The Fashion Issue by MR H

The Collective

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;No. 7

Fashion Issue

The Collective

At home with

Matthew Williamson (pages 30 - 35)

The Collective

V I E W T H E F I L M AT: W W W. G I E V E S A N D H A W K E S. C O M

The Collective

Time for life.

The Collective

In support of

Time for life – with two limited edition timepieces in support of Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières. Each watch raises 100 USD, GBP, or EUR for the Nobel Peace Prize winning humanitarian organization. And still these handcrafted mechanical watches with the red 12 cost the same as the classic models from NOMOS Glashütte. Help now, wear forever. Funds raised are donated to Médecins Sans Frontières USA, UK, or Germany, depending on the specific model purchased. For MSF UK, the registered charity no. is 1026588. Available at selected retailers in the three participating countries, as well as online. Find your nearest NOMOS retailer at www.nomos-watches.com or order online at www.nomos-store.com.

The Collective

FREE ENTRY FACT.CO.UK 1

The Collective

We present the Alexander McQueen and Damien Hirst scarf collaboration. Ensure you’re seated this is truly amazing. Pages 20-23

Rankin donated the ‘Flower Mask’ that was featured on our issue 5 cover to a very special charity exhibition. Pages 24-25

Editor - presents the issue The Fashion Issue has been a labour of love to produce and I am humbled to have obtained permission to showcase the David Bailey portrait of Kate Moss on our cover. Bailey and Moss are equally iconic and represent the past, present and future of the fashion industry. We preview Bailey’s approaching exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery on pages 14 & 15. It really is a must see.

We are invited inside Matthew Williamson’s London home. This man isn’t just a designer, he is design. Pages 30-35

Massive congrats to Gary Everett and the whole Homotopia team on a triumphant 10th year anniversary programme. The festival is a crucial part of the continuing equality movement. Lets hope that one day the festival will be welcomed in Russia - I have faith that it will. During the celebrations I spent time with Boy George & TradeMark (Mark Wardel) and I am thrilled to present their exhibition on pages 16-18 of this issues ‘Art in Print’. Check out our interview with Jason Basmajian, the Creative Director of Gieves & Hawkes on pages 49-51. Viktorija presents her latest fashion shoot on pages 38-43. This was one seriously chilly day styling below freezing point but the final images made it all worth it.

Indulge and escape whilst reading our reviews on London’s most exquisite hotels. Pages 66 onwards

As we celebrate our first year of publishing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who has supported us over the past year. Especially you, our readers - you’re always at the forefront of our minds. Quite simply, ‘content is king’ and whether you pick up a print copy or you’re one of our international readers who frequents the digital version, thank you, thank you, thank you for appreciating our vision and the content we present. See you all in the spring!

Lee Joseph Hagan Editor lee@thecollectivebrand.com @mrleehagan

Kerry Jones of Love Amelia illustration and I present Zandra Rhodes with a special gift. Page 47

The Collective

Collective HQ Viktorija Grigorjevaite Creative Director & Fashion Photographer viktorija@thecollectiveinternational.com www.vggv.co.uk

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Coco Chanel

Alecia Marshall Deputy Editor alecia@thecollectiveinternational.com

“You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” Oscar Wilde

Michelle Langan ‘’There is no such thing as an ugly woman - only a lazy one’’ Donatella Versace

Tom Barcys Head Designer Cleversteam Agency www.cleversteam.com

Contributors & writers:

Andrew Collinge, Liz Collinge, Jackie Hagan, Catherine Murphy.

Front Cover:

Kate Moss by David Bailey, 2013 ©David Bailey

Disclaimer No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior permission of the publisher (H of H publishing). Whilst every care is taken, the publisher can take no responsiblty for omissions or errors. All prices and details are correct at the time of going to print, the publisher can take no respsonsibilty for change thereafter.

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” Gore Vidal

The Collective

ARTS

The Collective

Exhibition What: Life When:

This December, FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology), Liverpool, is collaborating with the Royal College of Art’s Creative Exchange Hub to present the exhibition Time & Motion: Redefining Working Life. An exhibition that is the result of a major research and innovation programme, contributing artists include Cohen van Balen, Harun Farocki, Oliver Walker, Blake Fall-Conroy, Sam Meech, Molleindustria, Jeff Crouse and Stephanie Rothernberg, Andrew Norman Wilson and The Creative Exchange. Time & Motion will use artworks, research projects, archival materials and interventions to track our journey through the world of work, from clocking on at the factory gates to checking in online from our home office or local entrepreneurial networking space. As our industrial economy has given way to a service and knowledge economy,

producing ideas and experiences rather than artefacts, how have our patterns of day-today working life changed? Time & Motion will work with a range of artists, creative producers and researchers to experiment across venue, audience, workspace and digital space, transforming FACT into a hybrid between factory and exploratorium. The exhibition asks timely questions including ‘What happened to the eight hour day?’ ‘What is your work life balance?’ and ‘How has technology affected the way that you work?’ each encouraging the visitor to consider their own working life and the changes happening around them. www.fact.co.uk

The Collective

Preview

What:

Exhibition

Spectacle

What:

What: BalletBoyz - The TALENT

What:

When:

Who: Who: When: When: One of the world’s most lauded young writers returns with her new novel: “Even the most innocent person, when cornered, is capable of a heartless crime.” www.randomhouse.co.uk

As part of Homotopia, this new exhibition brings together a unique selection of paintings and prints, charting the early development of this iconic British artist. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ walker

Following triumphant UK and international appearances on stage and screen, this phenomenally popular company featuring 10 exceptional young dancers presents an exhilarating evening of dance. www.theatkinson.co.uk

2014 Arthur Miller’s devastating portrait of an ordinary man in a clash of cultures, generations and moral duty is theatre at its best. www.everymanplayhouse.com

The Collective

Master of The Arts His name is synonymous with photography worldwide. Some call him the master. We believe he is.

The Collective

avid Bailey: unarguably one of the world’s most distinguished and distinctive photographers, certified by a career that surpasses half a century. His outstanding contribution to the visual arts is proven by his consistently imaginative and thought-provoking portraits. Next year the National Portrait Gallery pays homage to his remarkable body of work in a landmark exhibition.

Sponsored by HUGO BOSS, Bailey’s Stardust (6 February – 1 June 2014) will be one of the gallery’s larger-scale photography exhibitions, with over 250 portraits occupying most of its ground floor. The portraits have been personally selected by Bailey from the subjects and groups that he has captured over the last five decades: photographers, actors, writers, musicians, filmmakers, fashion icons, designers, models, artists and people encountered on his travels; many of them famous, some unknown, all of them engaging and memorable. Bailey’s Stardust is structured thematically, with iconic images presented alongside many lesser-known portraits, its title reflecting the notion that we are all made from, and return to, ‘stardust’. Portraits of a wide range of sitters – from the glamorous to the impoverished, the famous to the notorious – are presented in a series of contrasting rooms. There will be rooms devoted to Bailey’s travels in Australia, Delhi and the Naga Hills, as well as icons from the worlds of fashion and the arts, and people of the East End of London. There will be selections from two of Bailey’s most acclaimed bodies of work: the Box of Pin-Ups, which helped define the 1960s through arresting studies of key figures, and Bailey’s Democracy, in which people visiting his studio were asked if they would agree to be photographed naked. The exhibition also includes a brand new picture of Kate Moss (a Collective favourite) and previously unseen pictures taken last year during a trip to India. The gallery’s director Sandy Nairne said: “Bailey’s Stardust is a very special event. It offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy the widest range of the mercurial portraits created by David Bailey, one of the world’s greatest image-makers.” Bailey’s Stardust runs from 6th February – 1st June 2014 at The National Portrait Gallery. For more information visit www.npg.org.uk Kate Moss by David Bailey, 2013 © David Bailey (as featured on cover) Jack Nicholson by David Bailey, 1978 © David Bailey Jerry Hall and Helmut Newton, Cannes by David Bailey, 1973 © David Bailey Catherine Bailey by David Bailey, 1989 © David Bailey

