The Mayfair Magazine January 2017

Page 1




LOND LOND ON ON B OBUTIQUE O UTIQUE - 15A - 15A NEW NEW B OND B OND STREET STREET - TEL. - TEL. +44 +44 (0)207 (0)207 499 499 2222 2525 • C • APRI • COURCHEVEL • COURCHEVEL • DUBAI • DUBAI • GENEVA • GENEVA • GSTAAD • GSTAAD • KUWAIT • KUWAIT C ANNES C ANNES C APRI T • NEW • NEW • PARIS • PARIS • PORTO • PORTO • ROME • ROME • S•T S LOND LOND ON ON YORK YORK CERVO CERVO MORITZ MORITZ

www.degrisogono.com www.degrisogono.com

DG_MAYFAIRmag_nov2016.indd DG_MAYFAIRmag_nov2016.indd 1 1


HIGH HIGH JEWELLERY JEWELLERY E ARRINGS E ARRINGS SESE T WITH T WITH WHITE WHITE DIAMONDS DIAMONDS UNIQUE UNIQUE PIECE PIECE

11.11.16 11.11.16 16:41 16:41


Rossana Rossana Flagship Flagship Store Store www.rossana.uk.com www.rossana.uk.com 17 Duke 17 Duke Street, Street, Mayfair Mayfair London London W1U W1U 1DL1DL Tel +44(0)207 Tel +44(0)207 167167 4717 4717

Rossana Rossana UK ADV UK 420x297 ADV 420x297 HT50.indd HT50.indd 1 1

HT50 HT50 design design Massimo Massimo Castagna Castagna


06/07/16 06/07/16 17.0817.08

a.d. massimo castagna / graphics enrico severi

a.d. massimo castagna / graphics enrico severi


42

CONTENTS January 2017 Regulars

60

10 Editor’s letter 12 Five minutes with... The Lord Mayor of Westminster 14 Couture culture The worlds of fashion, film and art collide in January’s cultural round-up 60 Sun worship Seek refuge in a lush oasis with bohemian dresses, tropical prints and vibrant silk scarves 108 Remembering Mayfair A century of travelling with Globe-Trotter

Features 18 The unusual suspects Six exceptional trips to take in 2017

18 26

48 A matter of size Camilla Apcar reports on the rise and rise of monumental sculpture 56 One in Emilia Fashion designer Emilia Wickstead reveals her travel hotspots 90 Tea total January need not be dry – at least not in the traditional sense 100 Heaven is a place on earth It’s time to rethink the Maldives as a destination just for honeymooners

48 24 26 30

The billionaire business Hannah Lemon speaks to Sir Peter Rigby’s son, Steve, about the family’s future and fortune Natural beauty Marianne Dick welcomes jeweller Kat Florence to Mayfair Screen king The illustrious career of Richard E. Grant

82

35 Collection

53 Fashion

80 Health & beauty

94 Travel

45 Art

73 Interiors

87 Food & drink

109 Property


© 2016 TUMI, INC.

211 REGENT STREET • WESTFIELD SHEPHERDS BUSH • LONDON CITY AIRPORT CASE • HARRODS • SELFRIDGES • TUMI.COM/19DEGREE

TS__20161019_Gentleman_Journal_220x290_Right_Left_Page-19DEGREE.indd 1

19/10/2016 15:03


editor’s letter

editor

From the JANUARY 2017 s issue 064

Editor Hannah Lemon Deputy Editor Camilla Apcar Contributing Editors Lauren Romano Kari Colmans Jewellery Editor Olivia Sharpe Watch Editor Richard Brown Editorial Assistant Marianne Dick Editorial Interns James Coney Jacinta Ruscillo Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Daniel Poole

“Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Design Intern Paris Fielder Production Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Danny Lesar Alice Ford General Manager Fiona Fenwick Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Proudly published by

RUNWILD MEDIA GROUP

6th Floor, One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AX 020 7987 4320 www.rwmg.co.uk Runwild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Runwild Media Ltd. takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. DISTRIBUTION: The Mayfair Magazine is distributed in Mayfair, St James’s and Belgravia as well as selected parts of Knightsbridge and Chelsea

Members of the Professional Publishers Association

10

Mark Twain Yes, we know. January is when you’re meant to iron out the kinks in your life as if it were a crumpled Turnbull & Asser shirt, waiting to show off its full potential. Cleanses, juices, retreats – new year, new you and all that. But we’ve decided to focus on a different way to refresh: travel. Camilla Apcar hunts out unusual holiday destinations, from adrenalin-fuelled espionage adventures to poolside chess competitions (p.18), and I speak to Mayfairian Steve Rigby about the multi-billion-pound business of airports and hotels that fuels our escapades (p.24). If this sounds too vigorous, let your mind journey instead – watch Richard E. Grant in Jackie (p.30) or model Kat Florence’s fantastical jewellery like our cover star Sarah Jessica Parker (p.26). It won’t be long before the new you is rewarded with air miles and a cupboard full of diamonds.

Hannah Lemon Editor Follow us on Twitter @MayfairMagazine and Instagram @themayfairmagazine

On the

cover

Also published by

Runwild Media Group

Kat Florence and Sarah Jessica Parker collaboration, shot by Peter Lindbergh (see p.26)

luxurylondon.co.uk A website. A mindset. A lifestyle.



Regulars

5 minutes with...

I have the best job in the world. As Lord Mayor of Westminster, I am the ‘first citizen’ of the district. I still have to pinch myself when I hear that.

I meet and thank people who do amazing things for the local community. There are too many people from all walks of life who don’t get thanked enough. me and said: “So you are in his patch.” It was wonderful to hear.

There’s a flat for me in City Hall. Although I don’t use it.

I’ve done some unusual things for the job. I did a shift with

I live in Vincent Square, the ward I represent.

street sweepers on my hands and knees scraping chewing gum off pavements in Covent Garden. And I’ve been to Norway to cut the Christmas tree down for Trafalgar Square.

The parlour in my office has the best views. I can see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard and Changing the Guard outside Buckingham Palace.

To become Lord Mayor, you have to spend ten years as a city councillor. After I was elected last May, I left the council meeting in the designated Rolls-Royce.

I love wearing the robe and chain. They’re amazing

I love sport. I was lucky to run

The Lord Mayor of

Westminster Councillor Steve Summers reveals the perks of wearing centuries-old robes

icebreakers. People will always come up to talk to me when I have them on.

I grew up in Newcastle. I came to London when I was 18 as an undergraduate at UCL. I was adamant not to stay in London – I’ve been here ever since.

I have three mace bearers and chauffeurs and four people in administration. I am indebted to the team around me.

Going to Mayfair is so exciting. You are in the heart of

I was recently in the receiving line for a visiting head of state with top military personnel, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. When the Queen got to me, she said to the President of Columbia, “This is my Lord Mayor of Westminster”. She beamed at 12

Westminster’s sport and leisure department for five years and was responsible for preparations for the 2012 Olympics. I am a member of Surrey Cricket Club and a Newcastle football fan, which is really stressful because we always seem to be losing.

the capital, standing on its iconic streets. Everything sparkles there.

clockwise from top: the lord mayor of westmnster steve summers; Newcastle United FC crest ©chris dorney/shutterstock; olympic rings ©Julius Kielaitis/shutterstock; Her MAJESTY Queen Elizabeth II ©Shaun Jeffers/shutterstock; newcastle ©Cedric Weber/shutterstock

“Going to Mayfair is so exciting. Everything sparkles there”

I’ll always be remembered for being a young Lord Mayor. It’s great – I want to inspire young people to think that they can do it too.

My parents taught me to be proud of where I’m from and who I am, to strive for my dreams and never let anyone tell me I can’t do something. s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


UNMISSABLE SALE 1 ST – 29 TH JANUARY

Ligne Roset Westend 23/25 Mortimer Street 020 7323 1248 www.ligne-roset-westend.co.uk


literary itinerary

agenda On 1 January, 8,000 people took to the streets to participate in London’s 31st annual New Year’s Day parade, starting at Green Park. The ‘Lights, Camera, Action!’ theme was reflected by entries from the capital’s boroughs alongside 60-foot inflatables, cheerleaders and balloons – not to mention one dedicated member of the Aston Martin Owners Club who flew himself and his vehicle from abroad to take part. The 2.2-mile procession passed by beloved locations including Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. lnydp.com

Couture culture Following a sell-out success at the Bristol Old Vic, director Sally Cookson brings her acclaimed production of Peter Pan to London. Taking inspiration from J. M. Barrie’s original by casting the same actor (Anna Francolini) as both Hook and Mrs Darling, the play intends to show that Peter’s biggest adversary is the maternal figure. Indulge in that familiar fantasy world of Neverland, where you’ll see old favourites Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily and the Lost Boys come to life. From £15, until 4 February, Olivier Theatre, nationaltheatre.org.uk

theatre

Peter Pan from left: Captain Hook (Anna Francolini) ©Steve Tanner 3; Peter Pan (Paul Hilton) and Wendy (Madeleine Worrall) ©Steve Tanner

The talented photographer Yves Duronsoy has partnered with designer and writer Rose Fournier to depict the art of table decoration. Creative Tables is a new book that sees the two Parisians experiment with an array of different designs, cutting out the usual pomp and ceremony by focusing on items found at home. Charming centrepieces are created from books by Voltaire; elsewhere various pasta shapes replace flowers. Each still-life arrangement acts like a film set, transporting readers to a fantastical worlds (to suit any occasion), with recipe suggestions to help complete the look. These pages are full of inspiration for adding a touch of ‘je ne sais quoi’ to any future soirée. £32, published by Assouline, assouline.com


Regulars

top picks Bon voyage Equip yourself with these long-haul essentials

#1 Compass, £74, dalvey.com

FILM

Rules Don’t Apply

A

fter 16 years off screen, Warren Beatty – nominated for 14 Academy Awards – stars in and directs his first feature film since 2001, Rules Don’t Apply. The story follows aspiring actress Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins), who moves from Virginia to Los Angeles and is instantly attracted to her new chauffeur Frank (Alden Ehrenreich).

As the pair grow closer they have to deal with their reclusive billionaire boss (Beatty), who puts their traditional religious values to the test. There’s even an appearance from Beatty’s wife, Annette Bening, who plays Mabrey’s formidable mother. While it may not quite clinch an Oscar, this flick will certainly inspire a smile. In cinemas from 27 January

Experience the beauty of travel by channelling a spot of Hollywood glamour with this handheld cosmetics case in Louis Vuitton’s distinctive canvas

#2 Assouline holdall, £485, farfetch.com

#3 Flask, £1,595, purdey.com

#4 Passport holder, £75, libertylondon.com

#5 Cards, £275, davidlinley.com

Louis Vuitton Nice monogram canvas cosmetics case, £1,740, louisvuitton.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

15


Local news String sensation

Expert eye The London Marriott Hotel on Grosvenor Square is to host the Mayfair Antiques & Fine Art Fair in its grand Westminster ballroom. Forty experts, mostly from The British Antique Dealers’ Association and LAPADA, will display an array of items. Highlights include this rare 19th-century French Empire ormolu mantle timepiece of Love’s chariot from Richard Price (£6,450) and this 20th-century Viennese cold-painted bronze turkey (£4,450) from Hickmet Fine Arts. 5-8 January, The London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, Duke Street, W1K, mayfairfair.com

Out of 764 applications for the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, 163 members were selected to join the ensemble, including 15-year-old Freddie Flintoff from Mayfair (pictured above). Freddie has been playing the violin for nine years and will now perform at some of the top concert halls around the country. The teens undergo a strenuous rehearsal programme to be at the best of their ability for performances, and you can witness one this month with a recital of Brett Dean’s Komarov’s Fall. From £8, 7 January, 7.30pm, Royal Festival Hall, nyo.org.uk

Come home to roost Hakkasan restaurants around the world will be celebrating the Year of the Rooster with a limited edition Chinese New Year menu. Guests will be greeted with a Waltzing Collins cocktail of Asian spirits and fruits to bring good fortune to the next 12 months, followed by a traditional Chinese prosperity salad and a selection of Cantonese cuisine. For extra luck, play close attention to the impressive lion dances during meals on 28 January. From £88, 13 January – 11 February, 17 Bruton Street, W1J, hakkasan.com

In Association with The Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s Committee Members

Chair

Secretary

(Policy & Traffic)

(Crossrail & Finance)

Lois Peltz

Richard Cutt

Planning Applications Ronald Cottee (Planning)


Regulars

Open for business Take the opportunity to kickstart a new venture this year. For two hours on the third Tuesday of every month, like-minded business people can network courtesy of private members’ organisation Business Biscotti. Build connections, support fellow entrepreneurs and Tweet about it to your heart’s content, all the while enjoying some light refreshments. £10, 17 January, 9–11am, The Back Room, Hard Rock Café, 148B Old Park Lane, W1K, businessbiscotti.co.uk

High and dry

The next level

Hands up who’s doing dry January – and who’s dreading it? This month, it’s time to lose that fear with the help of Ruby Warrington, journalist and founder of conscious lifestyle platform The Numinous. She shows us a path to sobriety at the COMO Metropolitan that doesn’t involve locking ourselves indoors until February. With the support of a panel of speakers, learn how to feel good without grabbing your favourite tipple. To top it off, there will be canapés from Rooted London, The Hardihood raw vegan cakes, and a selection of Seedlip mocktails. £30, Off the Röcks, 11 January, 7-10pm, COMO Metropolitan London, 19 Park Lane, W1K, billetto.co.uk/off-the-rocks

If you loathe the very idea of getting into shape and eating your greens, help is on hand. Leading health and fitness brands have united to create the Your Next Level event at the Mayfair outpost of Gentlemen’s Tonic. Receive advice courtesy of Holistic Motions personal trainers, food gurus Motion Nutrition and Raw Press juice experts. There will also be style counsel from Savile Row designer Alexandra Wood and sports apparel brand Castore, to make sure you look just as good as you are bound to feel. 25 January, 31A Bruton Place, W1J, gentlemenstonic.com

Membership

Howard Evans

(Events & Membership)

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Traffic

Lois Peltz

Police

Marie-Louise Burrows

Licensing

Derek Stratton

17


written in the stars The night skies in French Polynesia are particularly clear, thanks to a lack of ambient light and pollution. A local guide can come aboard for an evening of astronomic observation with dinner on deck under the stars

the

unusual


FEATURE

suspects In an age of ever-extraordinary travel experiences, Camilla Apcar finds six exceptional trips to get excited about in 2017

Y.Co’s tropical archipelago escape

French Polynesia

The sky – or indeed the sea – is the limit with any Y.Co superyachting itinerary, and chief of all might just be a trip from Tahiti to Fakarava on board Big Fish: a 45-metre, five-cabin motor with a 22-foot video wall. Spend ten days island hopping the world’s largest coral atoll chain, taking underwater expeditions to shipwrecks, visiting pearl farms and enjoying the onboard chef’s barbecues on private islands with Tahitian dancers. And that’s just for starters. From $245,000 per week, y.co

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

19


fun and philanthropic

igo adventures

A percentage of IGO’s profits are donated to charity. Many competitors choose to fundraise, while friends and family supporters are invited to cheer them over the finish line

Norway, Montana and Morocco The most intrepid travellers will delight in IGO’s quadrathlons. Teams are put to the test in four marathon-length stages over four days, within the depths of the world’s wildernesses: be it Moroccan desert and mountain biking, kayaking and canyon running; or snow running, fat biking, cross-country and downhill skiing through Norwegian mountains. Extreme it may sound, but entrants undergo intense bespoke training in the ultimate preparation programme. From £3,495, igoadventures.com

images courtesy of igo adventures


FEATURE

special ops agency

Worldwide

If the closest you’ve come to being 007 is buying an Aston, it’s time to take your wildest dreams to the next level. A team of ex-SAS and Secret Service operatives can set up a secret mission that might include abseiling out of a helicopter, hostage rescue, evasive driving or capturing and relaying sensitive intelligence. One-to-one training ensures safety is paramount, including handling weapons while explosives detonate in every which direction. Expect a dose of Bond-worthy glamour, too. From £2,850, specialopsagency.com

a masterclass in chess at Ezzahra

Marrakech, Morocco

How better to while a weekend away than a spot of chess? Try a programme of lectures from five-time World Champion Vishy Anand and 2008 British Champion Stuart Conquest, plus their commentary on your own matches, all in the surrounds of a beautiful riad-inspired villa. At Ezzahra there’s tuition for beginners; amateurs can talk tactics with the pros; and for noncompetitive partners, inclusive spa treatments. £2,400, 4-8 May, ezzahra-morocco.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

21


finn lough bubble domes

Enniskillen, Northern Ireland

Rising with the dawn takes new meaning when there are no curtains to shield you from it, and such is the wonderful novelty of sleeping in a bubble dome hidden in a picture-perfect forest. Supremely well-insulated from the winds – and Irish rain – on Lough Erne’s shore, these inflatable suites with just a radio for company are pared back yet utterly modern. An adjoining bathroom is concealed from view, but in a double bubble, a tub puts guests truly at one with nature. From £195, finnlough.com


FEATURE

tatev monastery

the Caucasian Silk Route with steppes

Armenia and Georgia

Starting in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, and working its way across the border to Tbilisi, this group tour is led by historian and University of Cambridge researcher Ian Colvin – whose expertise means the only place to get lost is in the richness of this often overlooked region’s history, architecture and landscapes. Explore ancient monasteries, World Heritage Sites and natural wonders on a road less travelled. From £1,695, 4-16 May, steppestravel.co.uk

the annals of time The snow-covered peak of Mount Ararat (pictured below), a dormant volcano in Turkey that commands views more than 650km away in Yerevan, is said to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

23


The

billionaire business Inside a six-storey building on Brook Street sits Sir Peter Rigby and his £1.8 billion company. The secret of success? Keeping it in the family. Hannah Lemon meets his son Steve to discuss the future of their fortune

“T

here is the adage that the first generation makes it, the second generation grows it and the third generation breaks it.” Steve Rigby is discussing the future of his family empire over a cup of coffee. And while I have only just met the man, his sharp suit, steady eye contact, affable smile and firm handshake are all pointers that he would never allow his children to let a multi-million pound company go to the dogs. The Rigby Group PLC was originally set up in 1975 as a computer consultancy business by Steve’s father, Sir Peter Rigby, who was equipped with just £2,000 and the worry of a young family and a mortgage. It is now a £1.8 billion success story with more than 7,500 employees, and has since diversified to include airports, hotels, real estate, aviation and financial services. With his father at the helm as chairman and CEO, Steve takes the role of COO and his brother James, chief executive. It’s an even distribution of responsibilities now, but there must have been a number of arguments starting out. “There were plenty of those,” Steve smiles knowingly. “But we are differently skilled people. I am mathematical in my approach, strategic; my father is sales-orientated and good at statesman-type activity; and my brother is very operational. We manage to co-exist, but there are some very fraught moments!” While Steve didn’t necessarily yearn to work for the company from a young age, after education there weren’t many other options on the table. “Reality dawns when you’re leaving school. I wasn’t

clockwise from left: steve rigby; PLANES FROM ONE OF THE Regional and City Airports; THE CATHEDRAL ROOM AT BOVEY CASTLE; BOVEY CASTLE

particularly academic and was desperate to start work. I went into the family business when I was about 19. We started a retail company in the UK, which we latterly sold to PC World – that was my first serious adventure.” Now he oversees the real estate and financial services, and sits on the board of the technology and airport divisions. It’s easy to tell that this man has his head in the game, be it learned or in his DNA. Questions are answered pleasantly, if not vaguely; secrecy and privacy seem particularly important to him. (Are there any famous people you have worked with? Yes. Any you would care to mention? No.) The noticeable lack of a tie and his laid-back


