PAI RI NG S Don’t stop the style stakes at your engagement ring… See it through with your partner’s watch and marry the two!

20 GOOD E G G S MINE marvels at extraordinary new creations by one of the iconic jewellery houses: Fabergé

AL E XAND RA TH E G RE AT 4 5 Alexandra Pisani knows about impeccable service and off-the-chart style. MINE finds out how her exceptional experience parlays into event planning

24 HAR RY’ S CANDY MINE explores Harry Winston’s latest offering: sweetly coloured cocktail rings that will make you weak at the knees

VI CTO RI AN VALU E S 4 8 As influencers take centre stage in our fashion landscape, MINE meets the biggest hitter: Victoria Magrath, founder of Inthefrow AL L H AI L Q U E E N VI C 5 2 Fashion PhD, L’Oréal Paris hair ambassador and inthefrow.com founder Victoria Magrath models bridal styles exclusively for MINE

28 N E W YE AR, N E W D RE SS From the runways of New York to the British designers we love, Arabella Dupont rounds up wedding dress trends for 2019

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MINE AUTUMN/WINTER 2018 VOLUME 2

CONTENTS CO N TI N UE D

6 4 T HE ART OF THE M IN I - M O O N Forego the long-haul honeymoon and explore closer to home, suggests Elle Blakeman

THE G I F T L I ST G U RU S 9 0 Make your gift list in style at The Wedding Shop’s London showroom

68 P RE SE N T SE NSE Platinum by Prezola – one of the best-kept secrets in luxury gifting

TO HAVE & TO HO L D 9 2 Samantha Freedman selects the best bridal beauty buys

70 MAGICAL MAL LO RCA Astrid Joss discovers the beauty of the glamorous Mediterranean island’s two best 2019 honeymoon resorts

G I F TS F O R LOVE RS 9 6 Nobody does memories better than luxury perfumer The House of Creed

7 6 COOL N IGHTS AN D CITY CHI C From the perfect ballroom to intimate party venues, these are London’s bridal hot spots

G RO O M I NG F O R G RO O M S 98 Jessica Punter’s prescription for clear skin and bright eyes on the big day

83 M IN E GIF T G U I D E MINE presents favourites from the selection at weddingshop.com

AL L ABO U T THAT FACE 1 0 0 A roundup of pioneering aesthetic treatments, by Francesca White

CONTRIBUTORS R E M I B E T ES H

B R U N O M AC D O N A L D

E LLE B LA KEM A N

V I CTO R I A M AGR AT H

G I N N I E C H A DW YC K- H EA L EY

JA M ES PRYC E

A R A B E LLA D U PO N T

J ES S I CA PU N T ER

SA M A N TH A F R EED M A N

JAV I ER S A LVA D O R

E LI Z A B E TH G I B S O N

GEO FF WA R I N G

ZOYA KA L EEVA

FR A N C ES CA W H I T E

LA R RY K I N G

LO R I WO O D H O U S E

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Suren

www.adler.ch 7

WI LLIAMAN DSON .COM

The Luxury Destination for Town and Country Living

EDITOR’S LETTER

Just do it!

T

‘he ring is dazzling on your finger and there are springs in your step.

Oh yes, there’s nothing quite like the air of a newly engaged bride or groom-to-be. However, there is a marathon to run before you reach the finish line.

Sounds overwhelming? Well, wedding prep can be. Even if you have the best planner on the planet (and we nominate Alexandra Pisani on page 45), it still requires huge time and effort on your part to make all those crucial decisions and achieve the wedding of your dreams. Let’s face it, no one wants to experience any kind of imposter syndrome – and certainly not on their wedding day! It takes a village as they say and, in this instance, you are the chief.

So own that title and jump on board if you want to achieve perfection. I firmly spurn the notion of bridezillas: it’s not good for your health and it’s definitely no fun for those in close proximity to you. But I quite like a bit of diva-ishness in its purest form: a prima donna, a starlet. For what’s a show without its leading lady?

This brings me to our engaged cover star Victoria Magrath. Fashion’s modern-day muse.

She’s not a model, nor is she an actress or even a fashion editor. She’s an influencer and an uber-successful one at that. If you struggle with the term influencer, its relevance or even its meaning, let me put it this way. Quite simply, she is a person of influence within the fashion and beauty industry, with a dedicated readership that would be the envy of many a glossy magazine. And, unlike those magazines, she is a team of one. I could go on, but it’s easier if you turn to page 48.

Choosing ‘the one’ (your outfit, not partner) is definitely the biggest decision you’ll make. So we ensured Victoria modelled an array of styles, while ex-Vogue editor Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey talks through the experience of finding your dream gown (page 40).

Ease yourself in with the relative frivolity of choosing a watch – the perfect wedding gift! – that matches your ring for your partner (page 16). Or choose extra accessories for yourself: go for colour to avoid a complete whiteout and give your look personality with Harry Winston’s new collection (page 24) or timeless Fabergé pieces (page 20).

Your beauty regime is as important as it is indulgent: nobody wants to see you looking exhausted, so avoid that at any cost! Gorgeous makeup tips are suggested by Sam Freedman on page 92. And do spend time on your fragrance choice: it’s one of the most important wedding accessories, as the scent will linger with you for a lifetime, triggering wonderful memories.

The journey will only be as exciting and fun as you make it. So make it work for you and try not to lose sight of life beyond the day itself. There’s your honeymoon (pages 64 and 70) and the arrival of your beautiful gifts (pages 68, 83 and 90) to look forward to. In fact, I don’t feel sorry for you at all! If I could only do it all over again…

ASTRID JOSS,

EDITOR

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A Story in Every Gemstone Discover more about Gemfields and FabergĂŠ at Gemfields.com

Responsibly sourced Zambian emeralds and Mozambican rubies.

Championing transparency and trust in the coloured gemstone industry.

@phillipalepley www.phillipalepley.com 48 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London. SW3 6HH | 020 7590 9771

NEWSOF OUR WORLD

MINE rounds up the latest in luxury

IT’ S ELEC TRIC We love Guerlain’s new and glittering range of stunning makeup pieces, guaranteed to light you up and see you through any party occasion.

Make sure all eyes are on you with the ten-colour Electric Look Palette (below left). Its array of hot and cool colours, and mattes and metallics, can be mixed and matched on eyes and cheeks.

Then practise the art of the French kiss with KissKiss matte lipsticks in Cool Gold and Fatal Ruby.

Or go for a seductive dewy look with Gloss d’Enfer Maxi lipsticks: shine all night in Tea Rose, Burning Copper or Radiant Ruby.

Finish the look by illuminating your face with the legendary Météorites powder pearls (above left) and the Terracotta highlighter, so you glow the night away! guerlain.com

BRAND NEW

STELL A X M EG HAN

THE COL OU R OF 2 019

Bid bye-bye to ultra violet and say hello to ‘living coral’. Pantone has heralded it the ‘life affirming’ colour for the new year, and one that speaks to our ‘innate need for optimism’.

Apparently it stimulates ‘nurturing’ and ‘nourishing’ qualities, both of which are much needed in the current social media climate that seems to take over our lives.

Sounds heavy? That’s okay! Pop on these coral pieces for a bit of a sophisticated comfort. They’re the real deal.

Coral and diamond white gold earrings, POA, davidmorris.com

G E NTLE FLU I D IT Y

Francis Kurkdjian has created blockbuster fragrances for Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier and Burberry.

Via Maison Francis Kurkdjian, he is able to do what he does best: tell stories with his creations. And Gentle Fluidity is his answer to the question of gender identity: ‘gentle’ because compassion is his driving force; ‘fluidity’ because he believes we should be free to express ourselves without judgement.

Fascinatingly, it is the first fragrance to debut as a duo, their names distinguished by capital letters. They use the same forty-nine ingredients, yet achieve different scents by using different balances of notes. ‘gentle Fluidity’ has a strong sense of musk and vanilla, with coriander adding volume. In ‘Gentle fluidity’, nutmeg and amber dominate, with juniper berry giving a fresh note. £150 for 70ml, selfridges.com

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Love Meghan Markle’s show-stopping wedding reception dress by Stella McCartney? Net-a-Porter is one of the exclusive named partners to launch Stella’s first bridal capsule collection Made with Love.

The seventeen-piece collection is typically feminine, modern and sexy, in keeping with the brand’s style. It also stays true to Stella’s commitment to sustainability, using her luxurious sustainable viscose.

Made with Love includes the high neck and deep low back in lily white (below) that inspired the bespoke wedding dress designed for the Duchess of Sussex.

There are also seven elegant and sleek bridal gowns, a lace embroidered jumpsuit and a sophisticated tuxedo.

Each piece includes a sewn-in blue tag with a personal Made with Love message from Stella, as a ‘something blue’ keepsake for the bride. net-a-porter.com

All you need for a bright Christmas.

Glow through the party season with Dr Sebagh’s ritual for brighter, fresher skin.

Give yourself the gift of rejuvenated and radiant skin this Christmas and beyond. Created by Dr Jean-Louis Sebagh, world-renowned cosmetic doctor, this powerfully brightening, smoothing, plumping and hydrating skin care ritual will ensure your skin looks its glowing, beautiful best over the festive season by harnessing the benefits of his pioneering and award-winning skin care range.

1. Exfoliate and illuminate winter skin with Deep Exfoliating Mask.

Loved by beauty insiders, this potent formula banishes seasonal dullness whilst increasing cell turnover. For an extra brightening boost, mix your mask with a little of the highly concentrated Pure Vitamin C Powder Cream.