The Collective

Art in Print This Way Out: Boy George & TradeMark Ten years ago, Homotopia consisted of a handful of LGBT arts events and an exhibition reflecting on Liverpool’s queer culture. With Drill Hall and Queer Up North there was a relief that, even though it was small scale, here was a chance to celebrate home-grown queer culture, giving it a voice as well as a platform. How things have changed. Homotopia is now gracing stages at the Philharmonic Hall, the Walker Art Gallery and the Museum of Liverpool with a glittering programme that includes names such as David Hockney, John Waters, April Ashley and Sandi Toksvig. 2013 marked Homotopia’s tenth birthday and boy, do they know how to celebrate. However, one feature of its programme in particular caught our eye – an exhibition. An artistic collaboration between pop icon and photographer, Boy George, and club culture pop painter, TradeMark, This Way Out draws upon portraits of gay icons such as Jackie Curtis, Lou Reed, and Iggy Pop to examine the identities that exist outside of the heterosexual mainstream. With just one look, we knew we had found Issue 7’s AIP. There are three fantastic photographs to choose from so rip one out, put it on your fridge, plaster it on your wall – you know the drill.

www.homotopia.net

The Collective

1. Identity construct acrylic and oil on canvas 2013, 92 x 82 cm 2. Is it nice in your snowstorm (Bowie) acrylic, oil and spray paint on canvas 2013, 61 x 51 cm 3. Angie Bowie as a boy acrylic, oil and metallic spray paint on canvas 2013, 155 x 102 cm

The Collective

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN COLLABORATION

The Collective

DAMIEN HIRST SCARVES

The Collective

You will find a selection of scarfs from the Damien Hirst collaboration including cashmere, silk chiffon, silk ponge, silk twill at: www.alexandermcqueen.com

The Collective

Clockwise from top left: Philip & Tony Armstrong,Viktorija Grigorjevaite (Curator), Hannah Ramsey & Phil Melia,Viktorija Grigorjevaite & Lee Joseph Hagan, Colin Fitzgibbon & Debbie Tagoe, Vivian Sarah Deakin & Gill Bainbrdige

Mountain Edyll Switzerland donated by a mystery photographer received the highest bid on the evening

The Collective

Photo for Youth: The Exhibition Now that the gavel is back in exhibition.

Above: Mark & Hazel Dyble Below: Andrew & Liz Collinge with Lucy Martin, Blacksoup & Viktorija Grigorjevaite

his time last month, The Collective’s Creative Director, Viktorija Grigorjevaite, was busy curating one of this year’s most important North West exhibitions: Photo for Youth. A charitable photography exhibition conceived by Merseyside Youth Association, the event showcased not only exclusive professional images, but more importantly supplied a platform for emerging talented photographers.

Merseyside Youth Association is committed to the growth and achievement of young people within the county and the exhibition aimed to raise funds for the charity through an exclusive private auction, allowing the guests to purchase unique and original pieces of photography. Karidis Medispa (located on the top floor of Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols) very generously donated £1000 worth of vouchers on the evening. Glamorous PR Manager from Karidis, Lucy Martin (featured left) was on hand to present vouchers to the successful bidders. Fashion designers Philip and Tony Armstrong, hair and beauty experts, Andrew & Liz Collinge, Councillor Anna Rothery and Chief Executive of Medicash, Sue Weir all successfully bidded on the evening as did many others who purchased original pieces of photography whilst raising vital money for MYA projects. Managing Director of Imix events, Jamie Wray transformed one area of the exhibition with a pop up bar and ensured that the guests were looked after all evening. Phil Melia, owner of the cities most stylish interiors store, Opulence Furniture located inside Cavern Walks brought a touch of glamour to the evening by decorating the stage area. Raising over £5,000, it is hardly surprising that the exhibition has been hailed a huge success. We look forward to participating in next years event. www.mya.org.uk

The Collective

Ever wanted a career in the music industry? Realise your potential Register on one of our courses now Both funded and private courses available All tutors are highly qualified industry specialists MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PERFORMANCE SKILLS USING MUSIC DJING EVENTS MANAGEMENT CALL 0151 709 4640

Mode Training Ltd 308/309 Queens Dock Commercial Centre Norfolk Street, Liverpool L1 0BG

www.modetraining.co.uk

The Collective

New Year, New Theatre theatre, the Everyman. But what can the discerning theatre lover expect? If you have ambled down Hope Street this month, you may have noted the addition of a shiny new theatre. Atop the iconic neon sign, 105 bespoke shutters feature 105 portraits, depicting the lucky people chosen to represent not only the diverse ethos of the theatre, but the city itself. It is a truly beautiful piece of architecture that cleverly balances its presence as a contemporary building with an air of practicality and sentimentality; an early Christmas gift to the city. ‘PLAY ON!’ screams the neon slogan emblazoned on next year’s Everyman and Playhouse season diary, the two sisters finally reunited after two long years apart. And play they will. Opening on the 8th March 2014, the Everyman presents Shakespeare’s, or rather Artistic Director Gemma Bodinetz’s, Twelfth Night (“If music be the food of love, play on...”). Aided by a stellar cast, (including Olivier award winning Matthew Kelly) Bodinetz’s production promises to blend the Everyman’s rebellious history with Twelfth Night’s famous themes of misrule and general naughtiness. “The Everyman has historically been a theatre that has represented the renegade and generous spirit of this city”, says Bodinetz. “It has held its arms wide open for the broadest section of humanity. It has always been fearless. It has always had a twinkle in its eye. When choosing the productions for this inaugural season I wanted plays that expressed these qualities; rebellious stories infused with wit and love.” This much anticipated new theatre will open its doors during the first weekend of March celebrated with Lights Up: a large scale parade (created in collaboration with the Liverpool Lantern Company and Walk The Plank) that invites the public to participate. Followed by a traditional Housewarming, theatre lovers will have a rare opportunity to explore the entire building, making themselves fully acquainted with the theatre before sitting down before one of its productions. “We have a very busy few months ahead, getting ready for that extraordinary moment when the people of Liverpool can take possession of their beautiful new theatre”, says Executive Director, Deborah Aydon. “The reaction to the exterior has been really wonderful and we can’t wait to have the Everyman fully back to life, thronged with people making it their own”. Neither can we Deborah, neither can we.

The Collective

STYLE

The Collective

Behind the runway Lee Joseph Hagan meets Matthew Williamson It is no secret that fashion is driven by narcissistic individuals. It is, perhaps, even necessary for its continued survival. However, necessary or not, I am always slightly weary when meeting the pioneers of the industry. Though polite, they run on a tight schedule and fifteen minutes means just that – their time is, after all, more important than mine. They seem a different race, a strange hybrid between human and fashion. Towards the end of October, I was granted some time with Matthew Williamson. We met in Manchester, at Flannels for Vogues ‘Fashion Night Out’ to be precise, and I was immediately struck by his aura: tranquil, calm and focused. The inevitable introductions ensued without a hint of hyperbole or impatience. He did not stop to check his phone, gesture to a pandering assistant or refuse eye contact in favour of the landscape over my left shoulder; he listened intently to my questions, considered his answers and delivered them with candour.