INTERVIEW

“Mayfair, compared with other parts of London, is unique... I never fail to walk around and see things that amaze me”

attitude (no PR flapping about), suggest he would be a genuinely pleasant boss. Talking of Rigby & Rigby, a super prime property developer set up in 2006 that sits in the real estate portfolio, he says: “I can still go onto a building site and I know the labourers’ and carpenters’ names. Not just their names but their wives’ names and how many children they have. If you can remember those things, which is a hard thing to do, it means a lot to people.” Steve has three children aged from nine to 17 with his wife, from whom he has recently separated. Will the kids be picked for the Rigby line-up? “It’s too early to tell. My eldest son is very maths-orientated and he’s going to read economics, so I am sure he will find his way into the business.” He insists there isn’t a requirement for them to join up, but also wants to instil a strong work ethic. “We try not to overindulge them. I certainly don’t want them to be trustafarians.” Certainly, Steve’s competitive nature – he races cars and plays polo – seems to have filtered down the family tree; his eldest has played polo for England. “My son and I used to

play a lot of table tennis together,” Steve says, “and when he started beating me it almost got to the point of taking lessons again.” A quick Google and there is hardly a whisper about the family – they’re certainly no flashy Branson equivalent. Even holidays seem to be a low-key event: Steve takes his family to Bovey Castle, a 300-acre retreat in Devon that is part of the Rigby Eden Hotel Collection. “It’s a really magical place. I go there two or three times a year. It’s a proper children’s holiday, playing in the woods and streams. As it should be.” Besides this, he takes to the seas around Europe or the Caribbean. Is it all hands on deck? “It’s more sailing with a drink in your hand,” he laughs. When he’s back on home soil, he splits his time between a country retreat in the Midlands and a townhouse on Dover Street. “Mayfair, compared with other parts of London, is unique. I love the restaurants, bars, private members’ clubs and architecture. I never fail to walk around and see things that amaze me.” It’s a pretty handy commute to his new office at 80 Brook Street, which has been decked out by Rigby & Rigby, with a few personal touches from Steve himself. Less like an office and more like a show home, the building, which belonged to a law firm for 65 years, is decked out with comfy sofas, accent colour cushions, dark wood shelves, perfume diffusers and glossy tomes. The drinks trolley next to the table looks particularly inviting. Steve shares a floor with his father and I ask what valuable lessons Peter has divulged. “He has taught me that hard work is the predication of any success in life. He taught me never to be afraid, never to be put off by the size of a challenge, and to have the confidence to knock on a door and ask for someone’s business.” He pauses and adds with a smile: “My father also tries to teach me patience, but I’m not so good at that one.” If that’s his only failing, I’m pretty sure the next generation is in good stead. rigbygroupplc.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

25


As Grafton Street welcomes a new gem with the launch of the Kat Florence boutique, Marianne Dick meets the jeweller to talk about the journey that led her to Mayfair

K

at Florence is a well-travelled woman. She grew up on the east coast of Canada, then studied in Australia and Colorado – gaining a degree in biology and a Masters in education – before settling in Bangkok, where she taught art and science for eight years. After making the decision to change career and set up a jewellery house, Florence’s search for gemstones led her to far-flung spots including Tanzania. Her new Flawless Diamonds collection, made entirely from D flawless diamonds (the highest clarity grade), has been created in collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker and meant several hops over to the Big Apple. So why, then,

did Florence settle on Grafton Street as the location of her first boutique? “I spent a lot of time living in the cities I was thinking about opening up in – I lived in Rome, I stayed in Milan for a while – but Mayfair is the only place that still has that dedication to single, privately owned companies that are forging their own direction and style,” explains the jeweller. We are sitting in the boutique, a cosy, lilac-grey interior with divine suede curtains and a velvety soft sofa. A paper installation inspired by Kat Florence jewels adorns the ceiling – a delicate, jungle-like display by Veronica Hodges called The Nectar of Life. Outside the store it is equally lavish. Fabergé sits next door and Graff is around the corner, but Florence doesn’t seem too worried about keeping up with the Joneses just yet, despite the launch of The Graff Venus in November, the largest heart-shaped D Flawless diamond in the world. “Graff has the size, but we have the everyday pieces,” says Florence. “The integrity behind our Flawless Diamonds collection was to create beautiful, everyday jewellery that could become part of a woman’s journey through life, and to offer it at a price that wasn’t astronomical.” It’s quite an achievement that Kat Florence is already a real competitor to


INTERVIEW

MAIN IMAGE: sarah jessica parker in the kat florence flawless diamonds campaign, shot by peter lindbergh Opposite, from top: supernova ring, €2,470, the balance of movement edit in the kat florence flawless diamonds collection; sarah jessica parker and kat florence, photographed by peter lindbergh

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

27


from far left: earrings, €2,930; paradise ring, €4,800; brilliante ring, €3,140, all from the balance of movement edit in the kat florence flawless diamonds collection; Sarah Jessica Parker in the flawless diamonds campaign, shot by peter lindbergh

these moguls, as the venture began only two years ago. It was something that Florence rather elusively ‘fell into’ while out in Bangkok. She then went on to study the craft for a year and a half. “I’d done lots of painting and sculpture in the past, but jewellery was a totally different outlet and experience,” she remarks. “I felt like I had been given the privileged position to make a frame for this really rare stone, so it was more about having respect for it and trying to represent its beauty in the design.” Florence is unafraid of cutting large stones, which are chiefly valued on their weight rather than their beauty. “I love the experience of cutting the stone and seeing how you can transform it to make it even more beautiful,” she says. “In June I sold a 420-carat tanzanite. It took six months to cut and it was a scary time – that was the only one I was really nervous about.” Florence installs a spring mechanism in her rings, which allows the wearer to adjust the piece to one of three different sizes. It is a device adapted from a 1920s technique, but is becoming increasingly popular as more people are investing in modern heirlooms. But it isn’t just these inventive quirks that ensure “the new girl on the block” stands out. Sarah Jessica Parker – a successful businesswoman and influential style icon – has

partnered with Florence to create a collection “for every woman in the world”. Yet, the story of their meeting is quite organic. Around a year ago, Florence was meant to be doing a photo shoot with Julianne Moore, with whom Parker shares a manager. Parker was at the set and saw some of Florence’s pieces, and from then on a close working partnership soon developed between the pair. “I was a little bit nervous about the collaboration, because when you’re designing with someone else sometimes you don’t have the same communication style or ideas and it can be time-consuming, but it was actually so much easier than I anticipated,” says Florence. “Sarah’s definitely someone who knows what she wants, and can say: ‘Let’s have a drop instead of a circle’ or ‘let’s make it more of a feeling’.” The collection is big. So big that Florence and Parker have divided it into chapters according to styles and inspiration: from Art Deco Heritage to twinkling Pavé Hews. When we meet, Florence is wearing the Galaxy ring from the latter, which sits elegantly on her hand alongside a Tanzanian tsavorite ring. “I always start with the stone, then try to represent the origin and journey of the stone through the design,” says Florence. “I can just feel it in the lines of the cut: you can see how it should fall on the woman’s body and then the lines just form around it. “Although, doing the diamond collection was different because I sketched first and it was more about creating pieces that were the shape, size and volume for everyday wear – it was much more simple.” For Florence and Parker’s sophisticated, feminine collection, there could be only one photographer: Peter Lindbergh. He’s the man considered responsible for single-handedly

“When I’m sitting with Sarah Jessica Parker and Peter Lindbergh, I just think: ‘How did this happen?’”

PETER LINDBERGH AND Sarah Jessica Parker


INTERVIEW

inventing the supermodel with his iconic monochrome Vogue shoot starring Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford. More recently, he shot the – controversially – unedited 2017 Perelli calendar starring a year’s worth of modern icons, from Helen Mirren to Alicia Vikander. “When you look at his photos there is so much emotion and feeling in them,” says Florence. “I love how his main focus is to represent the authentic natural beauty of a woman, never to over-edit. “It was a nice parallel to have him shoot the campaign as I wanted it to be all about the natural beauty of the stones.” Despite rubbing shoulders with fashion royalty, Florence isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty: whether it’s overseeing each process of her designs or undertaking philanthropic ventures in Africa. “I love the idea that I get to create my own art, but in the end I’m selling it, and I couldn’t handle the idea of just selling and not having something else to build and give back,” she says. “The Kat Florence Foundation launched a year ago: it’s so exciting. A school for 420 children in Nepal is being built with funds from the pieces sold. The day we open it the building in April and see all the children running in is going to be unbelievable.” Florence describes the past two years as a whirlwind, but reflects that there are many different reasons to feel proud. “Meeting clients and seeing their appreciation for the art and craft is always a lovely moment. As a designer you’re constantly doubting yourself so it is validating. “Then there are other moments, like when I’m sitting on a sofa with Sarah Jessica Parker and Peter Lindbergh, and we’re discussing which photo is better, and I just think: ‘How did this happen?’” Florence might be a seasoned jetsetter, but Mayfair is home for now. We can’t wait to see what she does next. 13A Grafton Street, W1S, katflorence.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

29


Richard E. Grant’s staggering career has covered film, television, documentaries and an iconic cult classic, but he tells Scarlett Russell why his latest role is so personal

A

n aspiring actor must dream of having a career like Richard E. Grant’s. Comfortably in demand for three decades, the 59-year-old actor’s startling array of roles includes aristocrats and politicians, drug addicts and reprobates, pompous actors and science-fiction heroes. He’s popped up in everything from Downton Abbey to Game of Thrones, landed his own documentary – Hotel Secrets – for Sky Atlantic, been directed by Martin Scorsese in The Age of Innocence, acted alongside Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady, and is synonymous with one of the most revered cult classics in modern cinema: Withnail and I. The latter seminal dark comedy about two out-of-work, alcohol-dependent actors living in a squalid Camden flat celebrates the 30th anniversary of its release this year. It was Grant’s second-ever acting job, first film role and is categorically guaranteed to crop up in every interview he will ever do. “But I’ll never tire of answering questions about it because it gave me great friendships with the people

that made it, and people have great affection for it still,” Grant says. His myriad memorable moments as Withnail include drinking lighter fluid and declaring, “I demand booze!” At the time, Grant was a struggling actor himself who had just lost an agent. “I owe my career entirely to Daniel Day-Lewis, who turned down Withnail for The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” he says. “He is the reason I am speaking to you today. I worked with [Day-Lewis] on The Age of Innocence and thanked him enormously for turning the role down. He was very gracious and funny about it.” Even though Grant is teetotal (he is allergic to alcohol and hasn’t drunk since he was 19), some of his most outstanding characters since Withnail have been damaged and drug-addled, such as Jasper in Lena Dunham’s Sky Atlantic comedy Girls, and cockney criminal Dickie Black in Dom Hemingway. Despite living in Swaziland until he was 24, his haughty demeanour and English upper-class twang have rendered Grant perfectly suited to Gosford Park, The Scarlet Pimpernel and even Doctor Who.

“There’s an appeal in playing someone so completely unlike myself, but ultimately it’s always about the script”


Photography: CHRIS MCANDREW, CAMERA PRESS LONDON

interview

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

31


“I completely understand all of that and embrace it,” Grant says. “The first movie I was ever in I was playing a drug-addicted alcoholic, so it was inevitable that subsequent parts would be influenced by that. There’s also an appeal in playing someone so completely unlike myself, but ultimately it’s always about the script.” Grant’s latest supporting role is in Jackie, released this month and already awash with awards season buzz thanks to its subject matter and leading lady. Natalie Portman plays Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Kennedy Onassis, but a straight biopic this is not. The film examines the four days after John F. Kennedy was assassinated; Jackie’s mourning and her struggle to retain his legacy while being quietly pushed out by the new heads of state.

RIGHT AND BELOW: NATALIE PORTMAN AND RICHARD E. GRANT ON THE SET OF JACKIE ©Stéphanie Branchu

“I’m always at The Wolseley or Scott’s. I love the shops on Old Bond Street too”

Withnail and I with Paul McGann

Jack and Sarah

Bram Stoker’s Dracula with Antony Hopkins and Sadie Frost

1987

1992

1995

Images courtesy of MOVIESTORE COLLECTION LTD

Grant plays real-life close friend and aide to the Kennedy’s, William Walton. “Jackie asked Bill to design the funeral and make it as statesmanlike and minimalist as possible, rather than a Hollywood version of a state funeral,” explains Grant. “He was one of the few people on her side and she trusted him implicitly.” The film was shot in Washington, D.C. and Paris, with production in the latter taking place just days after the terrorist bombings. “We shot a few miles from the stadium that had been bombed, so the mood in Paris was very sombre


interview

and that affected people on set, as the crew was almost all French,” says Grant. Chilean director Pablo Larrain worked in near silence. “The crew barely spoke above a whisper,” he continues. “It was almost like going to church. Everything was quiet, controlled and intense. There was no small talk. But it suited the subject matter. If we were making a musical it wouldn’t have been appropriate.” Though Grant was only six years old at the time of Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, one of his earliest memories is of his Dutch father, Henrik, returning home in tears after hearing the news. “I remember that day very clearly because I’d never seen my father cry before,” he says. Henrik died in 1981. “Playing Bill was quite personal to me because of that. Also, with the clothes and the hairstyle I was given, I looked exactly like my father.”

Spice World with the Spice Girls

Grant’s English-German mother, Leonne, still lives in Swaziland and the actor returns to his family home every year. “I have a great fondness for Swaziland, but I couldn’t earn a living doing what I do there,” he says. “It was culturally very isolated – they only got television in 1980. My father had made it very clear since I was little that, as white people living there, we were guests in the country and to never forget that. So, there was a very strong pull to the UK.” Grant lives in Richmond with his wife of 30 years, Joan Washington, a voice coach, though admits he’s a Mayfair regular. “I’m always at The Wolseley or Scott’s. I love the shops on Old Bond Street too.” Thanks to two series of Hotel Secrets, he’s visited some of the world’s best hotels. His favourite is the five-star Ballyfin in Ireland. “It’s an extraordinary 18th-century aristocrat’s house that has been converted into suites.” Next up Grant plays a mad scientist in the blockbuster Logan, which hits cinemas in February, and a board member at the Ministry of Information in the exceptional 1940s English period film Their Finest in April – though anyone hoping for a third run of Hotel Secrets may be disappointed. “I get asked about it every single day but it’s not up to me, sadly,” he says. “Of course I would love to jump around more luxury hotels all over the world and eat five-star food. Absolutely.” It’s certainly a far cry from lighter fluid and squalid Camden flats, and it’s all thanks to Mr Day-Lewis. Jackie is in cinemas from 20 January

Penelope with Catherine O’Hara

Dom Hemingway with Jude Law

1997 s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

2006

2013 33


creedfragrances.co.uk

27053 Creed Aventus Xmas Ad_Runwild_210x297.indd 1

17/11/2016 11:15


COLLECTION

Heart’s

DESIRE

G

raff Diamonds made history last month when it unveiled the largest D Flawless heart-shaped diamond in the world. Weighing in at 118.78 carats, the Graff Venus – as it has been dubbed – was cut from a 357-carat rough diamond discovered in 2015 at the Letšeng mine in Lesotho. Diamond cutting on this scale had never been attempted before and the process required the world’s most skilled and experienced craftsmen; it took 18 months to develop the perfect heart shape. Responsible for cutting and polishing more than half of the world’s 20 largest diamonds of the past century, the British jewellery house was well-placed to take on the challenge. graffdiamonds.com

Image courtesy of Graff Diamonds

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

35


BASELWORLD.COM

The one unmissable trendsetting show for the entire watch and jewellery industry, where all key players unite to unveil their latest creations and innovations. Be a part of this premier event and experience passion, precision and perfection in action.

MARCH 23 – 30, 2017


collection

Below the surface We love it when two great luxury brands join forces, as more often than not, this creative fusion results in particularly innovative new products. Case in point: Georg Jensen and Gemfields’ latest collaboration. Gemfields – one of the world’s leading gemstone suppliers – sourced rubies from its mine in Mozambique for a new five-piece contemporary collection created by Jensen. The minimalist, concave silver designs are based on the jeweller’s iconic Mobiüs shape from the 1960s. Twenty per cent of profits will go towards the Niassa Carnivore project, an organisation that works to conserve lions and other large wildlife in Mozambique. From £350, exclusive to amazon.co.uk/georgjensen

Jewellery news

WORDS:OLIVIA SHARPE

M’ama Mia Partake in a grown-up game of ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ with Pomellato’s M’ama non m’ama 2017 collection. Launched in 2009 with nine rings in nine colours (their cabochon stones representing different emotions), each piece was designed to be stacked in whatever arrangement the wearer saw fit. A new range sees five gemstones added to rings, earrings and pendants, including amethyst, peridot, London blue topaz, moonstone and garnet. And for the first time, bangles have been introduced. From £1,120, pomellato.com s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

True Colours Jewellery designer Ece Sirin explores the science behind colour in the latest collection of talismanic pieces for her brand Bee Goddess. A kaleidoscopic range of drop earrings, necklaces and stacking rings sees striking graphic shapes in a pavé setting with rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. In many ancient cultures, each colour was believed to have a different energy and healing power that affects our bodies, from red – power, passion and prosperity – to blue – eternity, truth and spirituality. Soul Colours collection, from £375, available at Harrods, harrods.com

Fares Game It’s fair to say that Noor Fares has had luck on her side. Before reaching the age of 30, the Lebanese-born designer has already carved a reputation as one of the most influential jewellers of her generation. Spiritual motifs, mathematics and the cosmos play a significant role in her collections, as demonstrated in her latest, Navratna (meaning nine gems). For the final instalment in the new collection, Akasha (meaning space), Fares has reinterpreted this ancient Indian talisman into a contemporary range of pieces that have been beautifully handcrafted in 18-karat yellow gold with a myriad of precious gemstones. From £310, coming soon to net-a-porter.com

37


dancing with To illustrate its passion for diving and underwater preservation, from 2008 to 2020, Blancpain is producing 12 Edition Fifty Fathoms, an annual limited-edition publication showcasing images by four different underwater photographers. On the launch of the brand’s latest charity-driven timepiece, Richard Brown speaks to vice president Alain Delamuraz, and presents some of the most striking shots captured so far


collection

W

hen does a watch become an icon? After shifting a particular number of units? Once it has celebrated a certain birthday? Perhaps as it begins to achieve six-figure sums at auction? Whichever way you cut it, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms has acquired legendary status. The watch may not be what the Royal Oak is to Audemars Piguet, or what the Nautilus is to Patek Philippe – indeed, the Fifty Fathoms still gets outsold by dressier sister collection, the Villeret – but the divers’ watch has, almost by proxy, become Blancpain’s most emblematic timepiece. Commissioned by the French Navy in 1953, the Fifty Fathoms beat both the Rolex Submariner and the Omega Seamaster to become the world’s first bona fide, modern-day dive watch. More than six decades later, the timepiece continues to set the tone for almost all underwater tool watches. In 2014, following years of ocean conservation commitments, Blancpain reorganised its underwater initiatives in the Blancpain Ocean Commitment. Since then, the brand has cofinanced ten major scientific expeditions, helping to add three million sq km to the total area of marine habitats protected across the world. Last October, Blancpain unveiled the Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II at the Royal Institute of Great Britain. It is the second line of limited edition timepieces created as part of Blancpain’s Commitment. Funds from the first watch were awarded to the Gombessa Project, a new study documenting the pack-hunting behaviour of grey reef sharks along the Fakarava atoll in French Polynesia. Post-press conference, I had the pleasure of speaking to Blancpain vice president, Alain Delamuraz, a man who has served the brand since 2001...