2. Next, apply a blend of the deeply hydrating Serum Repair, the hyaluronic acid-based plumping and firming super-serum, and Rose de Vie Serum. This antioxidant-rich formula with organic rosehip oil leaves seasonally dehydrated skin nourished, soothed and gleaming.

For an extra-intensive firming and lifting effect, Platinum Gold Elixir can be added to your serum mix or used on its own as a four week treatment. The blend of 13 active bio-tech ingredients includes two original peptides to help boost collagen synthesis and light-reflecting golden pigments.

Available in-store and at drsebagh.com

TREASURE

PERFECT Don’t stop the style stakes at your engagement ring…

HOT RIGHT NOW

RAINBOW WAVES OF LOVE

Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in eighteen-carat Everose gold, with thirty-six baguette-cut sapphires in rainbow hues, POA, rolex.com

Big Bang Unico Red Magic with matte skeleton dial, 45mm ceramic case, ceramic bezel, HUB1242 movement and rubber strap, £21,700, hublot.com

Rainbow Sapphire Eternity Band in eighteen-carat rose gold, with 4.65 carats of sapphire baguettes, £2,399, Suzanne Kalan at harrods.com

Back to Back ring in eighteen-carat white gold, with a 7.20-carat ruby, a 4.01-carat diamond and 181 diamonds (1.59 carats), POA, adlersjewelry.com

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PA I R I N G S See it through with your partner’s watch and marry the two!

KEEPING IT CLASSY

UNIQUE IS CHIC

Monsieur in eighteen-carat beige gold on a leather strap, £27,700, chanel.com

Monaco Gulf Blue with sunray brushed dial, 39mm steel case, steel bezel, Calibre 11 automatic movement and blue calfskin strap, £4,750, tagheuer.co.uk

Signature Button Back Ring, POA, jessicamccormack.com

Gourmande ring in eighteen-carat pink gold and morganite, POA, dior.com

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TREASURE

P E R F E C T PA I R I N G S WILD ABOUT YOU

FRENCH FANCY Dandy (large model) with dark blue sunray dial with Bayadère stripe motif, 38mm steel polished case, automatic Swiss mechanical movement and fabric strap, £4,600, chaumet.com

MasterGraff Ultra Flat tourbillon with métiers d’art dial, POA, graff. com

Art Deco platinum ring with a 5.66-carat sapphire, and carre-cut, baguette-cut and round brilliant-cut diamonds, and baguette-cut sapphires, £49,000, boodles.com

Emotion Charmeuse emerald ring featuring Gemfields Zambian Emeralds, £33,720, faberge.com

THE LADY & THE GENT

BEAUTIFULLY BOLD

220th Anniversary Patek Philippe World Time Special Series Ref. 5230G-012, POA, boodles.com

Ocean Biretrograde Perpetual Calendar in eighteen-carat rose gold with brown leather alligator strap, POA, harrywinston.com

Peekaboo ring in eighteencarat rose gold with morganite and brilliant-cut diamonds, £6,800, uk.bucherer.com

Oval diamond ring, £13,805, williamandson.com

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COUTURE BRIDALWEAR 9 Motcomb St, London SW1X

stewartparvin.com

Fabergé Palais Yelagin Red Pendant, £5,520, faberge.com

MINE marvels at extraordinary new creations from one of the iconic jewellery houses

GOOD EGGS

Fabergé Palais Tsarskoye Selo Red Locket with Dog Surprise, £7,560, faberge.com

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he essence of Fabergé, the world’s most iconic artist jeweller, has always been creativity and imagination. When the company’s founder Peter Carl Fabergé presented Tsar Alexander III with the first Imperial Egg, a holiday gift for the tsarina, he didn’t know he was creating a legend. But the mystery and magic of his Imperial Eggs have lasted down the centuries, much like the mystery and magic of Christmas.

That essence has given today’s Fabergé a challenge: to never let his memory down, and to create wonder, romance and surprise. And so Fabergé takes inspiration from Peter Carl but adds a modern twist that the master would have approved.

This Christmas, Fabergé embraces the warmth of the season’s best loved colour. The Palais Yelagin Red Pendant (above) is inspired by the legendary Imperial Eggs, featuring round white diamonds and red guilloché enamel, set in eighteen-carat rose gold. The pendant’s sister piece, the Palais Tsarskoye Selo Red Locket (left), comes with a traditional Fabergé surprise: inside the red guilloché is a golden dog with dazzling diamond eyes. It is, after all, the Chinese Year of the Dog. Fabergé believes so passionately in the quality of its timepieces that each one now carries a ten-year warranty. And to honour Peter Carl’s clocks, watches and automations, it has in the past three years worked with the finest Swiss watchmakers to develop four new dedicated watch movements and five new timepiece collections.

JEWELLERY

Fabergé Palais Yelagin Red Earrings, £7,200, faberge.com

Fabergé Four Seasons Autumn Egg, POA, faberge.com Fabergé Dalliance GemAddict-Ruby, POA, faberge.com

Of these, the Fabergé Dalliance GemAddict-Ruby (above) is perfect for the holiday season. Thanks to an exclusive mechanical movement designed by Fabergé, the hands travel around the edge rather than the centre of the Grand Feu enamel face, creating space where other watches place mechanics. This allows for the Fabergé surprise: a beautiful one-carat gemstone.

And Fabergé is adding new chapters to the Imperial Eggs story, like the Autumn Egg (right). This is one of four Imperialclass eggs in the exclusive Four Seasons collection. Each is as beautiful as the last, and set with gemstones that match the season: diamond for winter, emerald for spring, sapphire for summer and ruby for autumn.

Warm and richly jewelled, the Autumn Egg evokes legends and stories from the mysterious Ural Mountains. It opens to reveal – on a mechanically-powered presentation podium – a bespoke jewelled surprise that can be customised to the client’s desire.

Peter Carl Fabergé developed the idea that the artist jeweller should embody craftsmanship and innovation. He worked with the finest workmasters of his day to devise new techniques, mechanical movements and ways of creating automata – often to use as the surprises within his Imperial Eggs. Rivals Cartier and Tiffany clearly drew inspiration from the great Russian jeweller.

Continuing that tradition, today’s Fabergé blends ingenuity, craftsmanship and a sense of history with the colour and surprise that makes every one of its items a romantic adventure.

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“Fabergé blends ingenuity, craftsmanship and a sense of history with colour and surprise”

www.mirazwillinger.com |

MiraZwillinger

Available at Brown's Bride | London

JEWELLERY

Winston Candy Aquamarine ring (cushion-cut aquamarine 5.48 cts, sapphires 1.29 cts, aquamarines 0.45 cts, diamonds 2.10 cts, in platinum), POA

Winston Candy Mandarin Garnet ring (spessartite garnet 14.12 cts, sapphires 1.71 cts, peridots 4.63 cts, brilliant diamonds 1.51 cts, in platinum), POA

Winston Candy Star Sapphire ring (star sapphire 10.35 cts, sapphires 2.63 cts, tsavorite garnets 1.08 cts, brilliant diamonds 1.50 cts, in platinum), POA

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Harry Winston is known for its exceptional array of rare and extraordinary gems.

The house’s latest offering? Sweetly coloured cocktail rings that will make you weak at the knees

HARRY’S

CANDY

T

here’s no escaping the pun. So mouthwatering is the Winston Candy collection that it makes you feel like a kid in a candy shop. I know: I have children, I’ve seen what sweet treats make them do, and a glimpse of myself in a Bond Street boutique mirror on viewing the range had the same effect.

The collection features spectacular centre stones, paired with diamonds and vibrant gems in complementary shades, chosen for their inherent beauty and, the house testifies, for their superiority above others in the gem family. From mandarin garnets and rare tourmalines, to pastel sapphires and lively spinels, the vibrant jewels are unrivalled in colour, quality and scale.

Like many Winston collections, it was inspired by sketches from the 1950s and ’60s that featured brightly coloured cocktail rings.

At the time, the trend was for grandeur, which Winston interpreted into works of art using signature techniques such as pairing shaped stones with round brilliants in incredible colour combinations.

Decades later, we are lavished with the most extraordinary creations, based on sketches that embrace and celebrate the sheer beauty of coloured precious stones. This is nature at its most fanciful and we can adorn ourselves with its gifts. The design work behind these pieces – each honouring the sophistication of an era gone by – and their exceptional stones combine into personal treasures; giving us the opportunity to create legacies of our own.

Far left Winston Candy Pink Tourmaline ring (tourmaline 11.22 cts, turquoises 1.98 cts, sapphires 1.27 cts, brilliant diamonds 3.72 cts, in 18-ct pink gold and platinum), POA. Left Pink Sapphire ring (pink sapphire 10.59 cts, rubies 1.48 cts, sapphires 1.37 cts, brilliant diamonds 1.39 cts, in platinum), POA. Harry Winston, 171 New Bond St, London W1 (0207 907 8800); Harry Winston, Fine Jewellery Room, Harrods, London SW1 (020 7907 8899); harrywinston.com

W W W. S U Z A N N E N E V I L L E . C O M

NEW YEAR

NEW DRESS 28

FA S H I O N

From the runways of New York to the British designers we love, Arabella Dupont rounds up wedding dress trends for 2019

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SEPAR ATE WAYS

COLOUR POP Ditching classic white isn’t new, but next season showcased standout options: Marchesa’s blush pink and Vera Wang’s blue tulle are ideal for daring brides.