Photography by Viktorija Grigorjevaite Make-up by Neringa Sutkute

The Collective

How far have you travelled since your very first collection, ‘Electric Angels’? Do you look back on past designs with fond memories or appalled embarrassment? 16 years is quite a long time in fashion and I do tend to look back occasionally into my archives and pull ideas forward for the next collection. I think it’s important to get the balance right between innovation and consistency with each new collection. Our first collection back in 1997 established a very clear brand DNA and I try to channel that same spirit but always with a fresh and modern take. I have really fond memories of some of the pieces I’ve made over the years, but I do think there were a few mistakes in there too. I’m a perfectionist and my own worst critic; constantly trying to improve with every season. The fashion industries relentless, cyclical nature certainly keeps you on your toes and I like that challenge.

vision and it’s unique, anything’s possible! You recently celebrated 15 years in the business by making a film of your childhood ambitions. What prompted this idea? I wanted to mark our 15 years in fashion and film is becoming increasingly more widespread as a communication tool in the fashion industry. My best friend Mark actually wrote the script and wanted to capture the fact that I dreamed of doing what I do now as a teenager. I guess it’s rare to have that clarity so early on and he wanted to use that as the storyline.The film for me is a nice way to celebrate what we’ve achieved so far, highlighting some of my favourite pieces. We shot the film in Oxfordshire and worked with my long time friend and muse Sienna Miller and the amazing actress Andrea Risebourgh who played my Mum. The film marks an important milestone and the end of a chapter. I’m always looking forward.

Are there any new designers you are particularly excited about? Who should we be watching out for?

What is more important, the collection or the show?

I spent time in LA recently with David Koma and Emilia Wickstead - both really talented young designers. They believe in their vision and are clear on who they are as designers. It’s so important in the early days to have that confidence and passion as it really shows in the clothes. If you have that belief in your

The collection is always the most important thing. We do four collections a year now, just like the seasons, so it’s a none-stop cycle of creativity: sampling, buying, production, delivery, PR and marketing. We show the Winter and Summer collections during London Fashion week in February and

September each year. I always liken the show to a musician’s video: its purpose is to communicate and showcase to the industry and consumer your vision for the upcoming season. For now, at least, they are the industry’s most direct and most powerful marketing tool. The interview is in full flow when the door swings open to reveal Alexandra Shulman. Matthew looks at me apologetically, it is clear our time together is at an end. The man I thought I had glimpsed is gone. This is Matthew Williamson and he must adhere to the protocols of the fashion world. Rising to greet the Vogue Editor, the necessary ‘hello’s’ commence. “Let’s catch up later”, he whispers to me in-between grandiose gestures of delight regarding Schulman arrival. It is nice of him to say, but improbable to say the least. I was wrong. When Matthew Williamson makes a promise, he keeps it. He arranged another meeting which concluded as a second interview inside his London home. It is clear that design is his life. It is not simply a profession, he lives it. He understands it. And it understands him. His house may be incredible, but it is still a house, and in that way it reflects the juxtaposition of Matthew’s life perfectly. My questions become more personal.

The Collective

Do you often return to the North West or do you now belong to London? I try to get back home to Manchester as often as possible. It’s a fantastic city. My parents and sister live there still and a couple of close friends and it’s always great to see them, unwind and forget about work for a few days. I have lived in London now for over 20 years but I’ve retained a down to earth character and hopefully a good sense of humour! I believe my strong work ethic is a very Mancunian trait I’ve inherited from my parents. What advice would you give to younger Matthew 15 years ago? I guess I’d say - find something you are passionate about as soon as you can. Once you have that work hard, really hard to achieve your goals. Are you a total creative or do you get involved in the business of being Matthew Williamson? First and foremost I am a creative. I love the design process more than any other aspect of the job but have learnt over the years how to multitask and run a business alongside my co-founder and chairman, Joseph Velosa. We run a tight ship and it’s important for me to know what’s going on. Thanks to my upbringing and ‘feet on the ground’

mentality, there’s no sitting in an ivory tower for me. I like to get in there and try to help solve problems and overcome challenges we face. I’m not afraid to role my sleeves up and get my hands dirty, so to speak. So, what’s next?

Tell our reader something they would never suspect... I love a Saturday afternoon trip to Homebase, where I can spend hours wandering the isles for no apparent reason. My favourite meal is not sushi in a fancy restaurant but two fried eggs, chips and beans at home on my sofa.

It’s been a hectic few months since my show in September. I’ve been mostly focusing on our next collection for Autumn, as well as starting the Winter season. In between that I’ve been to LA to visit a group of stylists, a 50th birthday party in Marrakech, and next week I’m hosting a dinner with Gwyneth Paltrow at the Shard in London for the charity Kids Company. I can’t wait for a few days off over Christmas! I’m spending it with my family in Manchester, before heading to Cape Town for New Year. We’ve just launched a brand new website which I’m really happy with, as well as a new line of watches which are being sold through H. Samuel stores. I’m also working on my second interior collection now, which is sold through Osbourne and Little. Interior design is another passion of mine, so it’s fantastic to get that off the ground. Matthew as a baby with his Mother, Maureen who has always been his muse.

The Collective

Collection

The Collective

Matthew Williamson

Paris is the fashion capital of the world.

A straight man will never look immaculate. False The runway is not the place for curvaceous models. False Christmas jumpers (complete with reindeer and/or penguins) are acceptable during the festive period.

Every woman should own a LBD.

False Money makes you fashionable. False

To see the full collection visit: www.matthewwilliamson.com

The Collective

And The Winner Is... The Fashion issue would not be complete without a trip to the British Fashion Awards Editor, Lee Joseph Hagan took to the red carpet to honour this The annual ceremony took place at the London Coliseum and saw a total of 16 awards presented to the leading figures in fashion, recognising creative talent and design excellence across all areas of the industry. The ceremony was hosted by one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most exciting comedy talents, Jack Whitehall and attracted an impressive guest list including Donatella Versace, Kate Moss, Harry Styles, Miuccia Prada, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sienna Miller.

Emerging Womenswear Designer: Simone Rocha Emerging Accessories Designer: Sophia Webster Emerging Menswear Designer: Agi & Sam Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator: Lady Amanda Harlech Model of the Year: Edie Campbell Red Carpet Designer of the Year: Erdem New Establishment Designer: J.W. Anderson Brand of the Year: Burberry British Style brought to you by Vodafone: Harry Styles BFC Outstanding Achievement in Fashion: Terry and Tricia Jones International Designer of the Year: Prada Accessory Designer of the Year: Nicholas Kirkwood Menswear Designer of the Year: Christopher Bailey MBE for Burberry Womenswear Designer of the Year: Christopher Kane Special Recognition Award: Kate Moss Special Recognition Award: Suzy Menkes

The Collective

FASHION ON ICE

Top Velvet Strappy Body £35, Top Shop Trousers JOSEPH Stretch Leather Diamond Trousers £995, Flannels

The Collective

Destination: Ice Bar Temperature: -3c Attire: Winter Chic The coolest destination in Liverpool just got a whole lot hotter. All items listed are available at Liverpool One. www.liverpool-l.com

The Collective

Right Feather Capelet £90, Top Shop Floral Gold Glitter Leggings £28, Top Shop Metallic Foil T-shirt Dress £75, Top Shop Sunglasses from Harvey Nichols, Beauty Bazaar

The Collective

Photography Viktorija Grigorjevaite www.vggv.co.uk Stylist Mr H - Lee Hagan Model Lanie Wilson Make up artist Christina Niblock Hair stylist Jade Carthy, Electric Hair Lounge, Beauty Bazzar MUA assistant Joselyn Miller Stylist assistants Stephanie Tyrer, Jade Ashlene Hill, Kacey Michelle Chambers Tobin Location Liverpool One Ice Bar Special thanks to Boss Model Management

The Collective

Right, Dress 2 Tone Bonded Skater Dress £75, Top Shop Coat Faux Fur Coat by Oh My Love £59, Top Shop BY MALENE BIRGER Bat Wing Maxi Dress, Flannels £415

The Collective

not to follow trends and just follow my heart. Often I’ve bought designers before they’ve become popular in the press, such as Shourouk and Piers Atkinson, but I bought these because they got me excited. You get a feeling; you just know when something is different and a bit special. I also try and buy a great selection of gifts and try to include different price points, mixing high end and costume jewellery with affordable gift ideas that won’t break the bank. Every customer is important to me whether they’re spending £40 or £4000. Everything is beautifully gift wrapped and we’re always here to give any advice about the products. How important are accessories to complete the final look of an outfit? They are so important; they can make or break an outfit. That’s why a good personal stylist is worth their weight in gold. You can choose one outfit and make it look completely different with various accessories. I also like working with accessories and jewellery as there are no restrictions with size or age.