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

39


Five or six years ago, during Baselworld, the CEO of Tissot came to me and said, “I’ve just met a guy who you need to meet”. I said, “no I can’t, I’m too busy”. He said, “no, trust me, you must meet this guy, the world of diving is the domain of Blancpain.” The guy’s name was Laurent Ballesta. He showed me two pictures and immediately I knew I was in trouble: they were beyond beautiful. I knew then I had to talk to Marc Hayek [president and CEO of Blancpain, Breguet and Jaquet Droz], and it became my moral mission to show him these two images. When I did, he decided to meet Laurent immediately. They spent hours together looking at hundreds of his photographs. He knew straight away that we must work together. Laurent was honoured to become a Friend of the Brand. Marc Hayek is an experienced diver and very passionate about what he does, so this was a natural fit for them. Laurent’s work was published in Edition Fifty Fathoms that year [2012].

We are a real manufacturer. We never buy movements from other watch companies. We sell half our products to other brands when we exchange movements. The raw material arrives and then we produce the tools that we need to make the pieces. From A-Z, we do everything in-house.

We invented the first divers watch in 1953, so we wanted to make an impact in that field. We wanted to help fund expeditions that would leave the oceans of our world in a better condition for our children. We trust in institutions such as National Geographic to choose how to use our money to achieve concrete results. We have doubled the size of the oceans being protected.

Electronic products live and die. You can’t use the first televisions or the first quartz watches anymore, but the art of watchmaking will never die PREVIOUS PAGE: Larger Than Life, William Winram, Edition Fifty Fathoms (EFF) 2011 This page and opposite, clockwise from above: Open Mouth, Reinhard Dirscherl, EFF 2010; Dance of Life, Imran Ahmad, EFF 2012; Pyschedelic, Imran Ahmad, EFF 2012; Sir Pepefish, Imran Ahmad, EFF 2012; Last View of Daylight, Amos Nachoum, EFF 2009; Blue Monster, Keri Wilk, EFF 2012; Orange Balloon, Chris Newbert, EFF 2010

The Bathyscaphe Flyback Chronograph Ocean Commitment II is the first time a watch case has been made in blue ceramic. We’re not talking about covering the ceramic with a blue finish – we actually added blue pigment into the ceramic to cause a chemical reaction. The collection is limited to 250 pieces. For each one sold, €1,000 will be donated to scientific expeditions.

The first months of 2015 were quite strong. After that, demand flattened a bit. The second half was not good, as it was affected by the [terrorist] attacks of 13 November. Comparatively, 2016 was the opposite: the beginning of the year was not very strong due to the effect of the


COLLECTION

attacks. However, the end of the year saw growth. That compensated for the disappointing start of the year, but not entirely. At the end of 2016, we will be below 2015, but overall we’ll still be eight times above 2001. Consequently, we can’t complain about the situation.

Our growth is strong in China. By double digits. Hong Kong is likewise recovering. Thanks to China and Hong Kong, the second half of 2016 will show recovery measured against the first part.

Blancpain entered the Chinese market early. Too early, as we were among the first to establish ourselves there. That beginning is bearing fruit today because Chinese buyers respect that. We have begun with the same type of trajectory in India. For the moment we are taking a risk as the market is struggling to take off.

In gastronomy, you have the traditional style of cooking and you have the molecular approach, where you destroy and reconstruct.

Blancpain Ocean Commitment Bathyscaphe Chronograph Limited Edition II Diameter 43.6mm Case All-blue ceramic movement Blancpain Calibre F385 Production run 250 pieces Price £14,000 (€1,000 of which will go to supporting the Blancpain Ocean Commitment)

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Some traditional chefs say “this is a catastrophe, we must react”. I say that you should study what the new chefs are doing – don’t do the same, but watch the way they are cooking the egg. It’s the same with the connected watch or Apple Watch. It’s great, it’s new. It means that watches are moving forward.

Electronic products live and die. You can’t use the first televisions or the first quartz watches anymore, but the art of watchmaking will never die. As long as you have a brain and two hands and a heart you will be able to repair and redo a mechanical watch. Our product is a type of art – more expensive [than other watches], less accurate, but it will always remain an art form.

41


Zenith reinvents a showstopper Like so many of last year’s best-looking timepieces, Zenith’s super handsome Heritage Cronometro TIPO CP-2 is the reinvention of a historic forebear. The original was a classic 1960s design, supplied for the Italian armed forces in only 2,500 units through Rome-based distributor A. Cairelli. Today, the ‘Cairelli’ watches have crossed into iconic status territory, achieving suitably lofty prices at auction. Journalists were given a glimpse of the modern TIPO CP-2 at Baselworld 2016, but it’s only now that the watch is finally available in the UK. More than just a pretty face, the TIPO CP-2 is powered by Zenith’s legendary El Primero movement. The 43mm timepiece comes with a stainless-steel caseback – something that’s sure to please purists but likely to irk anyone hoping to view the beating heart inside. £6,200, zenith-watches.com

Watch

news

Purdey partners with Panerai Gun and rifle maker James Purdey & Sons has partnered with Officine Panerai to produce a limited-edition series of safarithemed wristwatches. The collection comprises 80 numbered Luminor 1950 Sealand timepieces, with casebacks engraved with the Big Five game animals. The watches contain Panerai’s calibre P.9000, an automatic in-house movement that provides a three-day power reserve. The outer edges of each case feature gold inlay and a pattern inspired by African art; tan calf leather straps complete the bushman look. The collection is for sale online and in Purdey’s Mayfair boutique. Luminor 1950 Sealand 3 Days Automatic Acciaio, £20,500, purdey.com

W O R D S : r i c hard brow n

Making a distinguished return Following a nine-month renovation, the doors to Harry Winston’s New Bond Street showroom have finally reopened. The salon’s façade has been restored in accordance with the guidelines for historical buildings, featuring Portland Stone – a hallmark of Mayfair’s Georgian buildings – while replicating the archway of the brand’s boutique on Fifth Avenue. Inside, the ground floor is dedicated to Harry Winston’s sparkling bridal and fine jewellery collections; the second floor stocks a growing collection of timepieces, the supremely elegant Midnight Date Moon Phase included (pictured, £21,600). 171 New Bond Street, W1S, harrywinston.com

british watch industry proviDES SWITZERLAND A beacon of light Although 2016 may have been something of an annus horribilis for the Swiss watch industry at large (exports were down 11 per cent in the first ten months, with some companies down by more than 20 per cent), the year saw Britain’s luxury watch sector soar. The latest data from retail analysts GfK has highlighted a strong end to the year, with premium watch sales in October up by 53.5 per cent, compared with October 2015. Despite Rolex, LVMH and Richemont Group having decided to hike their prices – a response to the falling pound – sales of watches worth more than £1,000 increased by 25.1 per cent in the 12 months to October 2016. gfk.com


collection

“Watchmaking has always been a maledominated world and this collaboration has been a revelation”

A new dawn WORDS:OLIVIA SHARPE

W

hen one considers the founding fathers of watchmaking, not to mention the male masters who monopolise the world of horology today, it is little wonder the watch industry is seen as a masculine preserve. However, that isn’t to say women aren’t involved in the business, and this has become increasingly apparent in recent years with the likes of Carole Forestier-Kasapi (head of Cartier’s fine watchmaking), Rebecca Struthers (co-owner of Struthers London) and Selynn Blanchet (master watchmaker at Vacheron Constantin) representing a new wave of women taking the helm. This year, Audemars Piguet pays tribute to the 40th anniversary of its ladies’ Royal Oak timepiece with a

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

limited edition created in collaboration with Florentine jeweller Carolina Bucci: the Royal Oak Frosted Gold. Watch designer Jacqueline Dimier was responsible for its creation in 1976, having had the difficult task of turning Gérald Genta’s original Royal Oak into a woman’s wristwatch. The defining feature of the latest model – available in both white and pink gold – is its shimmering sparkle, which was achieved using an ancient gold hammering process, otherwise known as the Florentine technique. This finish has been employed in Bucci’s workshops for years, but it was nonetheless a painstaking process for Audemars Piguet’s craftsmen to alter the surface while retaining the flexibility of the bracelet. After months of trial and error, this delicate alchemy was achieved. Bucci, who has been an AP woman since her husband bought her a 1983 Royal Oak for her 35th birthday five years ago, couldn’t be prouder of the partnership. “Watchmaking has always been a maledominated world and this collaboration has been a revelation, I think, for both parties,” she comments. “It was an honour and inspiration to meet Jacqueline, who for decades had been at the forefront of watch design, and yet maintained a feminine touch and grace to her designs. I hope the wider discovery of her role at not just AP, but also Rolex and Patek Philippe, and particularly with the launch of the new Frosted Royal Oak, will encourage women to pursue their ambitions within the industry.” About time, too. Royal Oak Frosted Gold, POA, audemarspiguet.com 43


P

H

e v e n ts

|

O

T

O

G

R

por t r ai t s

jo h n @joh n n a s s a ri .c o . uk

A

P

|

H

Y

w eddi ngs

w w w. j ohnnas s ar i .co.uk


art

Joan Miró, El Segador (The Reaper), 1937, oil on celotex, 550x365cm, disappeared. Arxiu Históric del Col·legi Oficial d’Arquitectes de Catalunya, Photo by Roness-Ruan, ©Successió Miró, 2016

F

Creativity

exposed s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

or those who daydream of decades past, when world fairs and international expositions took place almost every year, Mayoral Gallery returns to 6 Duke Street with just the ticket – for a limited time only. Art Revolutionaries will be inspired by the Spanish Pavilion at the 1937 Paris Exposition, where in the midst of the Spanish Civil War, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró and Alexander Calder’s work presented the realities of Franco’s regime to the rest of the world. Guernica, sadly, will remain in Madrid’s Museo Reina Sofia, but archival material and this replica of Miró’s Reaper, which mysteriously vanished after the Expo, will enthral for hours. 18 January – 10 February, galeriamayoral.com

45


Prize lots SOLD: £18,750

SOLD: £209,000

e s t im a t e : £ 7 , 0 0 0 - £ 9 , 0 0 0

E s t im a t e : £ 8 0 , 0 0 0 - £ 1 2 0 , 0 0 0

A miniature twocolour gold charka, Fabergé

Jimi Hendrix’s Epiphone FT 79 acoustic guitar, 1951

“Created by Michael Perchin, one of Fabergé’s most celebrated head workmasters, this piece attracted attention due to both its design and private provenance. The seamless, precise combination of pink and yellow gold on the body of the cup demonstrates immense skill. We often find this technique used on Fabergé cigarette cases, but it is rare to find it on a rounded surface, such as that of this charka. Sold from a private collection, the price achieved demonstrates the international demand for unique works by Fabergé that are fresh to the market and carry strong provenance.” – Helen Culver Smith, head of Russian Art at Christie’s

UPCOMING

Steps with Shadow (Paper Pool 2), David Hockney, 1978 Phillips dives head first into the new year with an impressive sale featuring works from David Hockney’s experimental Paper Pool series. Created in 1978 in New York, the 29 pieces are made from moulded paper pulp. The pool depicted in the images was Kenneth Tyler’s, a fellow artist with whom Hockney created the azure series. Estimate £400,000£600,000, Evening & Day Editions, 19 January, phillips.com

sold, from left: Fabergé, A miniature two-colour gold charka, c.1890, marked Fabergé, with the workmaster’s mark of Michael Perchin, St. Petersburg, tapering reeded rose and green gold body on a spreading circular foot, with reeded border and rocaille scroll handle, marked under base. The Russian Art sale at Christie’s, 28 November, christies. com, image courtesy of Christie’s Images Ltd 2016 Jimi Hendrix: An Epiphone FT 79 acoustic guitar, 1951. The Entertainment Memorabilia sale at Bonhams, 15 December, bonhams.com, image courtesy of Bonhams upcoming, from left: David Hockney, Steps with Shadow (Paper Pool 2), 1978, unique hand-coloured pressed paper pulp, on white TGL handmade paper, the full sheet, signed with initials and dated in white ink, annotated ‘2-4’ in pencil on the reverse (one of 16 variants), published by Tyler Graphics, Mount Kisco, New York (with their inkstamp), framed, 128.3 x 85.1cm, image courtesy of Phillips Diana and Actaeon in a wooded landscape, with a hunter and a fisherman, Jan Soens, oil on canvas, unlined, 135.5 x 110cm, image courtesy of Sotheby’s

“Bonhams is privileged to have sold Jimi Hendrix’s acoustic guitar for £209,000, well over its estimate. Hendrix is among the greatest instrumentalists in the history of rock, making this Epiphone acoustic the pinnacle for any guitar collector. There was determined bidding from global collectors throughout the sale which showed the strength of the market in this category.” – Katherine Schofield, head of Bonhams Entertainment Department

UPCOMING

Diana and Actaeon in a wooded landscape, with a hunter and a fisherman, Jan Soens The Of Royal and Noble Descent sale at Sotheby’s will offer a huge variety of lots from notable aristocratic British and European collections, some of which have never been under the hammer until now. One lot on offer will be this painting of Diana and Actaeon by Dutch artist Jan Soens, who was particularly active at the end of the 16th century. This narrative historical work is from the Marchese Francesco Taccone di Sitizano collections. Estimate £8,000-£12,000, Of Royal and Noble Descent, 19 January, sothebys.com


ART

with David Leiber, partner at David Zwirner

Art news

clockwise from top: Rebecca Allen, Inside, 2016, Virtual reality installation, ©rebecca allen, courtesy Gazelli Art House; Josef Albers, Color study for Homage to the Square, n.d., Oil and graphite on blotting paper, 33x33x3.2cm, ©2016 The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation/Artists Rights Society, New York; Goshka Macuga, Frame for Tichy 11, 2013, Courtesy ofGalerie Rüdiger Schöttle; Haris Epaminonda, Untitled #22 cg, 2011, Courtesy of the artist and Rodeo, London

words: camilla apcar

Heroes of our time Gazelli Art House will be given over to five powerful female artists for six weeks in its upcoming group show, an exploration of socio-political change over the past 50 years. Encompassing the work of activist and early feminist Nancy Spero as well as contemporary media artist Rebecca Allen and monochrome photographer Charlotte Colbert, it is set to be a bold and thought-provoking start to 2017. toute seule, 13 January – 26 February, gazelliarthouse.com

Gazing in wonder In another ambitious group show, Blain Southern plays on Giorgio de Chirico’s surreal, abstract and intriguing notion of the ‘metaphysical interior’. Sixteen artists who use collage, layered imagery or fragmentation – be it sculptural or even in installation – have been brought together in an exploration of time and the unconscious. Curators Simon Moretti and Craig Burnett have clearly had great fun with the concept, placing pieces by post-war artists Lynn Chadwick and Sigmar Polke alongside contemporary works by Cyprus-born artist Haris Epaminonda and 2008 Turner Prize nominee Goshka Macuga. Revolt of the Sage, until 21 January, blainsouthern.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Why was Josef Albers so taken with yellow, the subject of this exhibition? Yellow certainly allowed him to focus on the limitless expressive potential of colour and light. Restricting himself to just one colour really seemed to let him explore endless combinations and effects, and to produce illusions of translucency. Could another exhibition of his work come in another decade, titled blue, red, or green? He did indeed go into prolonged investigations of other colours. At our New York gallery, we recently organised a focused investigation of how Albers used black, white and grey-scale throughout his career. Which are your favourite works? Each has its own chromatic presence and such distinct effects at any given viewing. Among my favourites are Albers’ rarely exhibited colour studies. These paintings on paper, which often include notations by the artist in graphite, provide a unique window into his working process, allowing the viewer to think, along with Albers, through colour. How many shades of yellow are on show? We have yet to tally them all! Naples yellow, goldenrod, mustard, maize, saffron... there were so many available shades that Albers experimented with and applied straight from the tube. He used paints from around 60 different manufacturers. Josef Albers, Sunny Side Up, 13 January – 10 March, davidzwirner.com

47


A matter of


ART

Monumental sculptures that defy the laws of nature and question our place in the cosmos have been gaining momentum over the past five years – and there’s still time to start collecting. Camilla Apcar speaks to the artists and gallerists leading the pack

L

ast year, a polar bear stood guard on its hind legs in King Street, two anthropomorphic rabbits trotted into Grosvenor Square on a horse, and a girl practising yoga with a globe took position on New Bond Street. Far from some otherworldly plot playing out in Mayfair, these were all signs of how, with the rise of private foundations and exhibition spaces, artists have been given new opportunities to think big – quite literally – about sculpture. In the ten years since Abby Hignell opened her contemporary and 20th-century sculpture gallery in Shepherd Market, she has noticed an increase in demand for large-scale works. “I think there were the wilderness years for sculpture, and in a lot of people’s minds it was about a man on a horse in the middle of a town square,” she says. “People’s eyes have been opened to what sculpture really is, and are really engaging with it. It has stopped being behind a velvet rope.” Size and scale are key to grappling with what makes a sculpture ‘monumental’ – a concept that precedes even the monolithic Moai figures found on Easter Island (carved by the indigenous Rapa Nui people around 1300), and goes all the way back to totem poles and ancient Egyptian and Chinese culture. The term sometimes refers to commemorative monuments, but in contemporary circles it most commonly concerns physical size. “Artists like Anish Kapoor and Richard Serra want you to be totally eclipsed by a form so that you have a sort of internalised experience within it,” says Neil Wenman, senior director at Hauser & Wirth London. “Or it might be a play on the form’s relationship to its environment, or perhaps about your own body size in relation to it.” Case in point is the work of Indian artist Subodh Gupta, who plays with scale in his mixed media creations that reference history, daily life and our human position within the universe – a theme explored repeatedly in monumental sculpture. Gupta’s work has taken the shape of a tree made entirely from stainless steel pots and pans; 697 bronze potatoes heaped together on a stand; and a life-size boat filled with detritus from the urban environment and tilted at an angle to allow visitors to walk underneath it, as exhibited at Hauser & Wirth on Savile Row in 2012 (pictured overleaf). Monumental sculpture is a specialised part of the collecting market, not least because it demands another premium: space. Many collectors are taking to the great

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

49


outdoors. “I have more clients than ever who are building their own sculpture parks, either publicly or privately,” says Hignell. The gallerist represents both Helaine Blumenfeld – the contemporary American sculptor often credited with moving the medium on from the Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth aesthetics – and Sophie Ryder, whose Lovers on Horseback rode into Grosvenor Square last year. A host of temporary outdoor exhibitions in the public realm, be it Berkeley Square or Marble

previous page: barnaby barford, Me Want Now, 2016, photography: David Gill Gallery/ Martin Slivka

Monumental sculpture is a specialised part of the collecting market, not least because works of this scale demand another premium: space Arch, mirror collectors’ appetites. “I think that’s more to do with the popularity of contemporary art,” says Wenman. “The landowners of these spaces have seen that it’s a benefit.” Large outdoor sculptures have also been highly prized in recent years at both Christie’s and Sotheby’s. The latter’s Beyond Limits exhibition and private sale took to Chatsworth House for the eleventh time in September. Meanwhile, Christie’s worked on an exhibition with the Cass Sculpture Foundation, which gives its proceeds towards supporting artists and new commissions. Similar plans are in the works for later this year. These exhibitions, the opening of the Hepworth Wakefield museum and a focus on sculpture at fairs such as Frieze London have raised the market’s value. “There aren’t many areas where you can still get a world-class museum-level collection together,” says Hignell. “It remains just about possible to do so with sculpture, but the doors are closing fast.” Fortunately, collectors have a particularly broad pick of contemporary artists. Bowman Sculpture’s roster includes Emily Young, whose Neo Bankside sculpture walk was installed last summer beside the Thames and is set to stay well into 2020. Standing beneath one of Young’s huge pieces of stone is particularly powerful, says the gallery’s director Bill Gerish. “It makes you feel very human, very small. I remember standing underneath Planet [a metre-high face emerging

from a block of clastic igneous rock] when it was installed in Berkeley Square, and I felt dwarfed. There’s something almost otherworldly to something so unnaturally large.” Elsewhere, this month The Fine Art Society will show new work by Tim Pomeroy who, like Young, draws from the sacred, ancient and nature, and crafting sculptures in stone and wood. The polar bear that towered in David Gill Gallery throughout November and December