Temperley’s jewel-embellished dresses are a beautiful boho option for a low-key fashion-forward look.

MARCHESA

VER A WANG

MIR A ZWILLINGER

GEORGES HOBEIK A

K ATE HALFPENN Y

Mix-and-match separates is a big trend for 2019. Pick your own combination of tops and trousers, or silk jumpsuits with blazers. Check out the simple silhouettes at Savannah Miller, the slinky skirts at Kate Halfpenny and the sports-luxe suiting at Naeem Khan.

AMANDA WAKELEY

NAEEM KHAN

FA S H I O N

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STATEMENT SLEEVES

VIKTOR & ROLF

MIR A ZWILLINGER

K ATE HALFPENN Y

Bold sleeves are big. Viktor & Rolf present voluminous starched bubble-sleeves. Phillipa Lepley’s floaty lace sleeves and cinched wrist are supremely wearable. And Kate Halfpenny’s gown with detached sleeves has set the bar for style statements.

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PHILLIPA LEPLEY

FA S H I O N

SAVANNAH MILLER

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CAROLINA HERRER A

Meghan Markle’s embellishment-free Givenchy creation has inspired pretty yet pared-back wedding dresses for spring/ summer. Ditch the statement sparkle and choose clean, crisp silhouettes

by Phillipa Lepley, Stewart Parvin, Savannah Miller and Carolina Herrera.

SUZANNE NEVILLE

PHILLIPA LEPLEY

THE MEGHAN EFFECT

VER A WANG

FA S H I O N

Fun minis and short hemlines are perfect to party the night away come the evening bash.

From a cutesy sixtiesinspired dress at Viktor & Rolf to glitzy pieces at Naeem Khan and Vera Wang’s dramatic lace mini, there are all sorts of playful styles from which to choose.

CAROLINE CASTIGLIANO

JENN Y PACKHAM

REGALIT Y NY Bridal Market was full of gowns inspired by the 2018 British Royal weddings of Meghan Markle and Princess Eugenie of York. To channel your inner duchess and / or princess look to London’s Jenny Packham, Caroline Castigliano and even our very own Stella McCartney!

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JENN Y PACKHAM

ZUHAIR MUR AD

NAEEM KHAN

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

THE AFTER PART Y

ACCESSORIES

ACCESSORISE

ALL AREAS The dress is one thing but completing your look is another.

Don’t forget to accessorise!

pearls

PHILLIPA LEPLEY

Headband, £440, Lelet NY at net-aporter.com

Earrings, POA, davidmorris.com

Clutch, POA, emmylondon.com

Necklace, £1,875, Miriam Haskell at merola.co.uk

Ring, £1,445, Anissa Kermiche at net-a-porter. com

Shoes, £975, christianlouboutin.com

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MARCHESA

Sandals, POA, emmylondon. com

Skirt, £1,300, Halfpenny London at net-a-porter.com

Earrings, POA, konplott. com

Blouse, £1,260, Jenny Packham at net-a-porter. com

Tiara, POA, bentley-skinner.co.uk

Hairslide, £205, Jennifer Behr at net-a-porter.com

Belt, £275, jimmychoo.com

details ELIE SAAB

Earrings, £68, konplott.com

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ACCESSORIES Watch, £12,900, en.piaget.com

Earrings, POA, debeers.co.uk

DANIELLE FR ANKEL

afterparty Jumpsuit, £1,740, Rosie Assoulin at net-a-porter. com

Clutch, £825, Chloé at net-a-porter.com

VIKTOR & ROLF

Shoes, £575, christianlouboutin.com

Bangle, POA, davidmorris.com

Belt, £1,080, Alaïa at net-a-porter.com

Minidress, £5,360, Danielle Frankel at net-aporter.com

Flats, £525, prada.com

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VIKTOR & ROLF

Earrings, £1,160, Carolina Bucci at net-a-porter. com Clutch, £3,295, jimmychoo.com

stars Hair slides, £190 for set of five, Jennifer Behr at net-a-porter.com

Sandals, £975, at jimmychoo. com

Hairband, £500, Lelet NY at net-aporter.com

Bracelet, £4,675, asprey.com Sandals, £975, jimmychoo.com

Earrings, £167, konplott. com

Necklace, POA, davidmorris.com

colour Shoes, £835, manoloblahnik.com Dress, £3,560, Andrew Gn at net-aporter.com

Earrings, £550, butlerandwilson.co.uk

Ring, POA, debeers.co.uk

JENN Y PACKHAM

Rings, £1,925 each, asprey.com

DRESS

HOW A

VOGUE GIRL GETS WED

Ginnie Chadwyck-Healey was

British Vogue’s Retail Editor when she walked down the aisle.

As a fashion girl in the know, she had a very specific vision for her dress…

T

Right Ginnie in her Suzanne Neville dress

hey say the the most stressful moments in life are the death of a loved one, divorce and getting married. In that order. It is so typical that stress manages to weave its wicked way into the web of planning what should be the most joyous, love-filled day of our lives: a wedding. But for me, choosing the dress was the most enjoyable part of our wedding preparation, and the least stressful – once, that is, I had found the right designer.

Six years ago, I married my long-suffering boyfriend. He says the best part of the ‘wedmin’ was being excluded from the dress chat. There was no ‘Does my bum look big in this?’ argument; no ‘Do you think I look better in crepe or lace?’ conundrum. He just had to endure my scouring of Pinterest and Brides magazine (Instagram had yet to take hold), leave the room when I was on the phone to my mother and appear enraptured when we greeted each other at the altar.

At the time, I was at British Vogue, so the pressure to pull off a good wedding dress seemed intense. I booked the usual appointment at Browns Bride. I toyed with the usual brands, from Vera Wang and Elie Saab to Sassi Holford and Temperley London. I dabbled with the idea of a Lanvin skirt and top from the then new bridal edit on Net-a-Porter. Finally I rebelled and considered going all-out vintage in an eBay number.

At this point, my mother – who had bitten her tongue for long enough, and despaired at her only daughter getting it so very wrong, and ‘far too fashion’ – sat me down and said, ‘Darling, you only do this once. You need a wow-factor dress.

No hippy boho number, no sexy evening gown. Let’s find a dress that feels like nothing you have ever worn before, and nothing you will ever wear again.’

And she was right. A wedding dress may be worn for only fourteen hours but, my goodness, when months of effort are invested in those fourteen hours, by the right hands, they are a vital element of one of the biggest days of your life.

Aside from my wedding planner, Bruce Russell, the greatest friendship I forged was with bridal designer Suzanne Neville and the team at her Beauchamp Place boutique in London.

My journey to find Suzanne was via a blind trial, like a blind tasting. I was getting so carried away with labels that

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“ M Y M O T H E R S AT ME D OW N A N D SA ID, ‘DA R L I NG , YOU O N LY DO THIS ONCE’” Left The wedding at St Giles in the Fields, London. Below Ginnie with bridesmaid Katharine Redshaw. Bottom With husband Oliver Chadwyck-Healey

the owner of Miss Bush – a bridal wear destination in Surrey – urged me to ‘fall in love with the dress, not the brand’.

I met Suzanne in April, ahead of a December wedding date.

Every other brand I had met with had said, ‘Gosh, that’s not very long,’ but Suzanne was calm and measured. Nothing was too much of a problem. She had returned from a wedding show that day and the dress of my dreams caught my eye. ‘That’s the one,’ I said, without even trying it on.

That meeting confirmed Suzanne’s expertise. You have to relay your personality to someone who knows nothing about you, and who must translate that into the most important dress of your life. I wanted to feel elegant but also to ‘go big’. I was the only daughter, my parents would never do this again, and the reception was to be at The Savoy; in the same ballroom where my parents had celebrated their wedding thirty years previously. The dress had to stand up to the venue. And I was getting married on my thirtieth birthday, three days before Christmas, so it also had to work for an intimate dinner with friends that evening at The Ivy. Suzanne sketched for me. She customised the new season piece with a long, regal overskirt that could be removed for the evening, an enhanced waist, a fitted silhouette that enhanced my collarbones and neck, and a slightly heavier lace for the wintery month. The result was a piece that ticked all the boxes: the fit, the lace, the train, the silk, the youthful elegance. I love showing the pictures to my daughters because they react with, ‘Wow, Mummy, you look like Elsa.’ Even if they are biased, that is surely the ultimate seal of approval!

Forty-eight hours before the big day, I was in hospital on a drip, with my parents wondering if they would host a wedding at all. I made it down the aisle but, in all honesty, didn’t feel my best. If I could do it all again, I would, to really relish every moment of wearing that dress and the sparkly Jimmy Choos.

And the traditional format we had for our wedding day didn’t include a first dance. So maybe, just maybe, my Suzanne Neville dress will reappear on the dancefloor at my fortieth birthday, our tenth wedding anniversary. But the best bit won’t be that I manage to squeeze into the dress after a decade. It will be that there, on that dancefloor, will be two beaming children and a wonderful husband. After all, that’s what all of this ‘wedmin’ stress and expense is really about.

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Set in a space of iconic beauty, ESPA Life at Corinthia is quite simply a revolution in Spa. A pioneering concept, ESPA Life excels at offering a fully integrated approach to your wellbeing, bringing together a team of the world’s top experts to offer an unrivalled choice of spa, beauty treatments, BodySPace fitness and Daniel Galvin Hair Studio.

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A N N A A MB R OS I AT B I A N C O P H O TO G R A PH Y

brownsbride.com

PLANNING

ALEXANDRA

the

great

What made you want to become a wedding and events planner?