B is for Benna Looking for those last minute Christmas gifts? The Collective knows just the place. Online jewellery emporium, benna.co.uk, brings you the very best examples of cutting edge, fashion and fine jewellery. However, if you prefer to do your shopping offline, we are willing to let you in on a little secret. A favourite of personal shoppers and fashion savvy ladies, the website is accompanied by a boutique Liverpool showroom, allowing you to browse Benna’s extensive collections with a warm cuppa or a chilled glass of champagne. But don’t take our word for it. The Collective talks to the lady behind the brand, Benna Harry. Tell us about your online boutique? How did it all start? I started in 2009, a year after I’d returned back to Liverpool. I lived in London for 13 years where I’d worked as a stylist and trained in Jewellery design at St Martins. With everything I’d learnt in styling and jewellery it seemed the right time and a natural progression to set up my own boutique. I didn’t always find styling creative, as you’re usually working on someone else’s brief to achieve certain looks. I wanted creative freedom and not have to be tied down with a store. What inspires you and how do you decide upon the right collections for the site? I have a rule when buying - I only buy what I love and would wear myself. I try

You have a fast international shipping option on your site – does this mean you have customers worldwide? Yes we are a global ecommerce business and ship worldwide. I have regular customers in Asia, America, Russia and Europe. Do you travel across the world sourcing/ buying new collections? Yes I do travel to source products. I attend various trade shows around the year and during fashion week. Paris during fashion week is always fun and very busy for buyers. If you had to pick one collection that you’re most proud of stocking which one would it be and why? At the moment, if I had to pick one collection that I’m proud of stocking it would have to be Shourouk. I’ve been stocking it since 2010 online and in my Liverpool showroom and it’s very different to any other costume jewellery out there. Recommend five pieces for The Collective readers to get them ready for the winter party season? The Sydney Evan Diamond Love Ring is a real favourite amongst celebs. I also love the Alex Monroe Rose Gold Bumble Bee Necklace, Bouton’s Canary Yellow Pear Drop Earrings and Scarlette Shourouk Necklace. www.benna.co.uk Portrait photography by Viktorija Grigorjevaite

Find the perfect gift this season

Designer and Fashion Jewellery Online bennaonline @bennajewellery

SHOP ONLINE

www.benna.co.uk

VISIT THE SHOWROOM Rodney Street, Liverpool Call 0845 872 0899 for an appointment

The Collective

Collective Prediction: Amy Davidson Catherine Murphy uncovers the unique talent of Amy Davidson; the Mulberry Accessories Award winner making big waves in the fashion industry. Amy Davidson is not your average 22 year old. A recent graduate from Manchester School of Art, she has already designed a full womenswear collection showcasing her unique ideas. But her talents don’t stop there. Building upon her achievements, she is now proving her versatility by designing a collection of ‘suitcase-style’ bags. It is this travel-friendly twist that has attracted the attention of Mulberry fashion house, who have honoured her with the prestigious Mulberry Accessories Award earlier this year. Hi Amy, congratulations on winning the Mulberry Accessories Award! How did it feel to win such an award? I couldn’t believe it; the competition was tough this year so I was overwhelmed with joy. It has been great since I won the award. Over the summer I created some different design shapes to sell at a trade show. I had a lot of interest and I look forward to making more bags in the future. What would you define as your inspiration for your bag designs? The inspiration for my bag designs came from my travels in France last summer. I visited a few cathedrals and fell in love with the intricate details found around the buildings and on the ceilings. I love things that are delicate like lace; you can see the skill and time that went into making something like that. My fascination with both these things led me to design detailed laser cut patterns inspired by gothic imagery Having started by designing a womenswear collection while at Manchester School of Art, what was it about ‘the bag’ which drew you to designing this collection next? The garments I made for my collection were very 3D, with wood attached to leather tops

and structured shapes made from boning; it was quite a natural decision to make accessories to go with the collection because I was half way there with the materials and pattern. The pattern and design were quite dramatic so I wanted to make simple briefcase and handbag shapes so that all the focus would be on the pattern. Can you tell us more about your womenswear collection? It was a six outfit collection based on the same architectural research as the bags. It was all about structure and pattern, and I used a lot of laser cutting. I wanted to create beautiful shapes on the body by twisting boning and covering it with delicate knitwear. I loved making my collection; it was really fun to showcase my own style. Your designs seem very complex and intriguing. Is this how you would describe your own personal style? I like things that are intricate, things that make you say ‘wow, how did they do that?’ In a way it reflects my interests: I like collecting different types of lace and the pattern of the bag itself reminded me of a detailed lace piece. You’re now attending the Royal College of Art, London and have decided to create accessories for men. What influenced the decision to begin designing for a different gender? Throughout university and college I enjoyed designing and making feminine clothes. As I grew and developed my design philosophy, I began to love the idea of having these same designs on a man. Sometimes designing traditional feminine shapes on a woman can be quite predictable and bland, however if you put this on a man it becomes edgy and unusual.To me it is not a different process of design; the research and development are the same as my usual work. Having grown up in Manchester to now be living in London, have you seen a change in style among people and has this impacted on your creative process? I think there is a difference, maybe it’s more the style of the students at the RCA that I see the most, but I think that in London the girls wear less make up, they want to be more natural with their style which is really nice. I think it has impacted the way I design. I think less is more. To see Amy’s collection visit www.amydavidson.wix.com/amydavidson

The Collective

L: I took your advice from the last time we met, I asked you if you ever wear black and you said yes – but always with a big accessory. Z: I did! You look so good! I just love the neckline - gorgeous. L:Thank you! It is like revisiting an old friend- an old friend with a bright pink bob and remarkable jewellery collection. Charming, warm and articulate, it is clear that Zandra has changed little over the past 12 months.

Photography by Viktorija Grigorjevaite

L: Last time we met you confessed to having no muse. Have you found one yet? Z: Sadly, I have not. It would be nice to have a muse come along! However, I work very closely with my close friends, Duggie Fields and Andrew Logan, so together we are like a triumvirate that gets inspired together!

L: Do you think it is important for fashion to embrace organic materials? Z: Yes. It is an aspect of Safia’s brand that I think is fabulous and I like her determination. She is like a giant bulldog that never gives up! She is genuinely very concerned that everything is ethically correct.

A pink moment with Zandra Rhodes... his time last year, The Collective team were hunched over 60 sheets of A3 paper, painstakingly proofing what would become their very first magazine. On a cold November evening serious decisions had to be made: would the product pages look better with a different layout? Should this article be included? Is that really the font we are deciding upon?

woman that is...Zandra Rhodes. Six fantastic issues later and we find ourselves unpacking our winter wardrobes once again in a futile bid to battle the November cold. There is a buzz in the office; we have received some news. Zandra Rhodes is in Liverpool and would love nothing more than to catch up with her favourite North West magazine.

Only one factor escaped dispute and uncertainty, enthusiastically agreed upon by a unanimous team vote – the cover star. After all, who better to grace the cover of an innovative art and style magazine than the iconic, the eccentric, the downright enticing

And so (as fate would have it) our editor, Lee Joseph Hagan, brings The Collective’s first year in print to a fitting close by revisiting our very first cover star, Zandra Rhodes.

L: Tell us about your recent collaboration with sustainable and fair trade fashion brand, People Tree. It sounds like a very worthwhile project! Z: Oh it is - and it’s going great! She (CEO, Safia Minney) came to me about a year and a half ago to look at the collection and chose her print and shapes and then we went to India! We looked at where the farmers’ grow cotton and the manufacturing process in Pondicherry. It was a very real experience.