ART

was created by Barnaby Barford, an Edmontonbased sculptor with a certain predilection for labour-intensive work. Barford’s exhibition Me Want Now (pictured previous page) included 11 life-size animals made from porcelain flowers and tiles: a tiger prowled alongside a rabbit; a brown bear sat not far from the neck of a giraffe that extended out of a mirror like a hunting trophy. His carefully-planned menagerie considers the

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

clockwise from top: Subodh Gupta, Chanda Mama Door Ke, 2015, ©Subodh Gupta, Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth, Photography: Ken Adlard; Subodh Gupta, What does the vessel contain, that the river does not, 2012, Mixed Media, 1.10x3.15x21.35m, ©Subodh Gupta, Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth, Photography: Alex Delfanne; Lorenzo Quinn, Force of Nature II, 2011, bronze, Berkeley Square, London

relationships between humankind and the rest of the natural world. “I thought the polar bear would be quite aggressive in scale, but I miss its presence in my studio,” says Barford. Over a number of months, the artist attached more than 7,500 ceramic flowers to wire and sculpted them into the bear’s snowy form. Yet going large was not always intentional for Barford, and he maintains that his works are not about shouting the loudest. “They can be huge and subtle at the same time, even though they’re so physically large. I’ve always made works the size they needed to be.” Barford’s Tower of Babel was exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2012, and its very subject required a monumental structure. “It’s supposed to reach to the heavens,” he describes. It took two and a half years to create and stack 3,000 miniature bone china shops on top of each other, stretching six metres skywards in socioeconomical commentary. Abandoned shops and bargain stores formed the tower’s wide base, while boutiques and galleries were precariously balanced at its narrow summit. For Italian sculptor Lorenzo Quinn, whose pieces can be found at Halcyon Gallery on New Bond Street and in public spaces the world over, working on a large scale is all-important. “The monumental represents the permanence of the artwork,” he says. “It brings the sculpture closer to people, putting it out there: it’s public, not yours anymore. The idea of leaving something to posterity is quite amazing for an artist.” Despite the amount of engineering involved, and the fact that “every small error becomes a big mistake”, Quinn says he finds it easier to work in such a monumental way. His artworks, like Holding Up the World – the girl balancing a globe on her feet – or Force of Nature (which landed in Berkeley Square in 2011, pictured far left), concern uniting people. “The most important thing has always been how people react to my work and whether they understand it,” he emphasises. “Sculpture is a way of communicating. It’s about the message.” Sometimes, size does matter. bowmansculpture.com, davidgillgallery.com, halcyongallery.com, hauserwirth.com, hignellgallery.com, thefineartsociety.com

51


TO READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS VISIT www.luxurylondon.co.uk

@luxurylondonofficial 

@luxurylondonofficial 

@theofficialll


FASHION

I

t may come as a surprise to some that the contemporary and youthful fashion brand Loewe has just celebrated its 170-year anniversary. The Spanish label was established by Enrique Loewe Roessberg in the 19th century as a cooperative of leather and fur specialists. The fresh-faced Jonathan Anderson took the helm as creative director in 2013, incorporating the house’s history into his progressive designs: re-interpreting the seminal 1975 ‘oro’ suede Amazona handbag into a playful and multifunctional new puzzle shape. The multiple British Fashion Award winner has commissioned cult magazine publisher Luis Venegas to compile a limited edition tome on Loewe. The image-heavy, soft-cover compendium is filled with editorials and campaigns – old and new – that give a colourful and detailed insight into the company’s history. Anderson refers to it as a ‘reference tool’ (laid out in no particular order) and ‘not a book to be precious with’. A must for all sartorial libraries. Loewe: Past, Present, Future, £110, available from loewe.com and selfridges.com

The

loewe

down

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

53


Milano: Galleria V. Emanuele

ITALIAN TRAVEL BAGS SINCE 1952

Available at Harrods, Selfridges, John Lewis and caseluggage.com


fashion

The max factor Jungle fever has taken hold of Max Mara’s S/S17 collection, which draws on the work of the late Brazilian Modernist architect Lina Bo Bardi. Classic silhouettes have been given a sporty Rio-inspired twist with palm prints and animal motifs emblazoned on jodhpur leggings and bodysuits in athleisure fabrics such as jerseys and nylons. If that sounds all too adventurous, the house has stayed true to its signature styles too: think crisp shirts, wide-legged trousers, belted suits and trench coats in shades of cream and taupe. 19-21 Old Bond Street, W1S, maxmara.com

WORDS: Marianne Dick

On the Marni

Red coat, £436

Full length coat, £359

Livin’ la vida Coca Johnny Coca’s first year as creative director at Mulberry has seen a smörgåsbord of fresh arm candy. His coveted future classics include the compact Clifton with its flat press studs and the sleek Maple (a tote that Mary Poppins would be envious of, pictured right). This month sees a graphic zigzag adorn these new shapes in bold oxblood, mustard and cream. Maple tote, £995, 50 New Bond Street, W1S, mulberry.com s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Italian fashion house Marni has revealed a new capsule collection in collaboration with lifestyle e-store YOOX. A first for the digital retailer, the exclusive range celebrates Marni’s heritage prints and vibrant florals, and takes cues from the design archives of founder Consuelo Castiglioni, who recently stepped down as creative director. The campaign is fronted by Australian model Fernanda Ly, who sports candyfloss hued hair, epitomising both brands’ confident aesthetics. yoox.com

image: Melvyn Vincent

Style update

New openings

coach An interactive New York-inspired flagship called Coach House has opened on Regent Street. The ground floor features a craftsmanship bar that offers monogramming, personalisation, leather care and repair services. Watch out for the exclusive Regent Street designs. Oh, and dinosaurs... 200-206 Regent Street, W1B, coach.com

mcm On Conduit Street, Munich-born brand MCM presents its new central London store, which features a stunning sweeping staircase. The rest of the space is decked out in oak, bronze and plenty of its signature Cognac Visetos leather, which covers everything from chairs to bears. 16 Conduit Street, W1S, mcmworldwide.com

55


One in

Emilia British-based fashion designer Emilia Wickstead talks to Kari Colmans about motherhood, wardrobe detoxes and her inherent passion for travel


FASHION

E

milia Wickstead is eating a bread roll. Not a gluten-free, organic, nut-and-seeded excuse for a carbohydrate, but a white, fluffy bread roll. With butter. This may not sound like something worth remarking on, but it pretty much sums up the young fashion designer in one bite: she seems so normal. Wickstead found huge success with her whimsical yet regal dresses – her S/S14 textured pink Christian midi-skirt won hearts and wallets, from Marylebone to Notting Hill, as devotees flocked to matchesfashion.com – and then later down the line with her everyday separates. The 32-year-old seems so unaffected that I soon forget (as she orders steak and chips for lunch at the Rosewood hotel) that her face is a constant fixture among the who’s who of the British fashion circuit. Originally from New Zealand, British-based Wickstead has always been something of a globetrotter. She moved to Milan aged 14, where she lived for four and a half years, and then to London for university – she received a BA in fashion design and marketing at Central Saint Martins, with honours in 2007. She’s half Italian (her mother’s side), and her husband is from

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Brazil, so a taste for travel, as well as fashion, is in her blood. “My mother was a fashion designer,” she recalls fondly, with a smile and a softness reserved for speaking about her family. “So I think it was instilled in me at a very young age. When I moved to Milan, after my mum married an Italian, the world of fashion came to life and I was seeing it for the first time. I was always intrigued and wowed by the entire industry. At the time, Milan was very much having its moment with Fashion Week. And that’s when I thought that this was something I could do.” Although, ironically, her first fashion memory could have seen it go either way: “I remember my mother working very late nights for the fashion house she created and I asked her to never leave me her business!” Before setting up her own label, Wickstead honed her skills at Giorgio Armani, Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez and Vogue in New York and Milan, before returning to London and opening her first store in Belgravia in 2008 (her flagship is now on Sloane Street). Starting out as a made-to-measure atelier, she graduated to seasonal ready-to-wear and has been an unmissable name at London Fashion Week for the past four years, while her international

57


“Every woman ne eds

a great pair of tro users, a high-wais

presence is continuing to grow. A busy mother of two, she’s not afraid to admit she finds it hard to balance it all: “Because it is! It’s hard to go weeks on end without seeing your children if you’re on a deadline.” A typical working day consists of her getting up with her three-year-old daughter Amalia and one-year-old son Gilberto. Wickstead spends time with them in the morning before the nanny arrives and then drops her daughter off at nursery on the way to work. She makes sure she is always home before bedtime, even if there is an event that evening, which, of course, there are many. “By the time it gets to the weekend, it’s family time and I’m exhausted,” she says. “I do find it difficult to balance work and family life, and I always admit to that, but then I think how privileged I am to have a great job and two healthy children. So as much as it’s tiring, I do try to forget that and enjoy the moment and be grateful for what we have.” Wickstead’s coy when I press for any details; be it her feelings towards her accomplishments or even the area of London where she lives, or enjoys visiting. She still has her first editorial coverage (a spread in Vogue after she called the editorial desk and insisted they look at her website while she hung on the line) sitting on her

ted pair of jeans,

bookshelf, but doesn’t want to comment on any other reviews that followed, good or bad. She’s thoughtful and diplomatic, even when asked the simplest of questions (Me: “Biggest fashion faux pas? EW: “I better be careful what I say…”). However, it feels more like she’s uncomfortable under scrutiny and protective of her privacy, rather than pushing a PR agenda. The Duchess of Cambridge has recently voiced her praise for the label, with The Telegraph proclaiming Wickstead “a favourite designer”. But again her response is considered: “Every time someone endorses the brand and wears it beautifully is a great moment for me. I’m proud every time I see somebody in one of my pieces. That could be someone on the red carpet who is in the public eye, or just someone who is walking down the street, or into a restaurant. Every time that happens, it feels like a huge achievement.” Indeed, she finds inspiration from the women she passes on the street every day. “I’ll often be running up behind someone, secretly taking a photo of the detail on a coat or something,” she laughs. As far as role models are concerned, she doesn’t feel it’s her duty, but says it would be “lovely” if people were to look up to her that way. As for her own idols, she turns again to family.

and a


FASHION

great dress in her wardrobe ... and a really good coat. T hese will “I looked up to my mother, who was a working parent and definitely a role model. I also looked up to my grandmother, who was a very big part of my life. She had eight children and was a stay-at-home mum. There is something to be said about having true respect for your elders: for their wisdom and ability to nurture. Both my mother and my grandmother are my role models for very different reasons.” Dressed simply in a black polo neck, chevronpatterned cigarette pants and pointy flats, with little more than gold hoops and a slick of red lipstick by way of adornment, Wickstead only spends a maximum of five minutes getting ready in the morning, a dream that she’s achieved by keeping a tidy and tightly edited wardrobe that she updates at the beginning of every season. “I hate to overthink fashion,” she says. “I do that for a living, especially when I’m designing a collection. When it comes to my own wardrobe, I’ll embody what I’ve designed for the season. Testing all of your products and wearing them as your clients would is very important; learning from the designs and fabrics you’ve used, whether they were right, or whether they weren’t.” As well as her own label, she also loves Current Elliott jeans (“I’m really into the high-waisted

cover any outfit”

ones. They’re so comfy”), James Perse and Sunspel T-shirts. “I love knitwear,” she enthuses, “which we have for Emilia Wickstead now, and you’ll very often see me with a big overcoat. My go-to shoes are my pointed velvet Rochas flats and I also wear a lot of trainers with jeans. Every woman needs a great pair of trousers, a highwaisted pair of jeans, and a great dress in her wardrobe … and a really good coat. These will cover any outfit.” As talk turns to getting away from it all, Wickstead grows wistful. She will soon be retreating to one of her favourite places in the world: her mother’s country house in Italy. She shares some of her special places (the Amalfi Coast for its food and wine, and Tuscany – her grandmother was from Florence, and Wickstead and her husband married in Montepulciano). But they’ll be back for New Year’s Eve to host their annual dinner party. “I love being with friends, and having people over for dinner. I love cooking and I’ve started to get back into that now.” And just like that, while sorry to miss pudding, the school-run beckons. I bet she has an Um Bongo in her handbag. emiliawickstead.com

s l u x u ry l on d on . c o. u k s

59


Pay tribute to the dusky landscape of Morocco with floaty bohemian dresses and seek refuge in a lush oasis with tropical prints and vibrant silk scarves P h o t o g r a p h y: A L E X A N D E R B E E R S t y l i n g : GRAHA M C R U Z


Dress, ÂŁ586, Zimmermann, zimmermannwear.com; bra, ÂŁ405, La Perla, laperla.com


s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


fashion

LEFT Kaftan, £805, Kalmar, available from Matches Fashion, matchesfashion.com; trousers, £245, Tara Jarmon, tarajarmon.com; silk scarf, £95, Jessica Russell Flint, jessicarussellflint.co.uk; sunglasses, £180, Taylor Morris, taylormorriseyewear.com; hat, £80, Jess Collett, jesscollettmilliner.com; rings, from £43, Joubi, joubi.co.uk

ABOVE Shirt, £195, Cacharel, cacharel.com; silk scarf, £95, Jessica Russell Flint, as before; hat, £80, Jess Collett, as before

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

63


fashion

ABOVE Top, £790, Giorgio Armani, armani.com; skirt, £1,500, Alexandra Long, alexandralong.com

RIGHT Dress, £740, Just Cavalli, justcavalli.robertocavalli.com; ring, £225, Monica Vinader, monicavinader.com

64

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s



s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


fashion

LEFT Dress, £2,350, Peter Pilotto, available from Harrods, harrods.com; earrings, POA, Dsquared2. dsquared2.com

ABOVE Jumpsuit, £1,695, Agnona, agnona.com; coat, Dsquared2, POA, as before; boots, £730, Giorgio Armani, as before; sunglasses, £395, TD Tom Davies, tdtomdavies.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

67


fashion

ABOVE Jumpsuit, ÂŁ1,610, Gabriela Hearst, available at Net-a-Porter, net-a-porter.com; silk scarf, POA, Dolce & Gabbana, dolcegabbana.com

RIGHT Jumpsuit, ÂŁ1,150, Pringle of Scotland, pringlescotland.com; silk scarf, POA, Dolce & Gabbana, as before

68

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


CREDITS Model: Gia Johnson-Singh @Models 1 Make-up and hair: Marian Filali for Dior Location: Palais Rhoul Marrakech, palais-rhoul.com


Urban Jurgensen Advert - RWMG 333x235mm.indd 2

22/04/2016 14:07


Image credits: Soyeon Park | Jae Whan Kim

fashion

Star-crossed loafers Duke & Dexter’s new Covent Garden store offers customers a wide array of luxury loafers to browse while enjoying a complimentary beverage from Yorkshire-based Buckshot Coffee Company – a nod to the brand’s roots in Sheffield, where each pair is handmade. Its slip-ons blend British heritage with international influences, and, through its bespoke service, customers can suggest monograms and motifs to personalise their footwear from start to finish. From £225,16 Earlham Street, WC2H, dukeanddexter.com

Style spy WORDS: james coney

McCartney mania

Game changer

When a new year comes round, many of us tend to try out a new look: right on cue, Stella McCartney has released her first menswear collection. Inspired by the men in her life (naturally, since her father practically influenced an entire cultural revolution), the range stays true to McCartney’s sustainable values while still maintaining a high degree of style through its bold patterns and embroidery. Newman jacket, £960, 30 Bruton Street, W1J, stellamccartney.com

Mr Porter is the exclusive launch outlet for Kent & Curwen’s new collection, produced under the creative directorship of Daniel Kearns and in partnership with David Beckham, who has just signed a five-year contract as business partner to the brand. The designs are heavily influenced by Beckham’s style, and include sports shirts branded with an English rose motif and shearlingtrimmed jackets. We’ve got our eye on the camel coat (£1,200) to take us coolly from winter into early spring. From £150, Kent & Curwen, mrporter.com

Hell for leather Connolly – leather supplier for the seats in the House of Commons – now has a new home at 4 Clifford Street. Established in 1878, the small family business evolved to become an esteemed merchant, especially to the automotive industry – with high-profile clients such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Ferrari. Today, it’s perhaps better known for its fashionable ready-to-wear line and impeccably crafted driving collection, ranging from leather goggles (£130) to pairs of particularly effective Road Rage gloves (£295). A certain two fingers are conveniently highlighted in red... 4 Clifford Street, W1S, connollyengland.com

DANIEL KEARNS AND DAVID BECKHAM PHOToGRAPHY: Mr Antony Crook for MR PORTER

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ben Weller

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

71


It’s never too late...

LUXURY BODY BUTTER IN WHITE CASHMERE FROM THE BATH & BODY COLLECTION

www.lilouetloic.com


interiors

Walking on a

dream s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

T

he tagline at the heart of Seletti, the Italian design brand established in 1964, is: ‘Revolution is the only solution’. This ethos manifests itself in progressive objets d’art – notably the Hybrid collection of porcelain pieces – as well as its offbeat utensils such as the Inception cityscape dish racks. Seletti has collaborated with Maurizio Cattelan and Pierpaolo Ferrari (the artistic duo behind the graphic biannual publication Toiletpaper) to produce a homeware range adorned with their surreal, saturated and darkly comic pictures. This visually jarring collection has expanded to include rugs made from recycled materials, available to buy at Paul Smith’s Albemarle Street store until March. The rugs, in both round and rectangular shapes, are almost too good to walk on. Lipstick round rug, £650, Seletti wears Toiletpaper, available at Paul Smith, 9 Albemarle Street, W1S, paulsmith.co.uk

73


Technology for your world, your way. With Crestron automated technology at the heart of your home, you’ll know the meaning of luxury. Where your space responds to your every need, where total control comes at the touch of a button. We make smart homes for smarter living.

crestronshowroom.com | Where technology starts

All brand names, product names, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. Š 2016 Crestron, Ltd.


interiors

Gvardian of the galaxy Versace swaps its usual elaborate embellishments in favour of a sleek, futuristic aesthetic in its Gvardian homeware collection. The mainly monochrome range still packs a punch with space-age chairs and sofas as well as industrial-style tables made from matte carbon fibre, giving them an unusual tactile appeal. POA, versacehome.it

Interiors news WORDS: MARIANNE DICK

Friends with benefits Christine Samuelian and Belinda Fisher, founders of creative consultancy Friends & Co, know exactly what makes people tick – which is why they have been chosen to pick eight outstanding British designers for the capsule collection Makers for Selfridges. Thirteen new products will interpret the department store’s signature shade of canary yellow, including Japanese and Scandi-inspired stoneware from Marylebone furniture brand Another Country and tea sets from interior designer Charlene Mullen (both pictured below). From £15, selfridges.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Bathroom scales Giacomini Design develops innovative water sculptures that are crafted and developed in Italy. One of the standout pieces in its first range, Sculture d’Acqua, is an unusual snake tap made of titanium and steel (pictured right). Paired with advanced technology – such as control via WiFi, touch settings, voice commands and LED lights to indicate temperature – it’s sure to make your next bathroom experience like no other. From £10,000, giacominidesign.it

©Little Greene 2016

Pieces of history This month, wall covering company Little Greene will reveal its fourth collection of London wallpapers. The prints are inspired by the English Heritage wallpaper archive and named according to the area where each original fragment was first found. The Albemarle Street covering was discovered in a low-ceilinged secondfloor bedroom, yet it boasted a pattern repeat of six feet. The Upper Brook Street design is based on a bright kniphofia flower decoration that was found hand-painted over a pre-hung paper in the late 18th century. Upper Brook Street in minuit, £170 per roll, littlegreene.com 75


not all privacy is created equal SOLARIN is the ultimate mobile phone that combines the latest advanced technologies with the highest levels of privacy and the most elegant of designs.