As my father is the founder and chairman of Corinthia Hotels, it’s an inescapable environment that I’ve grown up in. I’ve been completely immersed in this world since day one! My mother also played a key role: her creativeness and flair is something that is instilled within me.

I guess you could say that the creative thinking started early on, when I was a child. My siblings and I would spend much of our youth in hotels and subconsciously absorbed the art of hospitality and the importance of creating unique guest experiences.

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Alexandra Pisani knows about impeccable service and offthe-chart style. As heir to the worldwide Corinthia luxury hotel dynasty, she has grown up knowing how to serve, please and think for others. MINE meets her to find out how this unique and exceptional experience parlays into event planning

What values have you taken from your hotel upbringing?

Authenticity, precision, devotion, commitment and care are the values on which I base my company. For years now, I have been working on creating a brand that contains these values and gives them a contemporary manner. I want to create a pure, transparent, very highend experience, which is personified in our branding. Weddings are my favourite as they are highly personal events.

Would you say you live and breathe Corinthia Hotels?

No! I adore the brand, obviously, but I have had quite an in-depth insight into the hospitality industry. Having worked at the (Four Seasons) George V in Paris, The Dorchester in London, a very high-end wedding and party planning company in LA, and a brand and lifestyle events company in NYC, the variation has really immersed me in this world.

It’s taught me discipline, the importance of being true and honest with guests, and the importance of creating unmatched experiences.

I’ve learnt how to develop my creativity and to appreciate how different cultures require and expect a different kind of approach to service. I feel that I am in tune with the luxury market’s needs and desires. And our company can produce exceptional weddings and events just by understanding our clients in such an intimate way.

Who is your dream client?

I would love to work with someone very rock ’n’ roll like Lady Gaga. I’ve no doubt it would be an exhilarating project, not to mention a totally show-stopping event. Or someone like (William and Harry’s cousin) Amelia Windsor. She carries the grace and classic style that comes with being part of the royal family, combined with her natural flair, having worked in the fashion industry with great brands like Dolce & Gabbana.

What does luxury mean to you?

It’s a much-abused word, which has very different meanings for different people. Luxury is always understated, never flamboyant. True luxury is felt: it does not need to be written or described. It is a form of elegance.

The luxury that I offer a client is about providing highly personalised and intimate experiences. I aim for one thing: to make my clients feel like the most important person in the world for that moment. Ultimately

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“I WA N T M Y BR IDES TO ENJOY E V ERY MOMEN T OF THEIR DAY ”

PLANNING

it’s about helping them articulate what they are really thinking and feeling, and helping them realise what they are trying to do.

Describe your style…

Understated yet powerful. I feel it is elegant, authentic and a true reflection of what the couple want. I don’t think you need crazy things happening to capture the guests’ attention. I am a firm believer that, at the best weddings and events, it is impossible to absorb and capture the beauty and detail all at once. The longer you stay, the more you discover.

No two weddings are the same and I would never want people to be able to tell that this is an Alexandra Pisani wedding. I think I take out my own ego when planning; something you don’t often hear with planners! I aim to serve and please. Nothing more, nothing less.

What inspires you?

London, in terms of its ever evolving art and fashion. We are lucky enough in this capital to be at the forefront of all that is groundbreaking and new. One has to keep up with London and absorb and adapt, or you get left behind!

How do you want your clients to feel during and after an event?

Three things. Firstly, trust. It’s all about trust. I want my brides to have complete trust in my abilities to create and make it the most special day of their lives. Secondly, enjoyment. I want them to enjoy every moment of their day; take in every little detail. Their five senses need to be heightened. Thirdly, for them to be completely blown away and for their expectations to be exceeded beyond their imagination.

What locations do you plan in?

I plan in any location that our clients request. We have planned weddings in Los Angeles, Miami, Tuscany, Malta, London, Dubai, Singapore, Spain… the list is endless.

What do the next five years hold in store for you?

I would like myself and my team to be renowned as the best high-end wedding and events planning company worldwide! alexandrapisani.com

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COVER GIRL

As influencers take centre stage in our fashion landscape, Astrid Joss meets the biggest hitter: Victoria Magrath – author of The New Fashion Rules and founder of Inthefrow, recently crowned the UK’s best blog

Victorian values

A

t a certain level of your career, you may pride yourself on the contents of your little (or perhaps rather large) black book. Perhaps you have big movers and shakers from a particular industry, or even a famous name or two.

My moment came when I picked up the phone to call Miss (soon to be a Mrs) Magrath. She’s not world-famous (yet) and this may be the first time some of you have even heard of her, but for me and the fashion industry, she’s big time. Fashion, beauty and jewellery brands not only know her, but hold her in the highest of regard. She is, if you like, pretty much the Beyoncé of fashion influencers. And, boy, does she influence people: 1,894,012 of them – a figure that rivals glossy magazines with huge creative teams, while she is but one. She posts, people react, sales go up and the retail world keeps spinning. I rest my case.

As much as I love calling Victoria – she is one of life’s genuinely kind and decent people, to the core – I’m always reminded of how different our lives are. Moments before interviewing her, I was drying Barbie’s hair to appease my screaming three-year-old. When we spoke, she’d just returned from a brand 48

Serrano crepe and silk organza gown, POA, suzanneneville. com. Dentelle de Perles bracelet, £147,800, Zenya Sapphire pendant, £28,800, Délices D’Été Blue Sapphire ring, £59,100, all faberge.com

“ D E D I C AT E D B L O G G E R S P O U R B L O O D , S W E AT A N D T E A R S I N T O T H E I R W O R K ”

COVER GIRL trip to Aspen and was about to embark on another with a major hotel group to Mauritius. ‘Casual!’ I remarked. ‘Oh, I know,’ she giggled, as she always does, with an almost guilty tone.

The thing is, Victoria truly doesn’t realise how big she is – and this could be part of the secret to her success – nor does she even want to. ‘I really don’t like the word influencer!’ she declares. ‘It would be arrogant to give myself that title, as it would suggest that I believe I do this purely to influence people, which is not entirely why I do it. I do it because I’m so, so, so passionate about it. I’m addicted to it.’ We settle on her preferred titles: ‘blogger’ or ‘content creator’.

Gifted and good-looking, Victoria has a true beauty and the brains story. She undertook a PhD in ‘consumer behaviour for fashion retailing’ at The University of Manchester, giving her insight into the thinking behind a blog. In 2012, two years into course, she began her own, so she could ‘see what it’s all about’.

‘I hadn’t realised how it had erupted,’ she admits. ‘I must have been under a rock! It all changed for me when I stumbled upon a YouTube video and I was hooked. I feel asleep each night watching videos. Then I’d wake up the next day and buy everything I saw!’

She began to write about mobile apps and how they affect consumer behavior – a legacy of her PhD. ‘I just loved sharing my thoughts with people. I was either going to do it through this medium or by lecturing at university. I wasn’t embarrassed and nor did I obsess over followers. I just became so obsessed by working in it. I’ve always been a workaholic.’

A year later came a slightly different take on it when, to personalise her blog, she began posting videos. With that came an increase in figures but also trolling.

‘The things people say! “You look fat today” or “You’re looking ugly”. It’s awful. Now I accept it comes with the territory. At first I didn’t. I would actually write back to these people and say how hurtful their words were. Five times out of ten they would apologise and admit to having a bad day and wanting to take it out on someone. So now I accept it and choose not to open up negative dialogues, especially when ninety per cent of the comments I receive are so positive.’

Does she care about followers now? Surely that’s what it’s all about? ‘You can become “possessed” by your figures, which I’ve consciously chosen not to do. Saying that, I recognise their value.

I often feel I have imposter syndrome and wonder why people are so nice to me. Is it fake? Are they just being polite or do they

“ T HE T HI NG S PE OPLE S AY !

NOW I AC CEP T IT C OME S W ITH THE TER R ITORY ”

genuinely believe in me? My figures give me a confidence that what I do is accepted and effective.’

Inthefrow was recently awarded the titles Best Women’s Fashion Blog and Best UK Blog by Vuelio, a stats company that bases votes on analytics. It was a big win for Victoria and gives creedence to what she is about: truth. Just months beforehand, she posted on the trend of bloggers buying followers and how very wrong that is. It went viral and bloggers reposted her message as a show of support. ‘I felt compelled to say something when I saw so many dedicated bloggers pour blood, sweat and tears into their work only for others to fake it,’ she explains. ‘It’s not right.”’

Victoria’s most recent success story (as if she’s short of news!) is the launch of her book The New Fashion Rules. ‘I’d been approached by so many publishers but refused to be another “blogger writes a book”. It’s been ingrained in me by my PhD to look at certain behavioural trends, so I thought, “Okay, let’s look at facts and figures about so-called fashion rules, and turn it into a really interesting but fun read.”

A book that took her three months is already selling out. She is a complete natural. So I ask what would she say to established fashion journalists on magazines about those rules. ‘Well, let me get this right,’ she begins carefully. Victoria isn’t in it to compete or impress; just to do her charming thing. ‘It’s a compilation of moments since the internet was born that have changed and manipulated the industry. How we view fashion, how we are inspired by it and how we shop. The internet has changed that industry so much that the rules have changed. Does that make sense?’ Perfectly, I say.

I keep pressing Victoria on the fact that all this success, as organic as it is, can’t simply fall in her lap. She must have some kind of aim, some game plan. Is that PhD brainbox in overdrive?