L: Have you slowed down since we last met? Z: I am as active as always! I am constantly trying to make sure one gives new thoughts; it takes up all of my time to think, put things in and do. Unfortunately one does grow older, but I always want to be valid and that takes work. L: The Collective team are very excited about your new bag collection! What should the customer expect? Z: So am I! The customer can expect quality at a good price; we have worked hard to achieve that. I really believe there is something for everyone within the collection: baby shells, bigger shells - I love the little ones that look like tiny perfume bottles (points to said bag enthusiastically). Unfortunately for me, most of the time I have to have a big bag because I have far too many things to do! Zandra’s AW Collection is available now.

From clockwise: Prince, Leroy and Jamie

F A S H I O N This year Liverpool One brought three of the U.K’s most influential fashion bloggers to the city of Liverpool and gave them VIP access to all the things we love about Liverpool One. Our Editor, was of course called upon to interview the bloggers which suitably happened over champagne at Harvey Nichols, Beauty Bazaar just before the boys entered into a Q&A session with press. The fabulous antics continued into the evening with a champagne reception attended by the cities elite followed by a stunning private dining experience at Chaophraya.

Gentlemen, please introduce yourselves to our readers... PC -Hi I’m Prince Cassius and I’m a fashion blogger. I cover fashion, lifestyle and beauty. I’ve been blogging for two and a half years. LD - Hi I’m Leeroy Dawkins. I’m a fashion blogger and social stylist and I’ve been blogging for nearly three years. J- Hello I’m Jaime. I have been a full time blogger for three years. My blog is called Boy meets fashion. It seems you guys never stop tweeting! How much dedication does it take to post daily blogs? LD –During fashion week I tend to do 40

B L O G G E R S

posts a day - and at least 10 of those have to be meaty - but on a normal day I do around 12. It really takes a lot of dedication but thank God for the iPad because now I can tweet on the toilet, I can tweet on the bus, I can blog anywhere.

ambassador for Austin Reed, Herring Shoes and Ralph Lauren Rugby. However, I’m not all about sticking to Austin Reed head to toe, although I know Leeroy loves to do that…

Is the role of the fashion blogger a full time job?

Have you ever been tempted to wear something ridiculous and cause a little controversy..?

PC – I’ve just been studying for my Masters in Acting so I’ve had to put my blog on the side. I’m aiming in a different direction: I want to go into TV and film, but mix my fashion sense in too. I still want to keep my blog because it is my baby - I couldn’t get rid of it. LD – I am a stylist. I’ve done people like Michael Bubble, Eva Longoria and Nate James. I also work alongside Warner Brothers and Warner Music so I’ve got that. Basically I’m juggling two full time jobs at the moment! J – I’m actually a full time blogger. I started off part-time and got so much work that it seemed viable. I originally worked with a television company and after a long, hard think about what I really wanted to do, I let the job go. It was very, very frightening at first –I had to make the blog work. Thankfully, it has been very well recieved and I have international readers and I always busy. Is there a lot of pressure to look different? PC – Yes.The three of us are very different in style; I do classic brands. I recently became an

LD – (Laughing) I’m all designer…

LD – Ridiculous? No. I call them kind of people ‘the flowerpots’ because they literally put flowerpots on their heads! Last season we saw a girl with a pork chop in her hair! What would your advice be to someone really passionate about the subject matter and eager to follow in your footsteps? J – Just do it! Absolutely just do it! I can’t imagine what I would be doing if I hadn’t decided to start my own blog! It completely changed my life! LD – The only advice I can give is ‘just do you’. Don’t worry about what ‘Tom’ is doing and don’t worry about what ‘the lady out there’ is doing, just do you! www.princecassius.com www.boymeetsfashion.com www.clotheshorse-diaryofaclotheshorse. blogspot.co.uk

The Collective

Enter the world of

Gieves & Hawkes

Words & images by Viktorija Grigorjevaite

The Collective

Photography by Viktorija Grigorjevaite

Savile Row: the Mayfair street synonymous with traditional British bespoke tailoring. It is the Portobello Road to antiques, the Denmark Street to British popular music, the Downing Street to politics. If you are chasing that elusive perfect suit, this is the

The Collective

With over 200 years experience creating the finest bespoke garments this preeminent English tailor is internationally renowned for quality and luxury. After all, if it’s good enough for the Royal Family, it may just be worth a visit. The Collective’s Viktorija Grigorjevaite spends an afternoon with Creative Director of Gieves & Hawkes, Jason Basmajian, at the recently refurbished Chester store to talk tradition, fabric and why Italian and British tailoring will never be the same.

V:Tell us a little bit about yourself: who you are, how you ended up here... J: My name is Jason Basmajian and I am the Creative Director of Gieves & Hawkes! I am an American, born in Boston, and spent 14 years in New York working for menswear brands such as Donna Karan and Calvin Klein before moving to Paris to become the Creative Director of a small French luxury brand that was focused on accessories and leather goods. Five years later and I found myself at Brioni, one of the most beautiful, luxury brands for men in Italy. I had always wanted to come to London and Savile Row – it is where it all started. It is the inspiration for so many tailoring brands all over the world and essentially for men’s style. I was approached by the group who had bought Gieves & Hawkes: they wanted to expand the brand internationally and my profile fitted with that lineage. It is a real English brand but they wanted international experience - it was the perfect partnership. V: And how are you finding London?

The refurbished Chester Store, in the historic St Michael¹s Row is the ultimate experience for both the modern and traditional gent.

The colours of the store are chosen to complement the fine architectural detail of the building, bright and light with pale wood and original parquet.

J: I love London! I think it is the most exciting city in the world right now.Whether it is art, architecture, fashion or food, there is a real pulse in London. The other aspect of London that I love is its ability to balance heritage and tradition with edgy street culture. That is my main challenge with Gieves & Hawkes: how do I bring modernity and relevance to the brand without losing its core values? V: And have you found the answer? J:Well the brand is certainly evolving! We can now participate in London Collection men’s and still be responsible for dressing the Queen’s bodyguards! I love seeing young boys come in who want to wear a jacket – they wear it with their own style of course, but the shift in thinking is there and it is so interesting to see. We still have a military department here, servicing bespoke military uniforms for high ranking officers. I love the different components we have; it is a great indication of the complexity of Gieves & Hawkes.

The private tailoring rooms upstairs feature dark grey walls framing semi-circular floor to ceiling windows.

V: Is British and Italian tailoring noticeably different? J: I think the Italians were incredibly inspired by English tailoring, but they managed to give it a more continental, international style. The English style has always been quite strict - more conservative with a higher arm hole and a slightly longer jacket. There is a joke in the industry that the Italians do English better than the English - they make it a little sexier, a little more modern, a little more comfortable. I think my background allows me to keep the British accent but make the language of the collection more international. V:Tell us about your personal style.

Theresa Hastings guided the interior design of the Chester store which has been refurbished to present the stylish new face of Gieves & Hawkes.

J: I wear a lot of tailoring; I feel complete in a suit or a jacket. A woman turns to her Little Black Dress for that ultimate comfortable look and a man goes for his suit. I like knit ties too: silk, wool, and cashmere tweed - they give a less formal air to the suit. V: Surely on a Sunday you hang up the jacket? J: I will always wear a jacket! I may wear it with jeans and a t-shirt, but I will still put on my jacket. To be honest, it is all in the convenience of the pockets; where else would I house my phone and wallet? Whether you are walking around the park or meeting a friend for coffee, a man always looks his best in a tailored jacket! For store enquiries and appointments please telephone 01244 327 576 www.gievesandhawkes.com

Jason Basmajian has reflected stylistic themes and inspirations found at the Hong Kong store.