34 Bruton Pl, Mayfair, London W1J 6LD | Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL www.sirinlabs.com


INTERIORS

Scents of security

For discerning noses, candles by perfumers offer the finest in home fragrances. Camilla Apcar speaks to the olfactory masters who are burning the midnight oil and turning their attention to wax

I

n a market overwhelmed with fragranced candles – released each season by interior designers, homeware stores and massmarket influencers alike – it is those translating their olfactory expertise from liquid to solid form that truly stand out from the pungent throng. Heavyweight perfumers have long since taken to the realms of wax: Frederic Malle’s mammoth Cafe

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Society (£60) conjures Parisian dinner parties and drawing rooms; the Penhaligon’s range of classics continues to expand; Creed’s Green Irish Tweed (£85) is just as verdant as its original spray from the 1990s. Niche creators, too, are noticing an increased desire from their loyal followers to diversify. “About 15 years ago, the demand for fragranced candles was tiny,” says perfumer Azzi Glasser. “You just had Glade air fresheners back

77


then. I think people are more aware of smell now, and what it says about them. And if the candle looks great, it’s like an ornament as well.” Having spent many years as a nose for the likes of Jasper Conran and Agent Provocateur, Glasser launched her own brand – The Perfumer’s Story – in 2015. Often asked about the fragrances that would suit certain rooms at home, in October Glasser developed the idea of Perfumed Architecture: five candles each intended for a different living space (£49 each). “Black Moss is for the entrance hallway or living room area, because its patchouli and oud give a kind of wow factor,” she describes. For kitchens or dining rooms, where a more subtle fragrance is required, Fig Ambrette is based on Corsican fig with hints of amber and green leaves. The go-to scent specialist for Helena Bonham Carter, Jude Law and Stephen Fry (to name just three), Glasser’s next venture will be to mirror her bespoke eau de parfum service with made-to-order candles. Working with wax poses a different set of challenges for perfume experts – both technically and creatively. “The fragrance that you would choose to wear isn’t always the same as the one you would want in your home. It has to be more neutral, to a certain extent,” says young British talent Tom Daxon. Glasser agrees: “with a candle, it’s about designing it around your environment.” Leo Crabtree, founder of BeauFort London, says it’s worth remembering that the wax version of a beloved perfume may be very different. Indeed, he has used faithful reproductions of BeauFort’s eau de parfums for his three Night Watch candles (£39 each), but because of the medium “they work very differently, smoother somehow”. Deep and dark, they are full of tea, tobacco and gunpowder scents. “We spent a lot of time experimenting with different wicks, different glass and various types of wax,” he continues. “It’s essential to get the candle to burn evenly all the way down, ensuring even distribution of heat and scent.” This can take many months to perfect: “particularly as we use various natural compounds in very high concentrations that burn at different rates. Even the colour of the glass makes a difference.”

“People are more aware of smell now, and what it says about them. If the candle looks great, it’s like an ornament as well” Certain ingredients won’t work in fragranced wax, as the flame burns the oil and forces molecules to react and release their scents in different ways. Sandalwood, for instance, makes for a light smell – but paired with other finely-tuned ingredients it will become accented. “It’s like a form of manipulation,” says Glasser. The popularity of smoky candles endures, cherished for recreating the atmosphere of grand or cosy old wood-panelled rooms with a log fire burning in the grate. Brooklyn perfumer


INTERIORS

D.S. & Durga has just released its first collection (£58 at Liberty), a trio that draws on the smoky theme each in their own way. Portable Fireplace is perhaps the most straightforward (cedar, pine and oak ash swirl around birch tar). “This one obviously works best in the cold months,” says co-founder David Seth Moltz. “The idea is that you can enjoy the ambience of a roaring fire even if you don’t have a chimney, which many modern apartments do not.” Next, Spirit Lamp is a curious mixture of peach water, white ginger, coconut milk and smoky black tea. “It actually reminds me of sitting in the garden on warm summer evenings, but works very well indoors in chilly weather,” says Moltz. The third and arguably the best, ’85 Diesel, takes its name from the perfumer’s 1985 Mercedes Benz 300Turbo Diesel, all leather

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

From left: white narcissus, Tom Daxon; esprit de kadisha, ideo parfumeurs; vi et armis, beaufort london; rosa mundi, diptyque; portable fireplace, d.s. & durga

seats, walnut dashboard and diesel smoke. Elsewhere, Ideo Parfumeurs’ Esprit de Kadisha candle excels (£35 at Liberty), with oriental wood and incense coming together in a striking Lebanese-inspired combination by the husbandand-wife team behind the brand. Yet there are those making a move away from the fireside. In October Roja Dove launched H – The Exclusive Black Tier at Harrods (a hedonistic blend of rose, raspberry and suede, £95), while Swedish perfumer Agonist collaborated with compatriot fashion brand Hope to create three candles (£50 each at Avery Perfume Gallery) inspired by themes of individuality and strength. Hope for Diversity sits floral notes over leather and a woody base; Hope for Courage brings cinnamon and nutmeg together with rosemary and vanilla; Hope for Freedom tops musky undertones with lime. Unlike Leo Crabtree, Tom Daxon – who grew up in Buckinghamshire but spent his summers in Grasse – felt that his existing perfumes didn’t work quite as well as candles. “You don’t get the same expression of a fragrance in a candle as you do in a spray. It’s not as precise, and you’re dispersing it over a larger area,” he says. “Candles have to be simpler and stronger.” His latest, White Narcissus (£55), is crisp but set against smoky woods. “The idea was to create a wintery candle that wasn’t a Christmas cliché,” says Daxon. “It’s what I think of as a floral bouquet in the winter: quite green, with a cosiness and warmth underneath.” As spring approaches, so does a fresh host of waxy delights for the new season. This month Diptyque will release Rosa Mundi (from £28), a limited edition that perfectly captures the idea of a candle as an object of beauty. Two roses – Damask and May – are complemented by blackcurrant and bergamot, lychee and geranium, as well as by hand-printed floral paper around the glass. Its charming design is part of a revival of domino paper, a craft made popular in the 18th century and used to cover books, walls and boxes with colourful prints. Similarly, Linari’s new Onice candle (£53 at Harrods) offers a musky, tonka and lavender scent swathed in deep black velvet. What Glasser notes holds true – a candle really can serve a feast for all the senses.

79


health & beauty

S PA R E V I E W

Going native Forget the trials and tribulations of 2016, Hannah Lemon finds a way to wash off the past 12 months and start the new year with a clear head thanks to the healing remedies of the Navajo tribe

M

any people have welcomed saying goodbye to last year. There have been European debacles, surprises of a presidential proportion, as well as break-ups (Brangelina) and goodbyes (Bowie, Prince, Andrew Sachs, AA Gill). So think of my relief when I arrived at The Connaught’s Aman Spa and my therapist said: “This treatment helps you leave the past behind and welcome the future.” As part of its luxury treatment series, the spa offers two-and-a-half-hour Signature packages inspired by different mediums of wellness from around the world, be it China, India or Thailand. I picked the Americas, involving a session of ancient Navajo techniques and natural ingredients to focus the mind on turning over a new leaf. Stepping into the cedar-scented room, I was told to lie face up on the bed. I pondered how an entire afternoon could possibly be filled up by a massage or two. Then began my hours of serious pampering, by the end of which I yearned for a couple more.

80

To begin, my masseuse slowly wafted burning sage around the room to fill it with a calming aroma. Next, the focus turned to my feet. Pummelling and kneading this part of the body gave me time to relax – and almost fall asleep – by grounding my energy and stresses down to my toes. After that came the mud. A reddish lacquer was applied all over my limbs, back and stomach, after which I was rolled up like a mummy in sheets. It was strangely comforting being tucked up like an infant, completely free of cares – much like how I imagined a newborn Navajo baby swaddled in a cradleboard would feel. As the organic properties of the mud cleared my pores, I received a head rub that eroded my tensions, frowns and worry lines. I was then unwrapped, which seemed like a symbolic rebirth as I shed old anxieties in favour of a private steam room concealed behind two shutters. I washed off the remaining clay in the shower and returned for a final

full-body massage with hot oil and stones to iron out my muscles. The heat helped channel my mind towards positive thoughts once more, as if I was in hibernation mode, gearing up for release. As I prepared to return to the real world, I felt calmer, a tad sleepy and extremely content. Perhaps there’s hope yet Brad and Angelina. Signature Experience: Inspired by the Americas, £280, Aman Spa, The Connaught, Carlos Place, W1K, the-connaught.co.uk

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


Stronger Slimmer Firmer Fitter “a five-mile run with my baby boy is now as easy as changing a nappy” daily telegraph

“The effects are incredible - i barely recognise myself” marie claire

“THE results are spectacular” evening standard

The Best Training In The World - And it’s On Your Doorstep www.bodydoctor.com / 0207 235 2211 / eaton square, belgravia sw1 / south audley street, mayfair w1


health & beauty

Beauty sleep From an anti-ageing pillowcase to high-tech night creams, all you have to do is snooze while these products work their magic

Colour coding Chanel’s first collection to launch this year is Coco Codes – an interpretation of the five iconic shades of the house: red, black, gold, white and beige. Experiment with a translucent, milky white or a sheer inky black top coat for nails, or highlight eyes with golden-beige shades. From £20, chanel.com

#1 Sleep Plus Hair Elixir, £25, This Works, thisworks.com

#2 Multi-Action Overnight Treatment, £89, Perricone MD, perriconemd.co.uk

Beauty news W O R D S : me l iss a emerso n

A wrinkle intervention La Prairie’s latest innovation in its ambitious quest for a ‘lineless future’ is its Line Interception Power Duo. Two separate chambers within the bottle hold day and night creams with built-in SPF 30 and UVA protection. Combined, they target expression lines, UV-induced wrinkles and gravityrelated creases, and they’re fitted with a handy travel lock, so you’ll never need to spend a night apart. £244, laprairie.co.uk

#3 Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase, £50, iluminage, selfridges.com

#4 Night Cream Repair Skin Control, £270, Susanne Kaufmann, susannekaufmann.com

a cleansing ritual Uplift your morning routine with this new lime-scented Reawaken hand and body wash from Mauli. Made in England with pure essential oils, it includes softening coconut oil and immunity-boosting Indian frankincense. Plus, 80 per cent of the ingredients are organic and it’s free from chemical preservatives and synthetic fragrance. £23, maulirituals.com

82

#5 Diamond Extreme Night Dual Treatment duo, £214, Natura Bissé, net-a-porter.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


There are approximately

2 million sports injuries in the UK every year – 95% of which are soft tissue injuries

Stop that injury affecting your fitness, book a consultation today. Early diagnosis, treatment and physiotherapy can reduce the risk of long term damage. Our orthopaedic consultants work together with experienced sports medicine physicians and physiotherapists to manage a wide range of orthopaedic problems.

Call Our tEam tOday

020 7483 5000

www.thewellingtonhospital.com


Born to RUN As more and more runners hit the road, so the number of injuries rises. Orthopaedic expert Andy Goldberg explores what you can do to reduce any damage

O

ne in five adults in the UK runs more than four times a year, that’s a whopping 10 million runners in the UK alone, making it one of the most popular forms of exercise. There’s no doubt that running has huge health benefits. It improves your cardiovascular and mental health, it lowers your risk of diabetes and obesity, and keeps you alert and fit. However, it doesn’t come without risks and each year up to half of runners suffer an injury of some type. It seems logical to think that pounding your joints causes them to wear, but actually scientific evidence suggests this is not the case. Long-term studies of runners show that, as long as your joints are healthy to start with, running does not substantially increase the risk of developing

arthritis, even if someone jogs into middle age and beyond. The one thing that can happen, though, is an injury and the risk of injury increases with age.

Why does risk of injury increase with age? As we get older, ligaments become less elastic and, as such, less adaptable to changes in foot position. Approximately, a million people a year attend A&E in the UK with an ankle sprain – one of the most common problems seen by specialists. Overuse injuries can also occur regularly. They happen over time when the body can no longer handle certain forces and soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments or bones can fail. This presents with conditions such as tendon problems (Achilles tendinopathy or Achilles rupture), ligament sprains, and stress fractures.


promotion

Running doesn’t come without risks – each year up to half of runners will suffer an injury

How can you avoid injury while jogging?

get a personal trainer or physiotherapist to assess your running style and give you •M ake sure you have a good pair of trainers. advice on injury avoidance. Studies have proven that the brand or • Have a medical check-up. If you are cost doesn’t make a huge difference as The Foot and very overweight or have pre-existing long as shoes fit well and are Ankle Unit arthritis you may wish to consider comfortable. different or modified activities such • Build up gradually and slowly. The Foot and Ankle Unit provides as walking in water, cycling or Don’t overdo it or you risk getting patients with access to rapid diagnosis cross-training, which put much less an overuse injury. and treatment. The team includes strain across your joints but can • Stretch before you start. Your Nicholas Cullen, Andrew Goldberg, give you an equally good muscles must be warm and Mark Herron and Simon Moyes. cardiovascular workout. oxygenated before you run. Static wellingtonfootandankleunit.com stretches might not be beneficial – a good way to warm up is to walk or trot at Andy Goldberg OBE MD FRCS (Tr&Orth) is first then swing your arms and shrug your an Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeon at The shoulders to get your heart rate up slowly. Wellington Hospital Foot and Ankle Unit. For more • Get advice on running technique. If you are information, or to book an appointment, please call our not used to running and are starting afresh, enquiry helpline on 020 3773 6132

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

85


4 November 2016 - 25 February 2017 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY: 0207 001 3242

RINKSIDE BAR WITH HEATED TERRACE AND STREET FOOD • Group bookings of 250+ • PRIVATE BOOTHS, VIP AREA AND EXCLUSIVE HIRE AVAILABLE • Live DJ every Thursday & Friday

WWW.LUMINOCITYBAR.CO.UK Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB In association with LUMINOCITY Ice Rink Canary Wharf


food & drink

New city, new style

Food & drink news

After triumphing with the three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Madrid, DiverXO, David Muñoz arrives in London to launch StreetXO. The acclaimed Spanish chef will be launching a totally different menu. From crispy pig’s ear to Pekingese dumpling, the restaurant aims to combine the flavours of Asia, South America and Europe for a fusion of flavour. Alongside the colourful food is a creative cocktail list; choose from drinks such as The Smoker USA (inset) with aged rum, cola, cranberry juice, lime juice, mandarin tea and ginger. There’s no doubt Muñoz will meet our great expectations. 15 Old Burlington Street, W1S, streetxo.com

WORDS: james coney

Festivities at Mr Fogg’s

A healthy start Don’t worry about that inevitable festive weight gain – Raw Press’s new recipes should prove more than effective at shedding the pounds. Chilli Sin Carne, hot and sour soup and homemade granola bars are now all part of the vegan, gluten-free menu. But it is the organic juices (made using a hydraulic press to preserve the nutrients) that the café is most celebrated for. With ten flavours, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the long-awaited January cleanse. 32 Dover Street, W1S, rawpress.co s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Looking for an evening filled with live performances, Scottish snacks and inventive cocktails? Then Burns Night at Mr Fogg’s has your name on it. With a bagpiper performing while you indulge in haggis canapés and staff sporting traditional kilts and sporrans, you truly will be immersed in an authentic highland experience. If that isn’t quite enough to quench your thirst for Celtic culture however, there is a poetry recital later in the evening to showcase the works of Robert Burns. 25 January, 15 Bruton Lane, W1J, mr-foggs.com

The Amalfi Coast of Dover Street With the relaunch of two-Michelin-starred chef Antonio Mellino’s QP LDN, comes a healthier, more affordable offering of Southern Italian dishes. New additions include langoustine risotto with peach, and scallops with cream of wild garlic and beetroot. Also new is the French silk wallpaper, illuminated staircase and the highly anticipated late-night bar and lounge, which brings a touch of the dolce vita lifestyle straight to Mayfair. End the evening with entertainment from live performers and internationally renowned DJs. 34 Dover Street, W1S, qp-ldn.com 87


Peruvian

promise Forget Dry January – with its Pisco Bar and Latino vibes, the party is still in full swing at COYA Mayfair

P

eru: home to a vibrant swathe of the Amazon rainforest and ancient Incan cities perched high in the Andes, is on many an intrepid traveller’s bucket list. But if your bank balance won’t stretch to a roundtrip ticket to Lima after the excesses of the festive season, there’s always COYA. As January blues set in, the Mayfair institution promises to keep the pisco sours and party atmosphere flowing.