‘I know what you mean,’ she says, ‘but it’s been a whirlwind ’til now. I’ve worked so hard towards it because it is my dream.’

For aspirational and struggling bloggers, it’s not as easy as Victoria makes it look. But she admits to feeling lucky with Inthefrow’s success, as much as she is adamant that she alone has steered her journey from day one, with absolutely no financial or physical support – just sheer hard work.

Looking from the outside, I would add that her natural grace and authentic charm have got her not only through doors, but up ladders. And as for all the interest she receives from brands?

She’s casual. ‘I just roll with it.’

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FA S H I O N

ALL HAIL QUEEN VIC Fashion PhD, L’Oréal Paris hair ambassador and inthefrow.com founder Victoria Magrath models bridal styles exclusively for MINE

Celeste dress, tulle with embellishment, £1273, temperleylondon.com. Foliage Emerald earrings, £252,300; Demantoid Garnet White Fire ring, £113,700; Diamond Round Ring, £469,800; Emotion Multi-coloured Open-set Bangle, £6,100, all faberge.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY Elizabeth Gibson STYLING Astrid Joss assisted by Remi Betesh MAKEUP Lori Woodhouse using Tom Ford HAIR Larry King and James Pryce at Larry King using Larry King products and Dyson JEWELLERY Fabergé LOCATION Royal Penthouse Suite, Corinthia (corinthia.com) FLOWERS By Appointment Only Design

FA S H I O N

Madeira gown, POA, carolinecastigliano.com.

Dentelle de Perles earrings, ÂŁ51,200; Rococo pavĂŠ diamond rose gold ring, ÂŁ4,600, both faberge.com

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Silk crepe jacket and trousers, POA, ralphandrusso.com. Palais Tsarskoye Selo Turquoise pendant, £4,600; Diamond Round ring, £469,800; Simple I Love You Yellow Gold Crossover Bangle, £2,500, all faberge.com

FA S H I O N

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Imagine gown in silk mikado and raffia, POA, stewartparvin.com.

Soleil de Nuit emerald necklace, £295,500; Emerald ring, £23,500; Demantoid Garnet White Fire ring, £113,700, all faberge.com

FA S H I O N

Bluebell gown, £3,920, jennypackham.com.

Impératrice Diamond Rose Gold pendant, £4,700; Délices D’Été earrings, £30,400; Diamond Round ring, £469,800; Rococo Lace Sapphire and Diamond Rose Gold bangle, £37,200; Rococo Pavé Diamond Rose Gold ring, £4,600, all faberge.com

FA S H I O N

Serrano crepe and silk organza gown, POA, suzanneneville.com. Dentelle de Perles bracelet, £147,800, Zenya Sapphire pendant, £28,800, Délices D’Été Blue Sapphire ring, £59,100, all faberge.com

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FA S H I O N

Lenny off-the-shoulder gown, POA, Mira Zwillinger on request at brownsbride.com.

Menuet Opal earrings, £14,400; Menuet Opal pendant, £20,500; Délices D’Été Blue Sapphire ring, £59,100, all faberge.com

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VRM 116 pantsuit, £2,900, Viktor&Rolf at brownsbride.com. Lady Levity rose gold and platinum watch, £16,000; Demantoid Garnet White Fire ring, £113,700, both faberge.com

This page Mermaid gown with ostrich feathers and Swarovski crystals, POA, celiakritharioti.gr. Impératrice Ruby Tassel earrings, £12,200; Impératrice Ruby Tassel pendant, £35,700; Emotion Charmeuse Emerald ring, £28,100, Emotion Ruby Thin ring, £8,400, all faberge.com Opposite Diana Dotty Falling Flowers dress, POA, phillipalepley.com. Zhivago earrings, £34,900; Lady Compliquée Winter timepiece, £51,200; Emotion multi-coloured ring, £14,400; Diamond round ring, all faberge.com

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FA S H I O N

Makeup Illuminating Protective Primer, £60 for 30ml; Waterproof Foundation/ Concealer – Fawn, £66 for 30ml; Concealing Pen 3.0 £42; Illuminating Powder – Translucent, £60 for 6g; Brow Sculptor – Espresso, £40 for 0.3g; The Ultimate Bronzer – Gold Dust, £75 for 15g; Cream and Powder Eye Color – Naked Bronze, £49 for 2.2g; Eye Color Quad – Honeymoon, £68 for 6g; Eye Kohl Intense – Metallic Mink, £29 for 0.2oz; Extreme Mascara – Raven, £38 for 6ml; Cheek Color – Inhibition, £49 for 8g; Lip Color – Spanish Pink, £40 for 3g; Ultra Shine Lip Gloss – Naked, £36 for 7ml; Lip Lacquer Liquid Matte – Universal Appeal, £40, all tomford.co.uk

D E S T I N AT I O N S

THE ART OF THE There’s no fatigue quite like the postnuptial variety. After a year of planning, three days without sleep, and emotions set to ingÊnue-at-the-Oscars, forego the long-haul honeymoon and explore closer to home, suggests Elle Blakeman

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B A L LY F I N , I R E L A N D

Ireland? For a honeymoon? No, really. The Emerald Isle knows a thing or two about picturesque landscapes and starry-eyed lovers, and it’s just a short hop to Dublin.

Ballyfin, at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, walks a perfect line between impressive and charming. A strikingly elegant country estate setting is balanced by the easy-going nature of the staff. Walk among acres of private parkland, ancient woods and walled gardens; boat on a majestic lake; or try archery or falconry before returning to the manor for whiskey by a roaring fire. Foodies will love the restaurant, where the menu alone sets tastebuds tingling: sea bass with vanilla parsnip purĂŠe, native Dexter beef with confit potato, wild garlic, and lashings of butter from Cork. Wellness worshippers will rejoice in the heavenly, award-winning spa. ballyfin.com. From 560 euros per deluxe room per night, B&B

E L I V I , S K I AT H O S

Jetting to a sun-drenched island is how a honeymoon should begin. And Skiathos, in the Aegean Sea, has long been a favourite of those seeking the sweeping bays and blue seas for which the Greek islands are famous.

But the new Elivi hotel has raised the bar for luxury on the island.

Atop a hill on the Pounta peninsula, surrounded by a pine forest and olive groves, and overlooking the idyllic white-sand Koukounaries beach, it offers five-star treatment while sacrificing none of the local charm.

The secluded and romantic Grace suites lead straight to the beach.

Private pools and lush courtyards mean you can spend as much time with only your beloved as you wish. And an extensive spa with indoor pool, hammam and sauna ensures time alone when you need it. elivihotels.com (+30 2310 473346). Book now for stays from June 2019.

From 250 euros per night, based on two people sharing a room

BAG N I D I P I SA , T U S C A N Y

What could be more romantic than swimming gently beneath a cascade of warm thermal water in a natural cave? Not much. And that’s before you get to a bath sunk into the rock and a stone bench on which to lie. The bath is naturally formed to fit two people perfectly, proving this heaven-on-earth oasis was destined for honeymooners.

The five-star hotel is equally resplendent, as only the Italians can truly manage, with fresco ceilings and rococo furnishings. Extravagant gardens boast bursting flowers and, beyond rolling sun-dappled hills, the tower of Pisa is just about visible.

Charismatic staff endlessly tempt you to another glass of red before you head to your fourposter bed, to recline like a Downton character.

This is for those who wish for nothing but rest and recuperation. bagnidipisa.com (booking@bagnidipisa.com or +39 050 88501). From 208 euros per room per night, B&B. Includes Wi-Fi, and access to the spa, thermal pools and fitness facilities

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D E S T I N AT I O N S

“A CHARMING, BOHEMIAN VIBE THAT IS CRYING OUT FOR AN OSSIE CLARK DRESS”

HÔTE L MISINCU, CORISCA

Like a secret kept by glamorous Parisians – they call it the Île de Beauté – Corsica makes a perfect post-wedding escape. Its captivating, dramatic landscape, warm Mediterranean sea and velvet-black nights are complemented by a handful of Europe’s most chic boutique hotels.

Avoid the family-friendly south of the island and head for the rugged clifftops north of Cap Corse (an hour’s drive from Bastia, which is a twohour flight from London). At the new Hôtel Misincu, you’ll be entranced into a romantic cocoon. Natural stone and billowing white cloth create a charming, bohemian vibe that is crying out for an Ossie Clark dress and a glass of Irrésistible Blanc. An excellent spa is hidden in the woods, surrounded by a gently babbling brook, like something from a fairy tale.

Dinner at the Tra di Noi is a lingering affair, with course after course of fresh local produce – rock lobster, spider crabs, grilled veal – and a wine list befitting a sophisticated Gallic clientele.

Hire a vintage car for daytime – the winding coastal road is exhilarating. And take the time to drink in the views and ancient ruins of Rogliano or the old fishing port of Saint-Florent. At night, enjoy the almost pure darkness on a terrace overlooking the sea and feel that wedding stress fade away. hotel-misincu.com; from 280 euros. Air Corsica flights start from less than £50 each way, from London Stansted (aircorsica.com)

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GIFT LIST

Present sense If you’re engaged now, you’re lucky – very lucky. Why? Because planning your wedding is easier, thanks to Platinum by Prezola – one of the best-kept secrets in luxury gifting

P

rezola is an exquisitely stylish wedding gift specialist.

Since launching in 2010, it’s helped thousands of couples create their ultimate wedding list, providing over a million presents to guests around the world.