The Collective

KEEPING UP WITH THE COLLINGES

Hello all! You may have seen the recent BBC documentary Bouffants Beehives and Bobs – I thought it was amazing and a fascinating insight into the wonderful world of hairdressing. My father, Peter Collinge, was one of UK’s top competition hairdressers in the 1950’s and was interviewed about how hairstyles and techniques have changed over the years. The programme also highlighted the influences behind certain popular styles. In the 1960’s there was a hairdressing revolution with the advent of precision cutting and the introduction of blow drying. The iconic fashion designer Mary Quant and the legendary Vidal Sassoon inspired and complimented each other with the mini skirt and the five point bob. At the beginning of my career (the 70’s – oh dear!) the ‘must have’ style for women was the ‘Farrer’ as worn by Farrer Fawcett in Charlie’s Angels. This was followed by the ‘Purdey’ (Joanna Lumley, The Avengers) and probably the most asked for style ever, ‘The Rachel Cut’ (Jennifer Aniston, Friends). In recent years the Beckhams have been the tour de force when it comes to setting trends, although it was a sad day for the hairdressing industry when David

Beckham decided to shave his head! Talking of footballers, the most memorable style to have graced the pitch was Kevin Keegan’s perm in the late 70’s. Being a massive fan, I admit to having a soft perm at the time, sadly there is no photographic proof of this! It’s been quite nostalgic for Liz and I recently, as we were invited to appear on the 25th Anniversary show of This Morning. For a one off special, the popular daytime TV show returned to the Albert Dock. It was brilliant to see the wonderful backdrop of the Liverpool waterfront and of course the floating weather map. For Liz and I the show was an exciting and important part of our lives. Having appeared on the very first week of the show 25 years ago we went on to complete over 500 makeovers during the next ten years. Call me biased, but when I saw the fantastic crowds that gathered for the Anniversary show and looked around at the magnificent setting it did make me wonder why This Morning ever left the Albert Dock. Have a wondeful time over the festive season!

The Collective are proud to introduce recent ‘Legend equally brilliant wife, Liz, to our Style Issue. Who could

Liz’s top 3 tips for festive beautifying: Choose gel nails for a long-lasting, hard-wearing manicure A brow and lash tint will give your eyes extra definition even without mascara. Semi-permanent lashes will give you a glamorous, Hollywood look.

This year saw the launch of the ‘What I See Project’ a digital art and science platform created by Edwina Dunn to allow women to communicate their unique experiences from every corner of the globe.We were pleased to host an evening in our Liverpool salon in which guests could record their perceptions on many subjects.The main theme was ‘what do you see when you look in the mirror’. Some of us answered the question literally and others more philosophically – the results are fascinating. To add your thoughts visit whatiseeproject.com and become part of the global platform or follow the link http://whatiseeproject. com/#feature-11 to view the Liverpool event.

With this in mind – do treat yourself at Christmas. It’s cold out there and busy, busy, busy. Look after your skin, pamper your body and spoil friends and family with some gorgeous gifts.

My personal favourites for facing the winter months are Decleor Neroli Super Serum (£44.00) to sooth and nourish tired, dehydrated skin and Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Night Balm (£55.00) which is one of those multi - purpose products that fixes a myriad of problems such as dry skin, dry cuticles, rough elbows and is as great as an intensive night treatment as it drip-feeds the skin while you sleep. For stocking fillers the deep red nail shades from I have been in the beauty industry for many years, and Jessica (£9.75) are right on trend and affordable. Try have realised it is not as superficial as you might think. ‘Cinnamon Kiss’, ‘Merlot’ and ‘Winter Berries.’ Over the years Andrew and I have done countless makeovers and have seen the fantastic results which Now your look is sorted, relax and have fun over the have boosted confidence and self-esteem and really festive period! helped clients to overcome a negative image of themselves. You might think that it’s what is inside a person that is more important – and you’d be right. However starting from the outside-in is often a great help.

The Collective

the eye wanders beyond the lips Therefore we offer an extensive range of treatments for face and body in a private luxurious environment. It all starts with a complimentary consultation, call Lisa on 0151 520 30 70 E: lisa@lipdoctor.co.uk www.lipdoctor.co.uk

Lip Doctor Aesthetics Ltd, 171-173 Liverpool Road South,Maghull, Merseyside L31 8AA

The Collective

Fab, Fab, Fab! Lip Doctor Aesthetics is a Maghull based clinic that specialises in a number of treatments such as lip and wrinkle relaxing injections. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, Lip Doctor has amassed an impressive reputation that speaks volumes. In light of their newest treatment, AQUALYX™, The Collective talks to the aesthetic dream team that is Dr Fab and Lisa Equizi.

Tell our readers about your typical working day? LISA: We start work once the school run is done, so just after 9am. During a typical day we have both new clients in for consultations and existing clients for their treatments and review appointments. We generally spend about half of our working day completing review appointments to make sure both the client and Fab are both happy with the results of each treatment. How has Lip Doctor built up and sustained such a respected reputation within the aesthetics field? LISA: I think it’s our friendly approach and more importantly the aftercare that we provide. We really do believe in the importance of excellent aftercare and our clients know this. Because of this we build up a great trust and relationship with our clients. Dr. Fab has been doing aesthetic treatments for over thirteen years now and constantly refreshing his education within the industry is very important to him. He is one of a small handful of medical practitioners to hold the ‘Diploma in non surgical facial aesthetics’ which he passed with a distinction. Lip Doctor Aesthetics is known for facial procedures. Do you also offer body treatments?

be honest, although we do now have the AQUALYX™ to help with those stubborn areas! Why do some of our problem areas refuse to shift, despite regular exercise and a healthy diet? DR FAB: Because fat under the skin is a body reserve for times of starvation, only used in emergencies and it is the first to be replaced when you start eating again, therefore some areas are virtually impossible to shift. How can AQUALYX™ help? DR FAB: By chemically breaking down fat cells so the body can eliminate stored fat naturally. Should the patient expect side effects? DR FAB: Bruising, pain and swelling for a few days, but nothing too serious or uncomfortable. How many treatments are needed before changes begin to show? DR FAB: 3-6 (1 or 2 for small areas). Not a lot really! Are you tempted to try the treatment?

LISA: We certainly do! We have treatments such as the DermPen, RioBlush carboxy therapy, and dermal fillers for the back of the hands. Our newest treatment, which is for face and body, is called AQUALYX™, which is an injectable for breaking down stubborn areas of fat. We hear you have been working out! How is that going? DR FAB: We both have! It’s going ok to

LISA: I already have! I had the first session of treatment on my tummy area and my next session will be in two weeks time. I am already starting to see results though and I am sure that this will become a very popular treatment with our clients. For more information regarding the different treatments Lip Doctor has to offer visit www. lipdoctor.co.uk or make an appointment by calling 0151 520 3070.

The Collective

Where individual smiles matter Daz Singh talks exclusively to The Collective about the dentist like no other, Ollie and Darsh.

Tell us why you think a beautiful smile is worth a visit to the dentist’s chair? For a lot people it’s about confidence: confidence to smile in a photograph with their family, helping a bride to smile on her wedding day, helping a businessman impress his clients. Whatever the reason, a smile can make a huge difference. With facial aesthetics on hand to combat signs of ageing, can Ollie and Darsh counteract the problems faced by an ageing smile? Helping to improve someone’s smile can complement the effects of facial aesthetics quite nicely. We often talk about the ‘Smile Lift’ -after improving a person’s smile, they naturally want to smile wider and lifting the corners of the smile can help to diffuse the slight wrinkles around the mouth. The success/acclaim you have amassed is impressive. Is Ollie and Darsh where you want it to be? How do you plan to move forward with the practice? Ollie & Darsh is a project that has been growing for five years now and a few weeks ago we opened our fourth clinic which was a huge moment for us. When we opened in November 2008 we started with zero clients and have built ourselves into a Diamond