PROMOTION

Set across two floors, everything from the dedicated art collection to the distressed colonialchic décor is a nod to vibrant South American culture. COYA is home to a Peruvian restaurant, a members’ club, which hosts pop-up exhibitions, and the aforementioned Pisco Bar, where a roster of live bands and DJs perform on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. If its track record is anything to go by, COYA knows how to throw a soirée. Together with its sibling outposts in Miami and Dubai, it plays host to some legendary celebrations throughout the year – from the annual White Party thrown in June to commemorate the Incan Empire and worship the arrival of the sun god, to the traditional Day of the Dead celebrations in May. But even when we visit on a drizzly Tuesday evening, the atmosphere in the dimly lit lower ground floor bar is lively. The comfy banquettes prove to be the perfect place to batten down the hatches with a Mama-Quilla (a blend of vodka,

fresh grapefruit, watermelon, Campari and homemade tonic). There’s a dedicated pisco library to lace your sour with whatever you fancy, but you can’t go wrong with the classic – a concoction of lime, sugar, egg white and Amargo bitters. If you’re in need of a little kick however, the punchy chilli margarita with its jalapeñoinfused Don Julio Blanco tequila, avocado purée and lashings of lime should do the trick. If pisco isn’t your poison, you can also branch out with the help of the Flavour Map, an interactive menu compass designed according to four defining taste metrics. After attempting to navigate the 160 different spirit varieties, a visit to the adjacent restaurant is advisable – not least because executive chef Sanjay Dwivedi’s Peruvian- inspired cuisine made with modern British seasonal ingredients is exquisite. If you can, get a seat near the open ceviche bar and robata grill, so you can watch the chefs prepare traditional tiraditos (try the atun chifa – yellowfin tuna with soy, sesame seeds and shrimp cracker; and the tiradito de hiramasa – kingfish with dashi, truffle oil and chives). The foodie offerings are not confined to the evening, however. This winter COYA has also introduced an express lunch menu, consisting of the likes of ensalada de quinoa and costillas de cerdo (pork back ribs with a tamarind glaze for those who are yet to be initiated when it comes to Peruvian cuisine)that can be paired with a wine flight, or fresh juices for the virtuous. Finish off the meal with the coconut mousse served with pineapple sorbet and lime. Other highlights include the Sunday brunch offering, which you can opt to make bottomless, with the addition of refillable champagne, Peruvian punch and Bloody Marys. There’s also a crèche available if you need a break from the kids. Plans are in the pipeline for a second London venue, which will bring samba, sours and sea bass ceviche to the City in 2017. The opening date has yet to be confirmed, so in the meantime you’ll have to shimmy on down to Piccadilly for your party fix. Make ours a lemongrass pisco. The Express Lunch menu is available Monday to Saturday, £26 for three courses or £38 with a wine pairing, COYA Mayfair, 118 Piccadilly, W1J, coyarestaurant.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

89


Tea total Loose leaf tea is on the gastronomic rise, making its way onto wine lists at some of London’s top restaurants. Camilla Apcar receives an education on infusions, terroirs and food pairings from specialist Jameel Lalani

J

anuary need not be dry – at least not in the traditional sense. There is an alternative to alcohol that is no less flavoursome or versatile: tea. Spearheading its loose leaf resurgence is Jameel Lalani, a speciality importer whose expertise is piquing the interest of the food-curious, teetotal and health-conscious alike. Besides retailing leaves and paraphernalia for brewing at home, he is on a mission to put teas on the wine lists at some of London’s finest restaurants. “Tea has about 4,500 years of history behind it, with its own varietals and terroir,” he says. “It has been consumed as a premium drink across the world for a long time, and has only very recently become commoditised into the quick and easy drink we think of today.” What Lalani is calling for is no mean feat: to forget what you know and start thinking of tea as a craft or vintage beverage with all the culture and heritage of a wine or whisky. As with those fine drinks, vintages and producers make all the difference; the best will be single batch, not blends. Lalani’s own interest was sparked on holiday in Tunisia when he was four years old, tried some green tea and fell in love. After studying biochemistry and an early career in politics with Boris Johnson, “it got to the stage where what I was looking for was beyond the level widely available”. In 2009 he founded Lalani & Co. “Tea was showing the trend indicators that a lot of markets do when they start to grow or resurge, as wine did

in the 1980s and coffee in the 1990s. It was a chance to turn a passion into a business.” Although based in London, the connoisseur’s work often takes him travelling, most recently to Kyoto, Kaboshima and Nara. He tastes hundreds of teas a year, everywhere from Nepal to Kenya, selecting each one for its uniqueness or character. On every jar of Lalani & Co tea (from £10 for 100g), the producer, season and batch number are all listed. “If a region has a bad year, we won’t buy it. A lot of [companies] have ranges with the usual suspects – the really outdated and old-fashioned English Breakfast, Earl Grey, peppermint… but we’re interested in individual batches.”

“Tea has about 4,500 years of history behind it, with its own varietals and terroir” Lalani’s focus on small-batch craftsmanship – meaning even as little as 150g – allows his loyal followers to start drinking from the top end of the market. Whereas a big garden in Assam will produce more than 2,000kg a year, Lalani works with considerably smaller producers across the globe. One, in Hawaii, makes about 24kg a year on a former organic lettuce farm (£163 for 25g). Its husband and wife team hand-pick every leaf. The majority of British tea drinkers – 95 per cent – are hooked on tea bags and black tea, although the demand for unusual and premium


food & drink

t h e p e r f e c t pa i r s Green tea with cheese: “the savoury and vegetal notes match, especially if you have a tea with Japanese ancestry. Japanese kabusecha is a great match with goat’s cheese in particular” Heavy, rich, oak-fired black teas with sticky toffee pudding or a banana cake Gingery, spicy foods with roasted oolongs or cold-infused black teas: “they temper the spice and can bring out the flavour”

varieties is growing rapidly, says the specialist. “But anyone drinking tea at this level is in a cultured minority at the moment.” Thomas’s Cafe at Burberry, 67 Pall Mall, Park Chinois, Coya, Gymkhana and Brown’s Hotel are among the establishments that stock Lalani’s teas. He trains sommeliers as tea specialists everywhere he supplies, with cold infusions often served as an alternative to alcohol. Elsewhere, “if diners don’t want to see the wine list, they are often left alone by the sommelier for an entire evening, which is crazy because both sides lose out.” Not so with Lalani’s supporters. The tea champion also holds private tea pairings and events (most recently a brunch at Cecconi’s), involving the equivalent of a tasting flight. He is now talking to restaurants about introducing these as permanent fixtures – a welcome substitute for wine-paired tasting menus that can stretch for six or seven courses. “We’re writing the rules on tea pairings,” he says. “It’s still a gastronomic trend. But 2017 will be a year when you see tea take its place alongside wine at

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Jameel lalani at Thomas’s cafe at burberry. photography: David Harrison

restaurants, prepared exactly as they should be.” Back at home, truly engaging with tea means investing in the right equipment, says Lalani: namely a high-quality infusion vessel and a kettle with a temperature control. Green teas are best brewed around 70-80°C; black at 90-95°C (but avoid sipping while the water is still piping hot – when it cools down, the flavours open up). The teapot, meanwhile, should be a single serving one. “The problem with many hotels is that they serve a big silver vat of tea. The second cup is too strong, and the third is horrific.” Working with a ceramic artist, Lalani has designed his own self-straining vessel, produced in Stoke-on-Trent using British clay, and available to purchase online. If you want more, re-infuse – a good leaf will provide two, three or even up to seven infusions (oolongs go the furthest). Thousands of years since the first cups were brewed, tea is the drink that just keeps on giving. lalaniandco.com

91


A winter rosé William Monroe meet Régis Camus, the man behind Piper-Heidsieck’s prestige cuvée rosé, to discover why we’re getting it all wrong when it comes to storing (and drinking) champagne

T

he Piper-Heidsieck story began in 1785 in a fairytale-like manner, when Florens-Louis Heidsieck of Reims fell in love with a girl from Champagne. Driven by a yearning ambition, the winemaker resolved to make a cuvée worthy of a queen, a feat he achieved three years later when he presented one of his creations to Marie-Antoinette. The Rare Rosé Millésime 2007 – the house of PiperHeidsieck’s first-ever prestige cuvée rosé – is no longer inspired by such high-flown romantic notions, but similar

devotion has certainly been lavished on its creation. The noteworthy vintage is the latest creation from Régis Camus, chef de caves of one of France’s oldest champagne houses. A blend of 17 grape varieties, the cuvée rosé is a marriage of chardonnay and pinot noir wines, which have been left to mature for more than eight years. The champagne, which is presented in a special box made of lacquered black wood and rose gold metal, is golden pink in colour and incorporates notes of lychee and herbs, followed by cherry, wild strawberries and a final aroma of smoked tea. On the


food & drink

palate the texture is light, with the taste of red fruit blossoms merging into notes of vanilla, passion fruit and a hint of paprika. Camus – who has been crowned Sparkling Winemaker of the Year by the International Wine Challenge a record eight times – attributes both his enduring success and his creation to the Piper-Heidsieck team. “The secret is teamwork, passion and rigour. All the wines are good, and the quality is increasing year after year. You can’t become chef de caves just like that, you have to be part of a team.” As a wine connoisseur who’s passionate about his trade, Camus is also keen to proffer advice on how to store and serve champagne so as to enhance its flavour. His first tip: keep bottles away from light. “Secondly, keep bottles in a place where the temperature is constant. A cellar going from -5°C in the winter up to 20°C in the summer is not a good place to keep champagne. When it’s hot, serve champagne at 6-8°C; at a regular temperature, serve at 8-10°C.” He explains further: “You can easily take a wine glass instead of the classic flute. You need a bit more space to

“The secret is teamwork, passion and rigour. All the wines are good, and the quality is increasing year after year”

Clockwise from top left: RÉgis Camus ©Michel Labelle; RÉgis Camus ©MICHEL JOLYAU; the Rare Rosé Millésime 2007

have all the aromas coming through.” When it comes to quality control, Camus is accustomed to taking a hands-on approach in the form of daily trips to the tasting room, which he refers to as the “little world of the wine-making team”. Phones are switched off and the wine takes precedence: “We just think about wine; nothing more than wine.” The future of Piper-Heidsieck is in the safe hands of Camus’s deputy, Séverine FrersonGomez, who was born and raised in Champagne and will one day take up the mantle of chef de caves. For the present, however, the Rare Rosé Millésime 2007 – of which just 150 bottles are available in the UK – looks to be one of the finest high-end champagnes Piper-Heidsieck has ever produced: a rare vintage indeed. £325, available from Harrods, harrods.com; rare-rose-experience.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

93


TRAVEL

La dolce vita To rid yourself of December’s many excesses, a new five-night detox programme at Lake Garda’s Lefay Spa Resort draws on Chinese medicinal practices. Treatments have been devised by energy guru Dr. Carlo Barbieri, who will create a bespoke regime for each guest. Whether through massages or moxibustion, a therapeutic approach to kicking bad habits is guaranteed. €2,465, lefayresorts.com

Travel news W O R D S : j a c i n t a r u sc i llo

The 19th degree TUMI is taking aluminium luggage to the cutting edge in its latest collection of sleek cases, which have been ergonomically designed to withstand hardcore travel while maintaining chic city style. Along with a reinforced framecase, each features snap closures and die-cast corner caps for additional protection. Surely the accessory of choice for making a smooth getaway. From £795, uk.tumi.com

Skiing sensation Last month, Six Senses made snowy waves with its new spa in Courchevel. There are five treatment rooms, a bathing circuit and a juice bar to kick things off; with yoga, meditation and wellness classes throughout the season. The 7,500 sq ft space is part of the 53 private residences that opened in 2015, but membership is available, too. Phew. sixsenses.com

On cloud nine For a detox with a difference, Shakti Himalaya’s Head in the Clouds retreat offers the perfect opportunity to recharge at its Shakti Kumaon and Leti 360° outposts in northern India. On an adventure like no other, travellers will combine hiking through the most remote villages and mountains; yoga and meditation classes to relax the mind and body; plus an education in the art of mindfulness. Authentic Himalayan cuisine and such blissful seclusion will transport you – temporarily, anyway – to nirvana. From £4,702 for eight days, shaktihimalaya.com 94

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


YO U M AY NEVER M A K E I T BA C K HOME T H E SA M E.

GET LOST FOR LESS. BOOK NOW AND SAVE 50%. GoToBermuda.co.uk/pinksale *At participating hotels. Rules and restrictions apply.

BMD100-13651_Pink Sale_UK_Print_Final.indd 1

12/1/16 4:59 PM


Suite dreams the kipling suite, brown’s hotel W o r d s : k at y pa r k e r

“A

black shadow dropped down into the circle. It was Bagheera the Black Panther... Everybody knew Bagheera, and nobody cared to cross his path, for he was as cunning as Tabaqui, as bold as the wild buffalo, and as reckless as the wounded elephant.” Many will recognise Bagheera, one of literature’s most

In tribute, the hotel unveiled the Kipling Suite: 168 sq m of interior design heaven dedicated to the author and the magical world he created. Offering far more than the bare necessities, the suite is nothing short of palatial, with high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and sublime furnishings. If you are feeling short of interiors inspiration, here

Nods to Kipling can be found throughout: from the monkey hanging outside beloved characters, from Rudyard Kipling’s timeless novel, The Jungle Book. A story that has captivated audiences thanks to a phenomenally successful Disney animation – not to mention last year’s live-action adaptation – it may surprise some to learn that the tale actually started life right here in Mayfair. As seems fitting, Kipling chose to pen his future classic in a local institution – Brown’s Hotel on Albemarle Street.

is the place to find it. Never have I felt more compelled to throw away all my existing furniture, rip off the wallpaper, burn my curtains and start again. For this, I have Olga Polizzi to thank. Director of design for the Rocco Forte hotel group and eldest daughter of the late Lord Forte, Polizzi loves classical contemporary furniture, and has gone to great lengths to ensure that each piece in the suite is unique. Look around and you will find a dresser picked up at Alfies Antique


travel

photography: ©Adrian Houston

Market in Marylebone, a chaise longue sourced from an antiques shop in Sussex and lamps crafted from English railings by Belgian artisans. For Polizzi, the star is the Lewis & Wood wallpaper, which she describes as “dark, mysterious – and jungly”. Indeed, nods to Kipling’s work can be found throughout, from the monkey hanging outside the door to elephant ornaments and decorative jungle hats. Resident bookworms will be delighted by shelves lined with a host of literary classics, including multiple versions of The Jungle Book itself. Modern twists are there too, but more discreet: we arrive back after supper to discover that the smart velvet bench at the end of our bed conceals a 55-inch flatscreen TV. Meanwhile, the bathroom is pure indulgence. Drenched in natural light thanks to floor-toceiling windows, the shower and sinks are cast in Italian marble, while the freestanding bathtub just screams out for taking a long hot soak. What’s more, it’s terribly sociable, with a double shower so that you and your companion can set the world to rights while you freshen up for supper. Speaking of supper, one of the wonderfully convenient by-products of staying in this tropical paradise is having HIX Mayfair located downstairs. Here we enjoyed a menu celebrating the best of British: dressed Portland crab was followed by Ripley Estate wild duck with poached pear and creamed savoy cabbage. For dessert, we crossed the Channel and opted for a French classic – tarte tatin. It was sheer heaven on a plate. Guests of the Kipling Suite can take advantage of complimentary spa treatments, alongside tailor-made experiences such as a tour of Peter

the door to ornaments and jungle hats Harrington Rare Books on Dover Street. And given the prime location, it would be criminal not to hit the shops. The hotel invites guests to do so in style, with a personal shopping experience at Paul Smith, complete with champagne. Kipling may have written about barefoot adventures, but this is first-class living from start to finish. 33 Albemarle Street, W1S, roccofortehotels.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

97


V

ietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City is an effervescent metropolis that in recent years has established itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and friendly destinations. Dominating the southern end of Vietnam’s boomerang in much the way the more chilled-out capital, Hanoi, does in the north, Ho Chi Minh City has grown from a once humble Cambodian fishing village perched on the wide banks of the Saigon River to become a hub for international commerce. En route it was once the capital of French Cochinchina, which has resulted in a smattering of mansard roofing, Romanesque cathedrals, and leafy boulevards rubbing shoulders with pagodas and skyscrapers. The place to ease yourself in is Dong Khoi Street in the central District One – home to this fashion-conscious city’s premium shopping experiences. There are boutiques aplenty, but stop into Thuy Design House for bold fashion in silk and organza, or Galerie Quynh for a peek at some of Vietnam’s leading contemporary artists. As with its spiritual cousin Bangkok, skyscraper bars have become a bit of a thing here, and perfect for post-retail aperitifs while admiring the tangle of scooter and taxi headlights below. A Saigon Mai Tai mixed at the rooftop Chill Skybar comes with a view from the 26th floor of the AB Tower. Stay put for one of the city’s best parties, or move on to an even more vertigo-inducing experience over at the EON Heli Bar on the riverfront Bitexco Financial Tower’s 52nd floor. Back on terra firma, charge your batteries with a dose of the local syrupthick coffee at a branch of Trung Nguyen; practise haggling at Ben Thanh Market; or make your way through the helter-skelter of the streets to hunt out the elaborate Jade Emperor Pagoda. And when your legs tire, take a water taxi along the slow-moving Saigon, admiring bustling river traffic as the sky caramelises with the sunset.

[city break ]

Ho Chi Minh City Chris Allsop finds that this Vietnamese gem – like a warming bowl of pho – offers spice, satisfaction, and a desire for more

the ao show at saigon opera house The deck

vespa adventures


ntures

An lÂm Resort Saigon

travel

Where to stay

Eon cafe

An Lâm Saigon River, a serene riverside boutique, offers respite from the city’s sensory rush. A speedboat whisks you 15 minutes upriver from to the hotel’s private pier enclosed by lush tropical vegetation, where three Saigon riverview villas come equipped with private pools and terraces. There’s also a large central pool ensconced in vivid pink bougainvillea, a spa and yoga classes. Luc Binh, the superb in-house restaurant, serves Vietnamese fusion made with local organic ingredients. From £145, mrandmrssmith.com

Where to eat

SUITCASE E S S E N T I A L S

#1 Sunglasses, £695, ebmeyrowitz.co.uk

#2 Blazer, £440, thekooples.co.uk

Cuc Gach Quán is a homely epicurean’s paradise tucked away in District One, and its lengthy menu is a wonderful way to explore the sour and spice and all things nice in Vietnam’s delicious cuisine. For some modern Asian fusion and one of the city’s best wine lists, take a 15-minute boat – book their private speedboat as water taxis can get lost – from the city centre to the upscale riverside surrounds of The Deck. Reserve a waterfront table well in advance, and celebrate the stunning views with a cocktail. cucgachquan.com.vn, thedecksaigon.com

#3 Wallet, £265, Burberry, exclusively at harrods.com

Mayfair recommends

an lÂm saigon river

On message with the rest of Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City’s traffic is a pulsating Gordian knot of scooter-born lunacy. But it’s from the back of a retro Vespa that its charged urban spaces are most thrillingly experienced. Book Vietnam Vespa Adventures’ Saigon After Dark tour for a greatest hits whirlwind of food, culture and nightlife. If you’d rather remain stationary while the kinetic happens before you, buy tickets to see the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House. The performance blends Vietnamese culture with acrobatics in a Cirque de Soleil-style spectacular. vespaadventures.com, aoshowsaigon.com

#4 Shirt, £195, thomsweeney.co.uk

#5 Shoes, £390, Common Projects, mrporter.com

an lÂm resort saigon

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

99


The Maldives is often thought of simply as a honeymoon hotspot, but Marianne Dick explores what else this extraordinary archipelago has to offer

T

he journey to paradise was never going to be simple, but it was certainly worth it. I encounter three aeroplanes and a speedboat before my feet finally touch Maldivian sand at the Amari Havodda resort, which is located in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, approximately 400 km south of the capital Malé.

Yet I find, in fact, that the lengthy journey is key to the experience: the bird’s-eye view of hundreds of islands scattered like aquamarine gems across the Indian Ocean is a spectacle that is hard to beat. It may be the lack of sleep, but the flawless horizon suggests I’ve arrived at the end of the Earth – a stark contrast to the space-age mini

Heaven is a p


travel

cities of London Heathrow and Doha Hamad International. The latter has its own internal train system. Here I don’t even need to wear shoes. The Maldives’ tourism industry only really began in the early 1970s when the first resorts opened, and even then it was made difficult by the lack of airports or electricity within the archipelago. Consequently, hotels are still popping up across the 26 atolls, making a Maldivian island getaway still feel very much on trend. A prime example is Amari Havodda: a 120-villa resort that opened one year ago, after just 14 months of construction. Like many hideaways here, it takes up the entirety of a privately owned island. Its interiors were arranged by Singapore-based French designer Isabelle Miaja and her practice, Miaja Design Group, with the layout based on the idea of ‘natural simplicity’. The result is a light, organic and contemporary aesthetic that blends

in seamlessly with its surroundings as if it has been settled there for years. After all, there’s no need to embellish on such an idyllic setting. I am shown to my overwater villa – a form of accommodation everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime – that is perched about halfway down a jetty that juts out of the island. Picture perfect, it has steps leading from its private deck straight into the sapphire waters of the lagoon. Another advantage of such a destination is the rustic yet refined outdoor bathroom arrangement that spans an area almost as sprawling as the bedroom space. It comes complete with an open-air shower, two wash basins and a deep egg-shaped tub, which I find every excuse to lounge in. Other options include an overwater villa with a personal infinity pool, or a sunset beach villa that leads straight out onto the pristine beach (again, with or without a private pool).