If that weren’t enough, Platinum by Prezola – its curated gift list – is one of the best kept secrets in wedding planning. This highly exclusive service is available by invitation only, via carefully chosen wedding planners, venues, honeymoon providers, bridal designers and boutiques, or by going online to register your interest.

Why are we so thrilled by this? Because Platinum by Prezola delivers two can’t-live-without benefits for every couple: an entirely bespoke wedding registry, with gifts sourced from all over the world, and a one hundred per cent individual and attentive luxury personal shopping service for you and your guests. This is an offering to be celebrated.

Allow your Platinum by Prezola personal shopper to help create a gift list, combining gifts from London’s finest shops with timeless heirlooms, cool lifestyle gifts, well-known heritage brands and unexpected treasures.

Choose incredible furniture from the fabulous Andrew Martin, ‘impossible to find anywhere else’ homeware items from L’Objet and

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GIFT LIST

“HAVE ABSOLUTELY LOVED OUR EVENING OPENING ALL OF OUR WEDDING GIFTS! IT’S LIKE THE MOST AMAZING CHRISTMAS!” Francesca & Thomas

gorgeous luggage from Acqua di Parma. Begin to create your own legacy, selecting heirlooms such as British-designed cutlery from Robert Welch, handmade bone china tableware from Richard Brendon and designer candleholders from Georg Jensen. Or how about modern gadgets, like a fancy juicer from Bugatti, or his-and-hers indulgences, such as matching robes from Soho Home or a luxury candle from Jo Malone?

Platinum by Prezola also lets you ask for contributions towards your dream honeymoon, wonderful experiences like spa breaks and wine tastings, and donations to your favourite charity.

With more than five hundred gorgeous brands from which to choose, and a further two hundred exclusive stores that you won’t find on any other wedding list service, Platinum by Prezola turns curating your wedding registry into a joy.

See anything you’d like to add from any store, anywhere in the world?

Your Platinum by Prezola personal shopper will add it.

Here’s your chance to create your dream gift list, to reflect your personality as a couple, to begin your married life in style, to create amazing experiences and memories… and to have fun!

Find out more at platinum.prezola.com. Email platinum@prezola.com or telephone 0203 409 3051 or 0203 409 3052

MINE readers have been personally invited to apply for the exclusive Platinum by Prezola curated wedding gift list. The usual £250 fee will be waived.

To qualify, simply mention MINE when registering your interest

D E S T I N AT I O N S

MAGICAL

mallorca

1

D E S T I N AT I O N S

The glamorous Mediterranean island sparkles both day and night. Astrid Joss discovers the beauty of its two best 2019 honeymoon resorts

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D E S T I N AT I O N S

LA RESIDENCIA

Prepare to be bewitched by one of Europe’s most charming hotels.

It showcases the other side of Mallorca, away from the partygoers and late nights that made the beautiful Balearics famous. This is the sophisticated side: serenity that only nature can create prevails. Yet it is as fun as it is peaceful, as energetic as it is calm, and a destination from which you will return invigorated, however you spend your time.

Within the scenic hillside village of Deià, it offers spectacular views of the Tramuntana mountains and sparkling sea. The beautiful honeycoloured stone building comes from manor houses in which generations of Majorcan families have resided since the sixteenth century.

The enchanting grounds are dotted with sweet scented citrus trees, and there are olive groves even older than the buildings. Homemade olive oil is served at the restaurants and utilised in the spa treatments.

Exploring the property is an adventure in itself, with surprises in every corner. Enjoy a landscape awash with bougainvillea. Take a seat on the scenic Poet’s Walk to read that book you’ve always meant to get around to. Run your hand across a bronze sculpture in the gardens, gaze at a piece of outdoor art from Miró, or ruffle the mane of a donkey.

The hotel is a gastronomic champion and, under its three-decadeloyal chef Guillermo Mendez, prides itself on Mediterranean cuisine and local wine. There’s fine dining at El Olivo and tapas at Café Miró, named after the Spanish artist whose works adorn the walls.

Savour the main terrace at sunset: a romantic scene to which we would normally be privy only via cinema. As the hilltops of Deià are drenched in evening sun, the golden hour appears in every sense.

Waiters in vintage-style white aprons deliver cocktails, the piano creates a sophisticated mood, and dressed-up guests provide people-watching.

Rooms are stylish and spacious with wonderful details; staff go the extra mile to deliver a perfect stay. Villas offer private terraces, plunge pools and further mind-blowing views. Suites are accessed via external corridors that take every opportunity to keep those views in sight.

Should you wish to venture further afield, the delightful Deià is on your doorstep. Wander to ancient churches, artisan shops, and fish restaurants. More active guests can venture out with a bicycle and guide, or via Vespa, with a picnic packed by the hotel. belmond.com

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“PREPARE TO BE BEWITCHED

BY ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST CHARMING HOTELS”

“THE IMMACULATE GROUNDS AND GRAND STONE FAÇADE GIVE AN AIR OF SPLENDOUR AND CHARM”

T H E S T. R E G I S M A R D AVA L L

Between the Balearic Sea and the stunning Tramuntana mountains sits the glamorous and grand St. Regis Mardavall. Modern it may be, but the design and overall style have fused traditional elements to deliver a true Majorcan experience – perfect for couples and families alike.

A mere ten minutes’ drive from downtown Palma and the yacht harbour of Puerto Portals, it is one of the island’s most sought-after resorts, with a strong celebrity following. My own stay coincided with that of footballers, a well-known model and an array of designer-dressed guests. The poolside could frequently have been mistaken for a catwalk.

Huge attractions are the immaculate grounds and grand stone façade, giving an air of splendour and charm. The 125 light and bright rooms and suites have been refurbished to accommodate every well-travelled guest’s needs. The lobby and communal areas are unusually spacious, decked out with marble and stone. Hundreds of covetable artworks complete the stylish impression.

The St. Regis Mardavall has also mastered the art of indulgent downtime. There are two pools: one adult-only, the other cleverly positioned a stone’s throw away across a lawn lined with palm trees.

Honeymooning couples will delight at the modest yet effective distance, yet it’s close enough for parents to venture over within minutes. Ideal should you revisit en famille after you’re wed.

The palatial adult pool is pleasing to the eye, with an army of staff discreetly positioned. One’s privacy is maintained but, with a click of the fingers, towels are changed or drinks are delivered to your lounger.

The children’s pool includes a play area and kids club. Both pools have lifeguards, so there is little to do other than relax and get shuteye.

The Arabella Spa sets world-class standards in size, range and quality, from the gym to the treatments and on-hand specialists, including two Chinese physicians. There’s even a hotel boutique on site, with fashionable beachwear and accessories.

For dining and cocktails, the hotel again delivers – and then some.

The Michelin-starred Es Fum has a sea-view terrace and, with chef de cuisine Miguel Navarro at the helm, is an absolute must. Guests travel from afar just to experience his delightful offerings.

For a more relaxed scene, Aqua delights with a blend of bistro and brasserie. Cocktails are taken on the hotel’s palatial terrace overlooking the beautifully manicured grounds and the sea, with charming staff attending to your every whim. marriott.com

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D E S T I N AT I O N S

VENUES

COOL NIGHTS AND

CITY CHIC

From the perfect ballroom to intimate party venues, MINE rounds up London’s bridal hot spots

BEST FIRST NIGHT

T H E C O N N A U G H T, M a y f a i r

On luxurious Mount Street – amid Céline, Erdem, Louboutin and Caroline Herrera, restaurants such as Scott’s and smart art galleries – The Connaught is the grande dame of the neighbourhood.

Its latest masterpiece is The Mews, a private three-storey townhouse offering world-class hospitality and the keys to your own front door. This one-of-a-kind residence feels like a private house in the heart of the city.

Modern art adds a contemporary air, while wooden floors, natural light and a baby grand piano give a classic feel. A terrace is a perfect place to entertain friends and family, and start the party up again!

Complementary touches include twenty-four-hour butler service, a Moynat leather jewellery trunk filled with vintage treasures from Susan Caplan and even a Bentley to help you explore the capital and beyond. the-connaught.co.uk

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BEST party venue

M A I S O N A S S O U L I N E , P i c c a d i l l y Concept store for the Assouline brand by day, oasis of style by night, this Grade II-listed former banking hall has been hailed as a three-storey love letter to the rare and aspirational. A private gallery seats forty, while there is standing room for seventy upstairs and two hundred downstairs for a cocktails-and-canapĂŠs event. assouline.com

VENUES

MOST ROMANTIC BAR

CLARIDGE’S, Mayfair

For a romantic rendezvous, or an evening off from ‘wedmin’, choose the wonderful Fumoir Bar at Claridge’s – a landmark within a landmark. With Lalique paneling and rich velvet seating, it is an Art Deco jewellery box. Basil Ionides etched the priceless mirrors that grace its walls and René Lalique presented the glass panel above its door.

This heady glamour is complemented by a 1930s-themed cocktail menu. Swizzles, Daisies, Crustas, Cups, Sours, Juleps and Pick-me-ups, all from original recipes, are served in Lalique glasses. As in the thirties, everything is freshly-made, not preprepared.

So get your best heels on, wear your shiniest of diamonds and get ready to inhale the glamorous vibes that only the Fumoir creates. It’s guaranteed to get you in the party spirit, just as much as it will relax you. claridges.co.uk

BEST BALLROOM

M A N D A R I N O R I E N TA L , K n i g h t s b r i d g e

The refurbished Mandarin Oriental is the most regal of London hotels.