Level Invisalign and 5* 6 Month Smiles provider with thousands of happy clients. When was the last time you felt you had changed somebody’s life through your profession? We change people’s lives on a daily basis. My favourite change recently was a young man who had had an unfortunate accident with a bottle and badly chipped his front tooth. Instead of using a veneer or a crown, we aesthetically rebuilt the tooth with three different shades of white filling materials, Is there such a thing as teeth being too white? Should we aim for a natural / healthy smile? The conversation I want my clients to have with their friends and family after they’ve seen our work is, ‘there’s something different about you, but I can’t work out what it is’. Subtlety is the best art. A smile should fit the face naturally, with authentic characteristics and quirks. We don’t just smile with our teeth but with our eyes too and when one dominates the other it just doesn’t look right. You recently won an award for your social media – how important is it to have a constant connection with your patients? I love social media! Over the past five years the

way people interact has changed drastically; everyone has an opinion and it’s easier to share now more than ever. We embraced social media as a potential opportunity to meet new people and personify the business. The relationships we’ve built over Facebook and Twitter have been remarkable and our continued success is truly a testament to Suzy and the hard work she puts in! If you ever find yourself pitching Ollie and Darsh to a group of sceptical potential clients with average teeth and a lifelong fear of dentistry, how do you make them feel at ease? Bad experiences can last a life time. One of the best tools we have at our disposal is time. We spend a lot of time with our clients trying to put them at ease before the commencement of any course of treatment. The clinic is designed so that it doesn’t look like a dental clinic, the traditional smells are replaced, the decor is inviting, even the chair is different! If you don’t believe me, come and see for yourself! Ollie & Darsh are currently offering £1,000 off both Invisalign and Six Month Smiles for one day only with a FREE consultation and FREE home teeth whitening plus 0% finance options. Contact Suzy on 0151 236 6578 for a consultation.

www.ollieanddarsh.co.uk

The Collective

FEEL GOOD FACIAL KARIDIS TEAM UP WITH ALEX GERRARD TO CREATE THE ‘FEEL GOOD FACIAL’ FOR A CAUSE CLOSE TO HER HEART

“It’s no secret that i’m a fan of the and often go to Karidis Medispa to give my skin a treat. I can’t recommend it enough and to know a £15 donation goes to the Steven Gerrard Foundation makes it all the more special.” - Alex Gerrard

With this in mind and knowing you’re also helping a great cause, isn’t it time YOU got in on the secret? Call us today on 0151 709 8593 for more info on the Feel Good Facial and other non-surgical services we offer, including body contouring, wrinkle reduction, skin rejuvenation and laser hair removal...

0 off When booking please quote ‘The Collective’ and receive £5 pply) your next treatment at Karidis MediSpa, Liverpool (t&c’s a Karidis MediSpa, Beauty Bazaar, Harvey Nichols, Liverpool ONE, L1 3DL. Facial is available now until Feb 2014.

The Collective

The Hollywood Doctor Tell us about yourself: I am an Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon and I specialize in a select number of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures and treatments involving the face. I have recently relocated to London after 3 years in the USA where I was training at the University of California Los Angeles in minimally invasive surgical techniques and cosmetic facial aesthetics. How do you feel being back to London? I am very excited being back to the UK and especially being able to apply the philosophy of the West Coast and my experience from leading academic centers and cosmetic practices in Beverley Hills. What does your consultation process involve? Although we often look for ideals like the perfect lip or perfect eyebrow, there is unlikely to be a singular aesthetic that fits every individual face and my consultation

aims to identify those individual features and guide the patient in the decision making process. An integral part of my consultation is high resolution photographic imaging of the patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face as it brings those individual aspects of facial aging into perspective. Nowdays we have a vast array of surgical techniques, technologies and enhancing agents and my role as a surgeon and physician is to make sure that the treatments we discuss are the best available and they can meet their expectations. What are the latest trends in facial aesthetics? Recent advances in understanding facial aging indicate that the typically aged face represents a combination of changes on many levels, including bony structures, subcutaneous fat, muscle strength and skin integrity. Although patients and media love to talk about trends in the cosmetic surgery industry the truth is there is no singular treatment that can address all these multilayered changes. Of course

technological innovations have advanced our ability to counteract aging without having to rely exclusively on surgical interventions. I believe the key element is patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education about the way technology and minimally invasive surgeries can fuse together in order to achieve a natural looking result. What is your best advice in maintaining a youthful face? Prevention and gradual interventions are my philosophy of treatment. Of course genetics have a critical role in our appearance but we have the ability to enhance our facial features and counteract aging by immersing in a healthy lifestyle, avoiding sun exposure and above all adopting aesthetic interventions that enhance rather than transform. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget our face is our identity. To schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr Costas please call the Karidis Medispa located on the top level of Harvey Nichols, Beauty Bazaar on 0151 709 8593 or email Liverpool@karidis.co.uk

www.karidis.co.uk

The Collective

Opulent Living The Collective spends the morning with the man behind Opulence Furnitue, Phil Melia. Tell us a little about yourself and the beginnings of Opulence Furniture. I have had a keen interest in business from a young age and after testing my business prowess through sites such as eBay, I eventually set up my first website and started importing items. I was just 16 at the time. As I had no budget and as the possibility of a loan was many years away, I took it upon myself to learn how to create and build a website. It took time, but soon enough I was ranked No.1 on Google. I have now had several online businesses and gradually built each one, personally learning along the way. My journey into the furniture world began when I moved into my last house. Buying a Venetian mirrored chest of drawers from a local retailer and paying a high premium I decided I could use my contacts and knowledge of importing to source the items myself. From the success of this online company I decided to use my business experience to create a physical retail store – welcome to Opulence! With a unique concept and brand image we source items from around the world, championing luxury and glamour. What makes Opulence opulent? At Opulence, luxury doesn’t stop with our exclusive furniture; we also offer a service to match. From free interior consultations to free platinum delivery, we value each and every one of our customers. Our product range is founded on luxury and we search the globe for the latest and most luxurious items - after all, your furniture is a reflection of your personality so why settle for the same boring items everyone else has? We try to cater for all tastes and stock items for every room.

How do you source the different pieces and what makes them unique? We try to source products not available anywhere else, thus offering exclusivity to our customers. I am very thorough in sourcing the best products with a distincly unique style. I have a passion for fashion and style, which combined with my passion for business means we stock a range of products both unique and glamorous. We are constantly searching the globe for the very latest trends and designers, with many of our items being a one off production or from a wordwide, limited edition collection. Describe the style of the collections you source? Our product range varies dramatically from ultra modern Italian to French Shabby chic. We cater for all tastes, though there seems to be a current trend to mix modern with traditional style. People’s tastes are constantly changing so it’s vital that we keep our range up to date and allow it to evolve alongside trends.

From Opulence: Crystal Skull £99.99 Black and Gold Sequin Cushion £22.99

From Weavers Door: RIB sock £12.50 Grenson Sid Alpine Brogue shoes £205.00

How can our readers make their home look more luxurious over the festive period? Christmas is all about being surrounded by family and friends, therefore our dining sets are always popular over the festive period. We offer a wide range of bespoke dining chairs, hand crafted by our in house upholstery team. Add a touch of festive luxury with silver crushed velvet chairs to really impress your visitors or indulge in some Christmas decadence with our range of crystal chandeliers. Tell us about a particular product that is currently making you excited. The Lussuoso bed we have in our showroom reflects everything we stand for at Opulence: exclusive luxury! Hand carved from solid mahogany and finished with silver leaf throughout the fine, ornate detailing, this bed is something else! Described as the Rolls Royce of furniture, Lussuoso create some of the finest furniture in the world today, each piece individually hand crafted and from a strictly limited edition range. The bed in our showroom is the only one available to buy in the UK – go on, treat yourself! Check out Opulence’s latest range in store at Cavern Walks Liverpool or online at www.opulencefurniture.co.uk

From Cricket: Givenchy Leopard Print Calfskin Antigona bag £2235 Matthew Williamson necklace £375

From Boudoir Boutique: MAWI Single Glitter Clutch Bag, blue/green £495.00

The Collective

Glamorous wine connoisseur Alice Anastasious presents her top 7 festive tipples: My choice of Italian wines is a testament to my passion for Italian food. Italian food has long been served alongside their local wines made from indigenous grapes varieties from their region so they complement each other beautifully. As for the traditional Christmas dinner the answer has always been too obvious, a glass of champagne! or even a good old classic mulled wine. However, traditions are evolving. People are becoming more cultured and more appreciative towards the philosophy of wine. Wine and food should be appreciated so let’s immerse and indulge ourselves this festive season. 1. Prosecco DOC Tenuta Ca’Bolani Made with 100% estate grown Prosecco grapes it displays a straw-yellow colour and a lively mousse. Intense and well-balanced on the nose with delicious fruity notes. Its flavour is dry and pleasantly aromatic with a fresh and lingering finish.