An overwater villa is a form of accommodation that everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime

lace on Earth s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

101


NEED TO KNOW Amari Havodda Maldives Duo Villa Experience package from around £380 per night, for a minimum four-night stay with accommodation in a beach villa and the last two nights in an overwater villa with direct ocean access, outdoor terrace with sun lounger and a king bed, amari.com Qatar Airways flies from London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh to Malé via Hamad International Airport, from £788 return, qatarairways.com


travel

While I wouldn’t blame anyone – especially honeymooners – for not emerging until checkout, it would be a shame not to at least sample the array of activities that make the most of this aquatic playground. Lighter excursions include snorkelling (I am briefly accompanied by a turtle on a swim around the tropical house reef), paddleboarding and glass bottom boat rental. For those wanting to ramp up the slow-paced Indian Ocean vibe for an afternoon, Amari Havodda also offers scuba diving courses with certified instructors, banana boat rides and jet ski rental. Even I, with an aversion to anything remotely extreme or even sporty, manage to get to grips with the latter. One way or another, the abundant coral reefs that lie beneath the crystal clear lagoon must be explored. Being so close to the equator is wonderful, but the freckle-prone can easily turn a little pink – and not just from exertion. The resort’s Breeze Spa comes to the rescue here, particularly with its sun-soothing aloe vera and cucumber body wrap, which I find to be the perfect post-sunset treatment to unwind with just my thoughts for company. The spa feels like a secret garden as you manoeuvre through a jungle-like pathway

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

clockwise from top: Thari bar; overwater pool villa terrace; glass bottom boat rental; thari bar; beach pool villa bathroom. PREVIOUS PAGE, FROM LEFT: OVERWATER POOL VILLA; the main POOL; Bird’s-eye view of Amari Havodda Maldives. images courtesy of Amari Havodda Maldives

towards it, ducking under lush greenery. The facilities are all fitted to accommodate couples, and Amari can also organise a private fourcourse dinner on the spa’s deck. Luckily, it’s easy to work up an appetite – and an appetite is certainly needed to sample all the gastronomic delights on offer. The open-air Amaya food gallery quietly transitions between breakfast, lunch and dinner as the day progresses, offering a feast of options for each. The desserts, from pumpkin custard to green tea cake, look almost too enchanting to eat. On the shore at the leaf-shaped island’s northern tip – about 15 minutes’ walk from the opposite end – lies Ember Robatayaki: an intimate restaurant based on the Japanese tradition of fireside cooking. Diners sit around a central kitchen space and sip sake while watching the chefs at work, and if you’re feeling more energetic, there’s also the opportunity to participate in a cookery class. How do you round off the ultimate Maldivian retreat? With a trip to an even more deserted patch, of course. The resort can organise half-day trips to a nearby uninhabited island for an authentic castaway experience, and sunset cruises are often trailed by dolphins while guests relax with champagne and canapés. While I have to admit that this place is hopelessly romantic, it has plenty to keep you occupied, too. Amari Havodda provides the perfect paradise setting, but it’s entirely up to you as to how you experience it.

103


Living the high life Unrivalled luxury, decadence and stunning surroundings – you can’t go wrong with a ski or snowboarding holiday at L’Apogée Courchevel, writes Francesca Lee-Rogers

J

anuary brings with it a new year and a time when winter sports connoisseurs hit the slopes. Not only is escaping to the mountains a popular way to see in arguably the most depressing month in style, skiing or snowboarding is an ideal way to burn off festive overindulgence with friends or family. Or if New Year’s resolutions aren’t on your agenda, you can’t go wrong with a spot of après-ski, sipping toffee vodka ‘seasonaire’-style. One of the most coveted destinations is Les Trois Vallées in the French Alps. With 600km of pistes to explore, it’s the largest ski area in the world with Méribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel leading the way as some of the most exclusive


travel

resorts. Luckily for those who don’t have their own chalets, L’Apogée is a very special offering to the latter destination, which has become synonymous with fashion houses such as Prada, Chanel and Gucci as well as many Michelin-star restaurants. Located at 1,850m, the hotel (which cost €100 million to build) opened in December 2013 and is situated on what was once an Olympic ski jump in the Jardin Alpin area, affording the most incredible views.

There’s nothing better than waking up to the mountainous outlook breathing in the alpine air, fresh coffee in hand I visit in peak season and on arrival am struck by the homely and sophisticated chalet feel of the hotel, which has been brought to life by architect and interior design team Joseph Dirand and India Mahdavi. Wool plaid carpets, supple leather and reams of plush velvet give a sense of indulgence to Le Bar de L’Apogée, while a fire, sofas and throws add warmth and cosiness to the space. It makes the most idyllic spot for lunch, and with hearty food such as black truffle risotto and macaroni pasta with smoked salmon on offer, it’s easy to ski and flop here. However, for those who wish to return to the slopes after regaining their energy, it is effortlessly done thanks to the exceptional level of service at L’Apogée. Having been on many a ski holiday, I often find myself lugging my skis over one shoulder, waddling in my boots while trying not to fall over with each of my poles at vertical and horizontal angles respectively. Instead, not only is my equipment expertly fitted at the Ski Room, my skis and poles are placed directly on the ski run outside of the hotel, so all I have to do is click myself in and go. It is the ultimate in ski in/ski out. And this season, with the opportunity to ski with Olympic medallist, Florence Masnada, what’s not to love?

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

105


travel

Once the final run of the day is completed, the rooms, suites and even penthouse are a welcome retreat for some much-needed R&R. I stay in a Prestige Room, which overlooks the snowy slopes that sweep down into Courchevel valley. It is quite the chocolate box view and, in my opinion, is certainly worthy of the extra expense; there’s nothing better than waking up to the mountainous outlook breathing in the alpine air, fresh coffee in hand, of course. The room has a home-from-home feel; the furnishings are sumptuous with a touch of gingham, there’s a scent of cedar in the air while the extravagant Fior di Bosco marble bathroom is the perfect place to unwind and soak in the tub. For further relaxation, the hotel’s spa, complete with Sisley treatments, subterranean pool, aromatherapy room, sauna and

salt sauna, is just the ticket. Guests should ensure they book tables at the hotel’s restaurants: Le Comptoir de L’Apogée and Koori for lunch or dinner. Headed up by chef Jean-Luc Lefrançois, Le Comptoir centres around using the world’s finest produce, with a French gourmand’s interpretation. I highly recommend the chateaubriand with voisin potatoes and forest mushroom cromesquis. The latter eatery takes its name from the Japanese word for ice, and the menu is extensive; make sure you indulge in a selection of sushi rolls, tempura and meat and fish dishes. The pastry chef, Eve Moncorger, also deserves a special mention; her desserts are a work of art and the Guanaja chocolate soufflé tart is well worth the extra calories. If you’re looking for exclusivity, unrivalled luxury and exceptional service, L’Apogée has it all. It’s been a welcome addition to Courchevel for the past three years, and many more to come for that matter.

NEED TO KNOW A deluxe room starts from £800 during low season and £1,850 during peak season. A prestige room starts from approximately £1,050 during low season and £2,180 during peak season. Rates are based on single or double occupancy, per accommodation, per night and include half board (breakfast, lunch or dinner up to a value of €150 per person). L’Apogée is part of Oetker Collection, oetkercollection.com

106

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


Ice Rink Canary Wharf 4 NOV 2016 - 25 FEB 2017

BOOK TICKETS TODAY ICERINKCANARYWHARF.CO.UK CANADA SQUARE PARK CANARY WHARF E14 5AB

ICERINKCANARYWHARF

@ICERINKCW

ICERINKCANARYWHARF


REGULARS

Remembering

MAYFAIR Globe-Trotter WORDS: james coney

I

n 1897, Englishman David Nelken perfected a technique to create suitcases out of vulcanised fibreboard. The luggage soon took off across Europe, replacing leather equivalents with the promise of being lighter and stronger. And so, Globe-Trotter was born. Its success motivated a relocation from Saxony, Germany to England in the 1930s. Around the same time, adverts in army and navy catalogues spread the brand throughout the British Empire and it prospered in many of the colonies. However, it wasn’t until 2000 that Globe-Trotter moved to Mayfair, setting up shop in Burlington Arcade. The main reason for Globe-Trotter’s success, however, is its strong commitment to craftsmanship. All products, which now extend to passport holders and luxury luggage tags, are produced in its Hertfordshire factory. It is by no means a large, mass-production facility but rather made up of several small teams of highly skilled craftspeople. For more than a century, the brand has never wavered from using original techniques and machinery. Each leather strap is stitched using a

108

harness sewing machine; the corners of the case are moulded on a Victorian press for five days to give them strength and their recognisable form; and all pieces are attached by hand to beech wood frames by a specialist carpenter. From ladies’ vanity cases to an explorer’s expedition essential, Globe-Trotter has found itself in the hands of some very influential people. Sir Edmund Hillary chose one for his ascent to Everest’s base camp in 1953; Sir Winston Churchill used a dispatch case as Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1924, and even Her Majesty The Queen took one on her honeymoon in 1947 (and still uses them to this day). But the label has rolled with the times and a younger crowd of actors, celebrities and models – Daniel Craig, David Beckham, Kate Moss – are often seen lugging one from the boot of a car into a five-star hotel or private jet. Globe-Trotter’s time on Burlington Arcade came to an end in 2014 but, still favouring Mayfair as a luxury shopping destination, the store moved to a larger premises on Albemarle Street. This year marks its 120th anniversary, an impressive milestone that the brand is celebrating with the launch of new collections inspired by the past, present and future of the company. We can’t wait to see where they end up, be it Buckingham Palace or the mountains of Nepal. 35 Albemarle Street, W1S, globe-trotter.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s


Mayfair estate agents Marylebone and Fitzrovia Aston Chase 69-71 Park Road NW1 6XU 020 7724 4724 astonchase.com

Crayson 10 Lambton Place W11 2SH 020 7221 1117 crayson.com

Knight Frank

Mayfair 120a Mount Street W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012 (sales and lettings)

Hyde Park Beauchamp Estates 24 Curzon Street, W1J 7TF 020 7499 7722 beauchamp.com

carter jonas

Dexters 66 Grosvenor Street W1K 3JL 020 7590 9590 (sales) 020 7590 9595 (lettings) dexters.co.uk

London, Mayfair and St James’s 127 Mount Street W1K 3NT 020 7493 0676

London, Hyde Park and Bayswater 44 Connaught Street W2 2AA 020 7402 1552 (sales) 020 7371 3377 (lettings)

London, Marylebone and Regent’s Park 37 New Cavendish Street W1G 9TL 020 7486 8866 carterjonas.co.uk

ChestertonS

Mayfair

47 South Audley Street W1K 2QA 020 7629 4513 (sales) 020 7288 8301 (lettings)

Westminster and Pimlico 10 Gillingham Street SW1V 1HJ 020 3411 8386 (sales) chestertons.com

1 Craven Terrace W2 3QD 020 7871 5060 (sales) 020 7871 5070 (lettings)

22 Devonshire Street W1G 6PF 020 3527 0400

Sloane Street 139 Sloane Street SW1X 9AY 020 7730 0822 savills.co.uk

Marylebone 55 Baker Street W1U 8EW 020 3435 6440 (sales) knightfrank.co.uk

Sotheby’s international realty 77-79 Ebury Street SW1W 0NZ 020 7495 9580 sothebysrealty.co.uk

Harrods Estates

Knightsbridge 82 Brompton Road SW3 1ER 020 7225 6506

Mayfair 61 Park Lane W1K 1QF 020 7409 9001 harrodsestates.com

Pastor Real Estate Ltd 48 Curzon Street W1J 7UL 020 3195 9595 pastor-realestate.com

Strutt & Parker

London Head Office 13 Hill Street W1J 5LQ 020 7629 7282

Rokstone 5 Dorset Street W1U 6QJ 020 7580 2030 rokstone.com

Knightsbridge

Savills

Wetherell 102 Mount Street W1K 2TH 020 7493 6935 wetherell.co.uk

66 Sloane Street SW1X 9SH 020 7235 9959 struttandparker.com

John taylor 48 Berkeley Square W1J 5AX 020 3284 1888 john-taylor.com

Mayfair and St James’s 36 North Audley Street W1K 6ZJ 020 7578 5100 (sales and lettings)

For estate agent listings please contact Sophie Roberts at s.roberts@runwildgroup.co.uk


MAYFAIR £3750 per ft² CADOGAN TATE £1 per ft² WHEN YOUR SPACE IS WORTH A PREMIUM, MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY SQUARE FOOT

STORE YOUR ART COLLECTION WITH US Place your collection under the care of our experienced art technicians. Choose from a range of storage options that link with our global art shipping network. View your collection online with our photographic inventory – iLive. Then select items for delivery to your home in Mayfair or any global destination

Family heritage – Store valued furniture and family heirlooms, preserving them for future generations

Wine storage – Keep your fine wines on tap. One click and we deliver that case of Margaux for your next dinner party

Having a party - We remove selected items for a party or special occasion and carefully reinstall after the event

Seasonal wardrobe – As snowdrops emerge in the spring we deliver your summer wardrobe to your door and remove your winter collection

Experience the ultimate managed storage in secure private lockers, rooms and containers from £10 per week

Art Storage 020 8108 4109

Home Contents Storage 020 8108 4302

For our full range of Moving, Storage & Shipping services visit cadogantate.com


showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY from the best estate agents

Fresh

perspective Expert views on the outlook for 2017

image courtesy of sotheby’s


The Lancasters, Hyde Park W2 Wonderful duplex apartment with spectacular views across Hyde Park A luxurious apartment located in The Lancasters, a magnificent stucco fronted development on the edge of Hyde Park. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 en suite), reception/dining room, kitchen, guest cloakroom, utility room, lift access, 24 hour concierge, secure underground parking for 1 car with valet service, gymnasium, swimming pool, steam room. EPC: E. Approximately 164 sq m (1,766 sq ft). Share of freehold

Guide price: £4,999,950

KnightFrank.co.uk/hydepark hydepark@knightfrank.com 020 3544 6140

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/HPE160064

Mayfair Mag January 2017 - 79 11 The Lancasters

13/12/2016 10:30:43

MM


43

Grosvenor Square, Mayfair W1K A grand six bedroom apartment in Mayfair's most exclusive address A magnificent six bedroom apartment offering spectacular views from its 10 windows overlooking London's most prestigious garden square. Spanning in excess of 4,400 sq ft, this property offers unrivalled lateral accommodation in the heart of Mayfair. 4 bedroom suites, 2 further guest bedrooms, 2 shower rooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen, study, 24 hr concierge, lift access. EPC: D. Approximately 417 sq m (4,492 sq ft). Leasehold: approximately 128 years remaining

KnightFrank.co.uk/mayfair mayfair@knightfrank.com 020 8166 7484

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

KnightFrank.co.uk/WER150188

MM January

13/12/2016 09:47:34


10

FOUND. Your perfect tenant. Let with Knight Frank. Call us today to arrange your free market appraisal: KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings hydeparklettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 1708 KnightFrank.co.uk/lettings marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com 020 3641 5853

Guide price: £1,845 per week

Cleveland Square, Hyde Park W2

-->

This beautiful classical lateral three double bedroom raised ground floor apartment with high cielings throughout is located on a beautiful private garden square. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, reception room and separate kitchen. EPC: D Approximately 133 sq m (1,432 sq ft). hydeparklettings@knightfrank.com Office: 0 2 0 3 6 4 1 1 7 0 8

All potential tenants should be advised that as well as rent, an administration fee of £276 and referencing fees of £48 per person will apply when renting a property. Please ask us for more information about other fees that may apply or visit KnightFrank.co.uk/tenantcharges

@KnightFrank KnightFrank.co.uk

Guide price: £2,500 per week

Fitzhardinge Street, Marylebone W1 A luxury two bedroom duxplex apartment located on the top floor of a Grade ll listed building with lift access and furnished to a high specification throughout. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, WC, reception room, dining room, kitchen. EPC: C. Approximately 182 sq m (1,967 sq ft). marylebonelettings@knightfrank.com Office: 0 2 0 3 6 4 1 5 8 5 3

Mayfair Mag 09.12

13/12/2016 17:00:50


property

market

insight Pressing forward Partner and head of Knight Frank Mayfair, Harvey Cyzer, reports on the highs and lows of the global property market

W

hile the UK economy and housing market held up far better than expected following June’s Brexit vote, the outlook for both in 2017 remains uncertain. Both the London and wider UK housing markets outperformed expectations following the referendum. After a sharp dip in confidence just after the vote, conditions improved in the autumn. On most measures the mainstream UK market continues to perform strongly, with annual price growth ending 2016 at five per cent. Most regional markets have seen positive growth. The ripple price growth from London continued last year, and we saw the East and South East of England achieving stronger growth than in Greater London by December. Looking forward in 2017, we believe that the slowdown in prices that has been evident in central London over the past 12 months will spread to the wider region, with prices in Greater London down marginally. The slowdown in the capital will likely be experienced across the rest of the UK, with price growth down notably on 2016. The main drivers for weaker market performance relate to economic uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process, which we believe

will impact negatively on consumer confidence in the run up to, and just after, the serving of the formal ‘notice to quit’ the European Union. In addition, the impact of reforms on the taxation of landlords will reduce demand from investors, in turn limiting upwards pressure on prices. Looking at the prime London market, we believe that a seven per cent fall in prices across the western part of central London in 2016 means that we are close to the bottom in terms of price adjustment in this market. However, there could also be some further downward adjustment in prime outer London markets this year. For rental markets, it was a mixed year for landlords in central London. Demand from tenants was strong, but this was offset by a strong supply of rental properties. There is a risk of further rental price falls this year, but not on the scale of the adjustments seen in 2016. The wider UK rental market looks relatively positive, with modest growth expected. Rents could rise further if landlords begin to sell properties in an effort to offset the impact of tax rises.

For rental markets, it was a mixed year for landlords in central London. Demand from tenants was strong, but this was offset by a strong supply of rental properties

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

Knight Frank Mayfair, 120a Mount Street, W1K, 020 7499 1012, knightfrank.co.uk

115


[ hot property]

Charles Street, W1

C

harles Stanhope, 4th Earl of Harrington (better known as the Regency dandy Lord Petersham), was once, fittingly, a resident of 36 Charles Street. He was remarked upon for his colourful collection of snuff boxes – one for every day of the year – and fine wares that he often designed and made himself; he invented the Petersham overcoat after many people began to copy his style. One of his countless noted quirks was a daily aloofness until 6pm: he was never seen in public before this time. It must have been rather handy, then, that his lodgings were at Mayfair’s core, a short jaunt from some of London’s top nightspots, such as Mount Street, Annabel’s and The Only Running Footman.

Charles Street remains at the centre of this historic hub. The 3,015sq ft first-floor apartment at number 12 has been stylishly refurbished by Rigby & Rigby’s in-house team to please the most discerning of dressers, in a classic yet contemporary aesthetic. Traditional features such as the wall panelling and grand ceiling heights have been enhanced by a modern palette with flashes of royal blue and gold. Keeping ahead of the curve, top-of-the-range appliances including underfloor heating, Lutron integrated lifestyle lighting and Sonos audio are fitted throughout. There are three generous en-suite bedrooms; the master bedroom adjoins to an enormous dressing room that Lord Petersham would have certainly approved of.