Its neighbours include Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Sloane Stree, it backs on to Hyde Park and its grand facade is a sight to behold. The hotel was the Queen’s choice to host an reception for Prince William on the eve of his marriage, confirming it as a modern royal location.

The ballroom is every bride’s dream: bright, clean lines and exquisite details, including twenty-four-carat gilding and floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking views over Hyde Park. The tranquil terrace gives a country-garden-like air, despite being in the beating heart of London.

Seating 250, the ballroom has a sprung dancefloor and connects to The Loggia, a private area for welcoming guests. To use the entrance, permission must be sought from the palace. Now that’s a royal venue! mandarinoriental.com

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CORINTHIA HOTE L , W e s t m i n s t e r This is ideal for a

sophisticated hen party. A Steinway piano sets the tone and a champagne trolley initiates the afternoon tea service. Bone china by Richard Brendon is filled by a tea sommelier serving bespoke blends.

There are delicious seasonal sandwiches, traditional scones, beautiful pastries and cakes. This is the ultimate afternoon tea experience. corinthia.com

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BY

APPOINTMENT

O N LY

DESIGN

PERFUMES

A LOVE AFFAIR A love affair is in the DNA of By Appointment Only Design Perfumes, and to echo this, the ten stunning fragrances in the home collection are presented in Italian crystal. The collection also features diffusers, crafted in beautiful complementing Italian crystal bottles. (Diffusers available in five fragrances only).

By Appointment Only Design Perfumes 193 Wardour Street, London, W1F 8ZF www.byappointmentonlydesignperfumes.com

GIFTS

MINE Bobble jug, £85

gift Andrew Martin Iznik Red cushion, £99

guide The MINE team present a few of their wedding gift list favourites from the amazing selection at weddingshop.com

Omersa footstool, £432

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GIFTS Casa Carta sun, black and gold candle, £175

Heathfield & Company, Yves lamp, £737

Soho Home La Merce cushion, £135

Missoni John 160 duvet cover, £504 Dartington Crystal clock, £110

Jonathan Adler Op Art box, £158 L’Objet pour Fortuny canister, £200

Nkuku Odum ottoman, £395 Arca double-sided makeup mirror, £570.50 Baccarat Gingko vase, £795

Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede candle, £300

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GIFTS Bloom & Wild twelve-month flower subscription, £300

Helen Moore Signature Collection custion, £59 Rosanna Lonsdale Coral Reef lamp, £295

BED OF

ROSES Yves Delorme Etoile bathrobe, £249

Vifa at TWS wireless speaker, £349

MINE Online editor Remi Betesh chooses bedroom gifts from weddingshop.com

House of Hackney Saber cushion, £195

Lantau by Oka dressing table, £1,735

GIFTS Mr & Mrs Smith gift voucher towards one night at the Grace Santorini for two, £840

Lumitrix Sindri by Astrid Harrisson framed print, £1,238

Avoca mohair throw, £157.50

Heathfield & Company lamp, £889

Missoni Home Kew T59 cushion, £148 GioBagnara playing card box, £414

Oka Versailles console, £695

Anna New York by Rablabs Lumino coasters, £192

Umbra Wobble chess set, £250

One Nine Eight Five Labyrinth throw, £165

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GIFTS Kate Spade Two of a Kind cocktail shaker, £57.50

Andrew Martin Crispin sofa, £684

Anna New York

by Rablabs Tigela bowl, £1,200

Design House Stockholm Knot, £76

Lalique Tourbillons vase, £790

WATCH THIS

SPACE MINE founder Javier Salvador chooses living area gifts from weddingshop.com

House of Hackney Serpentis candelabra, £195

William Yeoward Vita goblet, £200 Moulin The House Porter’s Chair, £787.50

GIFTS Newgate Clocks Mr Edwards clock, £100

Mason Cash Baker’s Authority batter bowl, £17

Ralph Lauren Home, Bentley ice bucket and tongs, £295

Global knife block set, £1,207.50

Summerill & Bishop S&B napkin ring, £42.50

Christofle Albi coffeepot, £1,088

Richard Brendon meets Patternity collection, from £40

Summerill & Bishop Happy tablecloth, £425 Magimix Vision 11531 toaster, £145

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Truly Experiences exclusive Michelin-starred foodie getaway in San Sebastián, £1,200

Staub cocotte, £279

Ercuis Snail placecard holders, £138.50

Mackenzie-Childs Parchment Check enamel canister, £92

COOK TO

PERFECTION MINE editor Astrid Joss chooses kitchen and dining gifts from weddingshop.com

Soho Home Audley salt grinder, £125 William Yeoward Vita champagne coupe,

Nicholas Mosse Lawn cookie jar, £70.40

Tom Dixon Stone chopping board, £80

The gift list gurus

T

You may have a bridal Everest of wedding prep to climb, but one of the greatest joys is your gift list journey. Do it in style at The Wedding Shop’s new London showroom The Townhouse

he run-up to the ultimate moment – your wedding day – is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with just as many pleasures and excitements. One of those is choosing your gift list. The results magically appear just when you think it’s all over, and become part of your nuptial legacy. And The Wedding Shop’s new London showroom will hit just the spot!

The Townhouse showcases more than three thousand gifts (from a 40,000-strong selection on The Wedding Shop’s website). With over 350 leading global brands from which to choose, you won’t be left wanting more. But if you can’t find something you want, the team are happy to add it. From honeymoons to cashmere throws, charity funds to a fabulous Tipperary Crystal chandelier, the choice is endless – and all the hard work is done for you. All you have to do is get that finger out and point, or add as you go by scanning via the app.

The eleven spacious rooms, over four floors, have been beautifully designed to create inspirational home spaces. Packed with unique products that you might not even have thought of, plus much-needed practical items in your favourite brands, there’s more than enough to match your personal style. Just think: 156 kitchenware appliances, eighty-six pillow cases – from linen to Egyptian cotton – and eightythree styles of cushion. And that’s just the start!

Gift Gurus are on hand for expert advice, with great knowledge on all items. Are you House of Hackney and Tom Dixon lovers or more of a Ralph Lauren Home-meets-Neptune couple? At The Wedding Shop’s Townhouse, you’ll soon find out!

312 Fulham Road, SW10 (020 7384 8400). Email townhouse@weddingshop.com to book your appointment. Can’t make it to the showroom? Create your list online at weddingshop.com

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GIFT LIST

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to

&

toHOLD

From makeup to manicure, hair to skin, and fragrance to tan, Samantha Freedman selects the best bridal beauty buys

MA

ESSEN E R U C I N

IN THE NUDE

Classic nude nails are flattering and give the illusion of longer fingers. Kure Bazaar offer a magical trio: Nomade, Kimono and Sable, each with slightly different undertones to coordinate with your skintone (£15 each, reve-en-vert.com).

TIALS

TOP TIPS

Feeling daring? Choose the colour of love and passion with two coats of Chanel Le Vernis in Ultime (£22, chanel.com) – a true red with a matte velvet finish.

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CUTE STUFF

Finish with a sprinkle of Kure Bazaar Organic Cuticle Oil (£32, reve-en-vert.com).

The sweet almond oil and rose petals ensure stronger, healthier nails.

BEAUT Y

LIKE A DIAMOND

Cartier Carat (£52 for 30ml, available nationwide) was inspired by light bouncing off diamonds.

They’ve matched the rainbow of light to floral notes: think violet, iris, daffodil, tulip and honeysuckle. It’s how wedding bouquets should smell…

S E N S UAL SC ENTS

LIGHT ME UP

Ensure your dressing area smells divine with Jo Malone’s Honeysuckle & Davana candle (£47 for 200g, jomalone. co.uk). It’s an alluring mix of romantic rose, fresh fruits, woods and sunshine.

H EA RTS & F L OW E R S

Kenzo has disguised its Flower by Kenzo scent in a Gel Cushion Compact (£29.50, fragrancedirect.co.uk).

I N T OX I CAT I N G

YSL’s best-selling Black Opium comes in a neat Click & Go stick (£29, yslbeauty.co.uk) – perfect to pop in your wedding clutch.

BEAUT Y

WAV E H E L L O

FORM HAIR TRANS

ERS

Beautiful bridal waves are easy with ghd’s Platinum+ Styler (£175, ghdhair.com).

Its smart tech recognises the thickness of your hair and adapts the power and heat accordingly, so there are no frazzled strays.

CONDITION C R I T I CA L

Brides with brittle or fine hair, or split ends, need to commit to Kérastase’s Resistance Extentioniste range. The shampoo (£19.80, kerastase. co.uk) and conditioner (£22.90), combined with the weekly at-home mask (£31.70), strengthen and rebuild lengths and tips in just weeks.

M WA H ! Prepare for ‘I do’ kisses with Kiehl’s Buttermask for Lips (£22 for 8g, kiehls. co.uk): an overnight treatment infused with coconut oil and wild mango butter.

LUMINOUS S KIN PERFEC TORS

ALL EYES

Elemis’ Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream (£38 for 15ml, elemis.com) is the way to get freshlooking peepers. It also helps diminish the onset of crow’s feet.

G L O W G I R L Before your base, prep with Dr Sebagh’s Luminous Glow Cream (£72 for 50ml, drsebagh. com). It brightens and tightens skin.

SKIN DEEP

Start with AlumierMD’s EverActive C&E serum (£149 for three months’ supply, alumiermd.co.uk).

Your skin will look more even and radiant, thanks to its cocktail of vitamins C and E.

EYE NO

If you wake with puffy eyes, Sensai’s Extra Intensive 10 Minute Revitalising Pads (£100 for ten, harrods. com) tackle them quickly and easily.

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QUICK FIX

CA M O B A BY

A spritz of Lancôme’s Fix It Forget It Setting Mist (£28 for 100ml, lancome.co.uk) will hold everything in place so you can dance the night away, confident your makeup will endure.

Bobbi Brown’s Camo Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette (£49.50, bobbibrown.co.uk) features the ultimate nude shadows paired with a stunning golden highlighter.

Swoosh over cheekbones and collarbones, and down arms, for a perfect glow.

F L AW L E S S M AKEUP

C R Y H A R D Happy tears? Hourglass’ Caution Extreme Lash Mascara (£25 for 8.7g, selfridges.com) may not claim to be waterproof, but stays put through a lot.

L OV E A C T UA L L Y

Becca’s move into skincare has yielded the genius weightless blur foundation Skin Love (£32, johnlewis. com). With medium but buildable coverage, your skin will still look like yours – just better.

G THING

Guerlain’s customisable Rouge G lipstick (from £14.50, selfridges.com) lets you pick the perfect shade and case for your special day.

PRIME NUMBERS

Colour-correctors and radiance-boosters, Givenchy’s Prisme Primers (£30.50 each, 01932 233 824) come in six magical shades.

They disguise dark circles and redness, hide enlarged pores and boost brightness.

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FR AG R ANCE

Want to tickle your true love’s fancy with lasting memories? Nothing ticks that box finer than fragrance – and nobody does it better than luxury perfumer The House of Creed

GIFTS FOR

C

reed has owned the ‘ultimate luxury fragrance house’ title for well over two hundred and fifty years. It’s desperately sophisticated and oh-so aspirational, creating fragrances of unbeatable quality, with to-die-for scents.

The men’s eau de parfum Aventus debuted in 2010 and rocked the fragrance world. The bold, confident scent – with notes of blackcurrant, bergamot, apple and pineapple, jasmine, patchouli, oak moss and ambergris – made it the discerning gentleman’s choice.

Its success heralded the launch of Aventus For Her in 2016. A match made in heaven! Feminine and empowering, it captures the mood of a modern romance. Opulent and sensual tones come from accords of green apple, pink pepper and bergamot, while rose, sandalwood, amber, peach and ylang yang add passion.

We all love a perfect match, so why not treat yourself while gifting your loved one? Seal the deal with Creed’s personalised monogramming and gift wrapping, which is easy to do online. Add a date, initials or a special message, and turn the bottle and scent into something personal to last forever.

Want to take your declaration of love even further? Creed’s bespoke fragrance consultation – available instore – is the ultimate journey to discover the ‘one’ – the scent, that is. creedfragrances.co.uk; Creed Boutique 99 Mount St, W1 (020 7495 1795)

Aventus, available in four sizes from £170 Aventus For Her, available in four sizes from £140

Women’s Fragrance Discovery Coffret, £250, selfridges.com

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“A match made in heaven!”

GROOMING FOR

Groom, guest or best man? Don’t let the bride have all the glory. Jessica Punter presents our prescription for clear skin and bright eyes for gentlemen on the big day

There’s always a lot of hand-shaking – make sure yours are super-smooth with Chanel’s nourishing La Crème Main Texture Riche (£45 for 50ml, chanel. com)

Tailor a personal fragrance combination with Jo Malone’s collaboration with Savile Row outfitter Huntsman (£120 each, jomalone.co.uk)

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Keep unruly brows in check with the pocket-sized Tom Ford For Men Brow Gelcomb (£33, tomford.co.uk)

Look fresh and disguise the hangover with the light coverage Tom Ford For Men Concealer (£34, tomford.co.uk)

Winter wedding? Hide dull, sallow skin beneath a natural-looking glow, courtesy of Le Labo Face Bronzer (£30 for 60ml, mrporter.com)

Calm jitters, hydrate skin and smell good with Aman’s woody Grounding Desert Dew Face Mist (£75 for 100ml, shop.aman.com)

Instant Filter Moisturizer (£31 for 50ml, labseries. co.uk) is a camera-ready corrector that evens out skin tone and disguises blemishes

Stop spots: this compact, professional-style LED tool kills blemish-causing bacteria.

Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpotLite Blemish Reducer, £58, spacenk.com

Roll away evidence of stag-night debauchery with Clinique for Men’s cooling Super Energizer Anti-Fatigue Depuffing Eye Gel (£26 for £100ml, clinique.co.uk)

BEAUT Y

ALL ABOUT THAT FACE PHOTOGRAPH BY NATO WELTON

These pioneering aesthetic treatments promise to reshape and refine. By Francesca White

FOR HOODED E Y E S

F OR PUFFIN E S S

WHAT IS IT? Ultralift Eye

WHAT IS IT? Sculpt & Shape Facial

HOW DOES IT WORK? Dr Sebagh is renowned for his Ultralift

HOW DOES IT WORK? Treatments with ‘skin whisperer’ Nataliya

treatment, which uses pulsed ultrasound energy to shorten the deep layer of muscle that is repositioned in facelifts. (The result is an elegant jawline, and subtly sharper cheekbones.) Now he’s using it to tackle eyelids. A tiny applicator has been specifically shaped to reach parts of the eye that were once tricky to treat, such as crow’s feet, upper eyelids and under-eye bags. It takes approximately ten minutes per eye, and the sensation is extremely hot. But it works – the muscles contract and new collagen is created, leaving the eye area looking brighter and more awake. The treatment can be combined with Botox, PRP and microneedling (excellent for crêpey skin).

Robinson verge on soporific – but the Sculpt & Shape Facial packs a punch. It uses noninvasive radio frequencies to stimulate collagen below the skin’s surface, helping to tighten and lift slack tissue. Gentle vacuum therapy across the face helps drain excess fluid. There’s also plenty of hands-on deep tissue massage and fluttering lymphatic drainage, which feels lovely as you recline on a heated bed. You’ll leave with a rested yet refined complexion.

From £200. Nataliya Robinson, 07774 544 455, nataliyarobinson.co.uk

From £350. Dr Sebagh, 25 Wimpole Street, W1, drsebagh.com

FOR DOUBLE CHINS

F OR SAG GING SK IN

WHAT IS IT? CoolMini

WHAT IS IT? BTL Exilis + Dr Levy Ultra Stem Cell Lifts

HOW DOES IT WORK? CoolSculpting freezes unwanted fat cells,

Queen – has a new string to her bow. Her lifting facial harnesses the power of Exilis’ patented radio frequency treatment (creating collagen) and Dr Levy’s supercharged stem cell products (rejuvenating lacklustre skin). The combination brings an immediate tightness to facial contours, and the heat generated by the Exilis helps push nourishing serums deeper into the dermis. In as little as three months, the face feels more taut and the skin is noticeably springier. Weekly treatments are recommended.

which causes them to rupture and release the fat inside. Dr Tracy Mountford’s CoolMini, however, has been specifically developed for beneath the chin. It uses the same freezing technology, but it is delivered via a significantly smaller treatment head, which latches on to under-chin wobble and holds fatty deposits inside its cavity. It grips tightly, though not painfully, and the area becomes numb. Within half an hour, the grip loosens, and the area (now ice-cold) is massaged back to life. There’s no downtime, though the area might feel bruised. One, sometimes two, treatments bring a new sharpness to the jaw, and a definite reduction in wobble.

£950 per session, or £2,500 for a course of three.

Dr Rita Rakus, 34 Hans Road, SW3, drritarakus.com

From £800. The Cosmetic Skin Clinic, 8 Devonshire Place, W1, cosmeticskinclinic.com

F O R T I R E D FAC E S

FOR L OST VOLUME

WHAT IS IT? Centennial Skin Lift Treatment

WHAT IS IT? Dermal fillers

HOW DOES IT WORK? Dr Dirk Kremer’s Centennial Skin Lift

HOW DOES IT WORK? Founder of the PHI Clinic – one of the slickest

promises to plump and refine the skin. First, a sample of your blood is taken and spun in a centrifuge, which separates growth-factor-rich platelets from watery plasma. This is injected into the dermis (numbing cream makes it bearable). Next, Dr Kremer rolls a microneedling device across the face, creating tiny wounds that encourage the skin to selfrepair, and thus produce new collagen. The final step is an application of Centennial Skin Serum, which contains growth factors and accelerates healing. Expect one day of downtime, and apply a light layer of the serum, morning and night, to soothe and hydrate. In ensuing weeks, the skin appears smoother and even fine lines fade.

spaces on Harley Street – Dr Tapan Patel is a safe pair of hands. His work with filler (hyaluronic acid – he uses the Juvéderm range from Allergan) is undertaken only after a meticulous consultation; you return on a separate day for the procedure. When the time comes, he injects gradually: perhaps to temples that have hollowed, or jawlines that have begun to collapse. His fillers don’t distort or add volume that wasn’t there; they simply restore the face’s original framework. Tiny tweaks can be made; perhaps to the tear troughs, if the under-eyes are looking tired.

The downtime can last a few days: the areas injected will be tender, and there may be a tiny bruise where the needle has entered the skin. But the result – a youthful, happier visage – is immediate.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Dr Rita Rakus – known as the London Lip

£2,200. Dr Dirk Kremer, 64 Harley Street, W1, harleystreetaesthetics.com

From £750. PHI Clinic, 102 Harley Street, W1, phiclinic.com

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