PROPERTY

However, it’s the smallest of details such as gilded sculptural drawer handles that really make this property stand out. The marble Art Deco fireplace draws the eye through the 17 metres of lateral open-plan communal space (comprising of the kitchen, round dining set large enough to comfortably seat eight and two living areas), which itself stretches comfortably across nine front-facing windows onto Charles Street. This space includes access to a balcony as well as two bar areas complete with bespoke cabinetry to showcase your preferred poison, making this an ideal abode for entertaining. Rigby & Rigby have intertwined the best of both traditional and the modern in this period apartment,

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

which comes with a dedicated concierge, resident porter and a lift for your ease. There is also an overflow studio apartment for staff, and private garaging for those who do care to venture out; however, this apartment urges taking a leaf out of Lord Petersham’s book, to not consider emerging until at least 6pm. If absolutely necessary. £15.95m (share of freehold). For more information contact Knight Frank, 120a Mount Street, W1K, 020 7499 1012, knightfrank.co.uk, Wetherell, 102 Mount Street, W1K, 020 7529 5566, wetherell.co.uk and Rigby & Rigby, 80 Brook Street, W1K, 020 3418 0446, rigbyandrigby.com

117


Bricks & More 020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com

10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH


Based in London, few property advisors have ears closer to the ground – or have built up a better understanding of the prime central London property market. Our exceptional personal service, discretion and knowledge of the market has transformed our name into bywords for trust and transparency. Come and talk to us today and see how we can help deliver the very best returns on your most important assets. In the manner to which you are accustomed.


Craven Hill Gardens Bayswater W2 Three beds, two floors, outside space – this is more than pied-a-terresville, this is home...

020 7221 1117 www.crayson.com

10 Lambton Place London W11 2SH


Reception Room Kitchen Master bedroom suite Two further bedrooms One further bathroom Utility Cloakroom Off street parking for two cars 1,163 sq ft/ 108 sq m City of Westminster EPC rating band E Sole Agent Leasehold Guide Price ÂŁ1.85 million


www.pastor-realestate.com

FOR SALE CHESTERFIELD HOUSE, W1J

£1,795,000

Brand newly refurbished 1 bedroom 1st floor apartment set within a purpose built block with lift and 24 hour porter. Features include: original fireplace with elegant parquet flooring, 1940’s antique crystal chandelier and a bespoke kitchen with integrated Siemens appliances. The double bedroom boasts ample storage space with oak wardrobes and LED lighting. Leasehold plus Share of Freehold.

FURTHER DETAILS :

Simon Green

E sales@pastor-realestate.com T +44 (0)20 3879 8989

FOR SALE CURZON STREET, W1J

£1,375,000

This 2 bedroom 4th floor apartment with lift is ideally positioned to benefit from all that Mayfair has to offer. Extending to 739 sq ft (69 sq m) the accommodation comprises: entrance hall, reception room with dining area, master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, second bedroom, shower room and separate fully fitted kitchen. Leasehold.

FURTHER DETAILS : Simon Green

E sales@pastor-realestate.com T +44 (0)20 3879 8989

PASTOR REAL ESTATE 11 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 5HJ • T +44 (0)203 879 8989 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596 Mayfair-ad-templates-SP.indd 1

16/12/2016 15:24

May


TO LET HERTFORD STREET, MAYFAIR W1

£1,000 per week

Beautifully presented two bedroom 3rd floor apartment set within this popular portered Mayfair block close to Green Park tube and the open spaces of Hyde Park. The 962 sq.ft. (89 sq.m) high specification property comprises: open plan kitchen/dining/reception room perfect for entertaining, 2 double bedrooms and two shower rooms (one en-suite).

FURTHER DETAILS :

Spencer Taffurelli

E lettings@pastor-realestate.com T +44 (0)20 3195 9595

TO LET BLANDFORD STREET, MARYLEBONE W1

£695 per week

Stunning interior designed split level one bedroom apartment in a luxury development with concierge moments from the popular shops, bars and restaurants of Marylebone High Street. Accommodation comprises: entrance hall, guest WC, double height reception room, open plan kitchen, double bedroom with robes & en-suite bath, comfort cooling.

FURTHER DETAILS : Elisabeth Erard

E lettings@pastor-realestate.com T +44 (0)20 3195 9595

PASTOR REAL ESTATE 48 CURZON STREET, LONDON, W1J 7UL • T +44 (0)20 3195 9595 F +44 (0)20 3195 9596 15:24

Mayfair-ad-templates-SP.indd 2

16/12/2016 15:24


Pastor Real Estate 48 Curzon Street MAYFAIR W1J 7UL London

Pastor Real Estate 11 Curzon Street MAYFAIR W1J 5HJ London

T: +44 (0) 20 3195 9595 F: +44 (0) 20 3195 9596 E: contact@pastor-realestate.com

T: +44 (0) 20 3879 8989 F: +44 (0) 20 3195 9596 E: sales@pastor-realestate.com

C

M

J

M

J

Lettings Investment Architecture Consultancy Commercial Project Management Property Management

Sales

J

MJ

N

11

www.pastor-realestate.com

48


Intelligent Risk Management & Execution

EXPERT IN FOREIGN CURRENCY

Why RVB?

Approach

About

If you are needing to convert currency

RVB assists you in understanding

RVB Currency UK Ltd is a UK

to buy or sell a property, RVB delivers

each and every step of the process, so

registered company, number 7586693,

a blend of intelligent and practical

that we can provide you with the best

regulated by the FCA as an Authorised

solutions, with the sole purpose of

tailored solution to meet your specific

Payment Institution (FRN: 593854)

protecting you from losing money

requirements, for any currency scenario.

and by HMRC as a Money Transmitter

unnecessarily due to excessive charges

Our core value is that your interests are

(license number:12653819).

and currency market volatility.

at the heart of every decision.

+44(0) 20 3137 6885

18 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PW

info@rvbcurrency.com


Whitehall Court, St James’s SW1A

ÂŁ4,850,000

This exceptional penthouse is uniquely decorated to a fantastic specification and is situated on the top floor of this prestigious Victorian mansion. Comprising vaulted ceilings and a beautiful spiral staircase leading up from the ample living room, which provides a wonderful entertaining space. Breath-taking views of the River Thames and the London Eye are visible from the large roof terrace. EPC rating D. Approximately 2,695 sq ft (250 sq m). Two reception rooms | Kitchen | Two bedrooms | Two bathrooms | Large roof terrace | Lift | 24-hour concierge service | Stunning views

Leasehold: approximately 71 years remaining

77-79 Ebury Street, London SW1W 0NZ sothebysrealty.co.uk +44 20 7495 9580 | london@sothebysrealty.co.uk


sothebysrealty.co.uk

Portland Place, Marylebone W1

£17,950,000

Situated principally on the 8th floor of this imposing building, the apartment is spectacular in proportions and can be considered a true Penthouse with direct lift access and fabulous panoramic views across London. Benefitting from an abundance of natural light and space, the property provides exceptional living accommodation throughout. EPC rating C. Approximately 7,355 sq ft (683 sq m). Three reception rooms | Kitchen/breakfast room | Seven bedrooms | Seven bathrooms | Media room | Swimming pool |Pool terrace | Direct lift access | Day porter | Private parking | 360 degree views

Leasehold: approximately 90 years remaining

© 2016 UK Sotheby’s International Realty. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty is a registered trademark licensed to UK Sotheby’s International Realty in the UK. Each offïce is independently owned and operated. All information non - contractual, approximate and subject to error, change and withdrawal without notice. Rent excludes administration fees. Please contact our offïces who can provide this information.


GENEVA GENTHOD

Set within 0.7 hectares of parkland and located just

GENEVA

minutes from 5* hotel La Reserve and Geneva Airport. This beautiful 7 bedroom property offers ample living and entertaining space with high ceilings and an abundance of natural light.


All enquiries please contact:

Gary Hersham +44 20 7499 7722 gary@beauchamp.com

Jonathan Harari + 41 22 732 80 00 jharari@rousseau5.ch


Mayfair Showroom 66 Grosvenor Street, London, W1K 3JL 28 offices in Central London and over 60 across London

Chesterfield Hill, W1J £11,950,000

An exceptional six bedroom new build townhouse set behind an original Grade ll Listed Georgian façade, in the heart of Mayfair. It has a lift, games room, cinema room and separate staff accommodation. Located close to Mount Street Gardens, the property is well placed for enjoying the best Mayfair has to offer, energy rating e. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9590

Queen Anne’s Gate, SW1H £21,000,000

A magnificent five bedroom historic Queen Anne townhouse overlooking St James’s Park. Sumptuously refurbished with meticulous craftsmanship throughout, there are grand entertaining rooms, a spectacular master bedroom suite, spacious family living areas and a large private patio garden. Dexters Westminster 020 7590 9578

dexters.co.uk


Hill Street, W1J £3,450 per week

A fantastic opportunity to rent a six bedroom townhouse of approximately 6,000 sq.ft in the heart of Mayfair. The property is set over six floors with three reception rooms, seven bathrooms and a large kitchen/breakfast room that leads onto a private patio garden. Further benefits include a balcony and a first floor roof terrace, energy rating e. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9595

Upper Brook Street, W1K £2,950 per week

An imposing Grade II Listed five bedroom house on Upper Brook Street. Occupying five floors the property has a dual aspect reception room, large dining room and separate kitchen, three ensuite bathrooms and two guest WC’s. The property benefits from a further two bedrooms in the basement, energy rating e. Dexters Mayfair 020 7590 9595

dexters.co.uk

Tenants fees apply: £180 per tenancy towards administration, £60 reference fee per tenant and £144 towards the end of tenancy check out report (all inc VAT).


RUTLAND GARDENS, SW7 FOUNTAIN HOUSE, MAYFAIR, W1K FOUNTAIN HOUSE, MAYFAIR, W1K A raised ground floor apartment within a period building on a private gated road with 24 hour security in Knightsbridge. The apartment’s

With views on Park a 6th floor apartment ininthis prestigious building with concierge services and lift. Withpanoramic panoramic viewsofofHyde HydePark, Park, ParkLane, Lane, floor with24 24hour hour concierge services lift. generous period features include highonceilings, anda 6th it has itsapartment own private this frontprestigious door. The building accommodation comprises a large openand plan InInneed of refurbishment, the apartment has a large entrance hallway, formal sitting and dining rooms, fitted kitchen, family room, three need of refurbishment, the apartment has a large entrance hallway, formal sitting and dining rooms, fitted kitchen, family room, three reception room, a well appointed kitchen, a master bedroom with en suite bathroom, two further double bedrooms, a family bathroom double bedrooms, staff three bathrooms and guest Long Leasehold. EPC Rating C. JSA Mayfair. double bedrooms, staffbedroom, bathrooms andaaHouse guestcloakroom. Leasehold. EPCwhich Rating JSASavills, Savills, and a guest cloakroom. Abedroom, long 958three year lease. Telegraph iscloakroom. located onLong Rutland Gardens, is aC.private road Mayfair. set behind security gates opposite Hyde Park in the heart of Knightsbridge. The building has recently been refurbished, and has 24 hour security and porterage. EPC Rating D, Approx 1330 Sq Ft.

£3,300,000 PRICE: PRICE: £6,950,000 £6,950,000 LEASEHOLD LEASEHOLD LEASEHOLD

John John Taylor UK JohnTaylor TaylorUK UK 48 Berkeley Square, 48 Berkeley Square, 48 Berkeley Square, London London W1J 5AX LondonW1J W1J5AX 5AX Tel: Tel: 020 3284 1888 Tel:020 0203284 32841888 1888 Email: Email: london@john-taylor.com Email:london@john-taylor.com london@john-taylor.com

AIX-EN-PROVENCE • •BERLIN • •BROOKLYN • •CANNES • •COURCHEVEL • DOHA • •GSTAAD • •LAKE • •LONDON • •MADRID • •MANHATTAN • MAURITIUS • •MEGEVE AIX-EN-PROVENCE BERLIN BROOKLYN CANNES COURCHEVEL DOHA• •GENEVA GENEVA GSTAAD LAKECOMO LONDON MADRID• •MALTA MANHATTAN MEGEVE FRANCE | GERMANY | ITALY | MALTA | MAURITIUS | •MONACO | QATAR | RUSSIA |COMO SPAIN | SWITZERLAND | MALTA UNITED KINGDOM • MAURITIUS | UNITED STATES MERIBEL MERIBEL • • MIAMI MIAMI • • MILAN MILAN • • MONACO MONACO • • MOSCOW MOSCOW • • PALM PALM BEACH BEACH • • PARIS PARIS • • STST JEAN-CAP-FERRAT JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • • STST PAUL PAUL DEVENCE DEVENCE • • STST TROPEZ TROPEZ • • THE THE HAMPTONS HAMPTONS • • VALBONNE VALBONNE

www.john-taylor.com www.john-taylor.com www.john-taylor.com


The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

Drawing of St Dunstan-in-the-West by SPAB Scholar Ptolomy Dean

Founded by William Morris, the SPAB protects the historic environment from decay, damage and demolition. It responds to threats to old buildings, trains building professionals, craftspeople, homeowners and volunteers and gives advice about maintenance and repairs. Since 1877 countless buildings have been saved for future generations.

Information about maintaining your home is available through events, courses, lectures, publications and telephone advice. To support our work why not join the SPAB? Members receive a quarterly magazine, our list of historic properties for sale and access to our regional activities.

www.spab.org.uk 020 7377 1644 A charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales. Company no: 5743962 Charity no: 1113753 37 Spital Square, London E1 6DY


Property news

Savile Row in 1955, Photography: Ben Brooksbank, Geograph

PrimeResi brings you the latest news in prime property and development in London

To have and to hold New planning rules to protect five beloved areas of Westminster

W

estminster Council has brought in a set of measures to prevent Savile Row, Mayfair, Harley Street, St James’s and Portland Place “losing their identity”. Special Policy Areas came into effect in November, allowing planners to reject proposals that would “threaten the character” of the five iconic locations and the world famous industries that put them on the map. The move, which has been triggered by the disappearance of a number of antiques dealers from Mayfair and St James’s in recent years, aims to

PrimeQResi Journal of Luxury Property

safeguard specialist traders – particularly the bespoke tailors of Savile Row – and to prevent an “invasion of global brands” from changing the make-up and character of the historic streets. “Like a good suit, planning policy should be made to measure,” said Cllr Robert Davis MBE DL, Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for the Built Environment. “The 17.5m people who visit London each year come to experience our capital’s distinctive character. “It’s unthinkable that world-renowned destinations such as Savile Row, which is

synonymous with quality tailoring, could become indistinguishable from any other high street around the world. Our historic tailors and art traders are coming under intense pressure from other disparate users eager to rent in the area. “We are using our powers to protect some of the capital’s most valuable assets and create environments where specialist traders can thrive. Special Policy Areas will ensure we retain and nurture the world-leading expertise that made these areas famous in the first place.”


property

The sustainable grade

Delightful by design

Arup and Grosvenor trial living wall scaffolding

Green light for Qatari Diar’s US Embassy plans

T

W

estminster planners have given the go-ahead to Qatari Diar’s proposals to turn the US Embassy on Grosvenor Square into a David Chipperfield-designed five-star hotel. The scheme will almost double the size of Eero Saarinen’s Grade II-listed 1960s fortress from its current 260,000sq ft to nearly 500,000sq ft, creating a hotel with 137 rooms, plus a spa and ballroom. Two new basement floors and a mezzanine basement floor will be added, as well as an extension at the rear of the building from the second to fifth-floor levels. Initial plans were put forward last April, and Westminster has concluded that “the proposed extensions have been carefully designed to respect the retained façades, drawing inspiration from Saarinen’s ideas, and are of high design quality”. A suite of other game-changing schemes are currently in progress on the square, including Finchatton’s transformation of the former US Naval HQ (at No. 20) and Lodha Group’s reimagining of the former Canadian High Commission (at No. 1).

he Grade I-listed St Mark’s church – also known as One Mayfair – on North Audley Street is receiving an upgrade from run-of-the-mill scaffolding during its £5m revamp. Grosvenor and construction giant Arup have developed an idea to create a ‘living wall’ on site, growing fruits, foliage and flowers up the façade while construction works carry on inside. While it is only a trial project – and the first time such a thing has come to the UK – the firms claim that the concept has the potential “to reduce air pollution by up to 20 per cent”. Grosvenor is transforming St Mark’s into a new retail and community space, which is due to complete this year. The 80sq m foliaged scaffolding, named Living Wall Lite, comprises a mixture of grasses, flowers and strawberries, reducing the visual impact of scaffolding on local residents. As well as improving air quality, studies suggest that living walls can reduce noise pollution by up to ten decibels. The wall has been designed by Arup and manufactured by Swedish living wall specialist Green Fortune. It will be fitted with sensors to monitor its impact on noise, temperature and air pollution.

primeresi.com

s l u x u ry l o n d o n . c o. u k s

135


A NEW HOME FOR A

upper grosvenor Street - £6,500,000

charlesStreet Street- -£5,500,000 £5,500,000 charles

Park Street - £4,750,000

BRICK BRICKSTREET STREET- -£4,500,000 £4,500,000

mount row - £3,250,000

south southaudley audleyStreet Street- -£3,200,000 £3,200,000

bringing bringingresidential residentiallife lifeback backto tomayfair mayfair

Weth


NEW YEAR YEAR IN IN MAYFAIR MAYFAIR NEW

parkStreet Street- -£5,250,000 £5,250,000 park

south audley Street - £5,000,000

Green GreenStREET StREET- -£4,180,000 £4,180,000

Berkeley Street - £3,450,000

Wetherell have the finest selection of Mayfair properties for a fresh start to 2017

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7493 6935 E: mail@wetherell.co.uk

half halfmoon moonStreet Street- -£1,750,000 £1,750,000

wetherell.co.uk

no-one no-oneknows knowsmayfair mayfairbetter betterthan thanwetherell wetherell

Wetherell_DPS_RHP.indd 2

13/12/2016 11:44


A NEW HOME FOR A NEW YEAR IN MAYFAIR

sackville street - £1,950 PW

Albemarle Street - £1,300 PW

DOWN STREET - £795 PW

Hertford Street - £700 PW

Wetherell have the finest selection of Mayfair properties for a fresh start to 2017

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7529 5588 E: rentals@wetherell.co.uk

wetherell.co.uk

ADAMS ROW - £600 PW

Tenant Fees Apply - £240.00 inclusive of VAT is payable by the Tenant for Wetherell conducting tenant checks, credit checks and drawing up a tenancy agreement. Cost is payable per unit dwelling.

bringing residential life back to mayfair


THE 21ST DAVIES STREET MAYFAIR W1 An Immaculate Contemporary 6,220 Sq Ft Four Bedroom Duplex Apartment with 24hr Concierge & Secure Parking Long Leasehold £29,500,000

JSA: Knight Frank

102 Mount Street, London W1K 2TH T: 020 7493 6935 E: sales@wetherell.co.uk

wetherell.co.uk

no-one knows mayfair better than wetherell


Decadence Defined

Crafted to showcase complexity and depth, Rare Cask is drawn from the broadest spectrum of casks, 16 different types, ever identified by the Master Whisky Maker. Far less than 1% of those casks maturing at the distillery have been identified as fitting to bestow the Rare Cask name. With rarity at its core, this is a whisky crafted from casks so rare they will never again be used in any Macallan whisky. Combining Spanish and American sherry seasoned oak casks, a high proportion of them first fill, gives rise to an exquisite whisky with a splendidly rich hue, and an unmistakable woody whisky. This is a single malt which captures a true decadence; its creation goes beyond any other Macallan whisky and its rarity is absolute. It is a single malt of such diversity and intricacy it challenges the very conventions of whisky creation.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N P LE A S E V I S I T T H EM ACA LLA N . CO M PLEASE SAVOUR RESPONSIBLY


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.