It has a big structure, and perfectly balanced tannins, alcohol and acidity. 6. Acciaiolo Toscana IGT

Straw yellow with golden highlights 100% Traminer, the ancestor of Gewurtzraminer. The bouquet is complex and floral with hints of acacia, flowers, lychees and honey. On the palate it is very appealing, dry and fruity.

60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes matured in barriques for 14 months; then fined for 6 in stainless steel and a further 6 months of bottle maturation. Flora, toast notes complement black cherry flavours that come across the palate in supple, velvety waves. The finish is crisply tart, with a hint of orange pekoe.

3. Aquilis Sauvignon DOC

7. Moscato d’Asti DOCG

A Sauvignon Blanc displaying the classic characteristics of elderflowers, gooseberries and peaches but produced from two different clones, one from Italy and one from France.

Semi-sweet, semi-sparkling, low in alcohol. Straw yellow with golden reflections and a delicate mousse of 100% Moscato Bianco grapes. The bouquet is intense and very inviting, with scents of under bush, musk and peaches. On the palate it is sweet yet not all cloying; well-balanced and with an extremely refined fruitiness.

2. Traminer Friuli DOC Aquilea

4. Rosato Salento IGT Produced with Negroamaro grapes indigenous to Puglia located in the Southern region of Italy. This Rosato is delicately fruity, fragrant, full and intense with notes of red fruit. it has a good structure and a persistent aftertaste. 5. Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG The real stallion of Italian wines. Blend of ancient grape varieties Corvina, Molinara, Rondinella. Round, smoky and solid, this wine has a ripe black cherry and plum flavours.

The heart of the company is at Gambellara in the province of Vicenza. The family’s history is summarised in the words of “Vintners Since 1821” and the phrase calls attention to the family’s long tradition and their bond and passion with viticulture and winemaking. All wines are produced by CASA VINICOLA ZONIN supplied by Zonin Uk Ltd

www.zonin.co.uk

The Collective

Delifonseca

La Mere Poulard Biscuits A French institution these biscuits have been made in Mont-Saint-Michel since 1888. £7.45

Halen Mon Sea Salt Award winning Welsh Sea Salt. Larger kilner £11:45 and small kilners £6:45

The Review

Fazenda The city’s latest Brazilian rodizio restaurant (there are now three in total) has a rather charming aesthetic. The facade is an impressive combination of stylish black and gold branding and polished glass, fronted by an elevated seating area that will no doubt be filled in the summer months.

The Big Cheese Making Kit Get your kids making cheese - up to 10 batches! Easier than you think and tastes great £22.00

Inside the atmosphere is warm and the finishings are luxurious and authentic, epitomised by the sweep of cow hide that adorns the ceiling. Like most rodizio service, Fazender uses a simple traffic light system: green for more meat, red for full to bursting. All meat is cooked medium-rare, but alternative preferences are happily accommodated. The salad bar is exceptional, with enough variation to concoct an appetising main course without the successive meat parade. The drinks menu is also impressive: I particularly recommend the Fazenda Especial for those of you partial to the odd cocktail. Great staff, comfortable atmosphere and enough food to feed the British army, Fazender ticks all the right boxes for the hungry diner.

Chocstars Chocolate bars that speak for themselves. £3.45

www.fazenda.co.uk/liverpool

www.delifonseca.co.uk

The Collective

TRAVEL & BUSINESS

The Collective

First Edition With spectacular ceilings, famous tapestries and an array of important artworks, its guests a little more than a comfy bed.

The Collective

ou may have noticed that Ian Schrager has opened a new hotel. After all, the buzz around his latest project is hard to ignore. “The king of clubs and hotels is back in town,” proclaimed one review. “Schrager is upping the game,” chimed another. The Brooklyn-born businessman – who masterminded Studio 54 in the Seventies and gave life to the “boutique hotel” concept in the Eighties – is back on Berners Street.

Upon entering the reception of the Edition, I implore you to raise your eyes to the ceiling. Oh, the ceiling. I could spend all day looking at that stucco ceiling. While there is a pleasing amount to see at eye level, it is the spectacularly extravagant ceiling that steals the show.

There are various seating areas both to the left and right, with Apple desktops and workstation for guests who want (or in my case, need) to be productive. To the left is the lobby bar, with reception straight ahead. The unexpected tapestry behind reception is a fabulous reproduction of a 1773 Louis XV Gobelin tapestry that, I was politely told, made an appearance in the film The King’s Speech. Now I do love a bit of Colin Firth. The 173 rooms act as a palatable antidote to the hubbub downstairs. There are eight categories, spanning standard guestrooms to suites and a super-duper penthouse. The look is ski-cabin chic (just right for my winter wardrobe), offset beautifully by wood-panelled walls and faux-fur throws. It’s certainly soothing, with caramel-coloured rugs, hanging orb lights and soft and inviting shades. The Berners Tavern, the hotel’s signature restaurant, is equally impressive, featuring

The Collective

the same lofty ceilings with well over 100 artworks creeping up the walls. There’s a landscape here, a still life there; I half expect to find a bored looking curator standing in the corner. The face behind the food is Jason Atherton, whose flagship establishment is the Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social. A meal at Berners Tavern is a real occasion – whether dining on Orkney scallop ceviche and grassfed Devon sirloin for dinner, or brunching on Forman & Son’s smoked salmon and eggs. There’s also a basement nightclub - a thoughtful touch that instantly eradicates the inevitability of a drunken late night taxi ride, incoherently mumbling the name of a hotel you stayed in last week. A first edition hotel that features first edition art – where else can you find such a pairing?

www.edition-hotels.marriott.com Photography by Nikolas Koenig

The Collective

The Landmark Hotel Landmark. Remind me of its name again?

The Collective

Emerging from Marylebone station and tumbling straight into the Landmark London hotel is a seamless, stress-free transition that was first plotted 150 years ago by railway visionary, Sir Edward Watkin. As a man who does not travel lightly, I would like to shake his hand. In a period when railways were king, Watkin had earmarked the space outside the Marylebone terminal to become the most luxurious of all the capital’s railway hotels; a landmark some may say (see what I did there?).What was then Great Central Hotel opened its doors in 1899, although Watkin, beleaguered by financial woes, had little to do with it. It’s a shame because his initial hunch - that Marylebone would be a great setting for visitors to the capital - continues to be spot on in 2013. Did I mention that it’s right outside the station? Should you wish to participate in the tedium of London’s tourist attractions then Madame Tussauds,

of sandwiches, freshly baked scones and French pastries, as well as a selection of freshly brewed leaf and herbal tea, afternoon eased itself to evening. (Note to reader: For an extra £5 you can enjoy a Drappier Champagne Afternoon Tea - seriously, this is an offer you should not refuse.) My dwelling, an ‘executive corner’ room of lavish proportions features the expected king-size bed; enormous flat-screen television; large marble bathroom and coffee machine. The decor, a traditional cream, green and duck-egg blue affair, is perhaps not the colour scheme of dreams but pleasing enough, helped along by some show stopping floor-to-ceiling curtains. Trust me, had I a suitcase big enough, I would be looking at them now. The Spa & Health club resides in the hotel’s basement, small but beautifully formed with high-tech gym equipment, a sauna, steam

the Planetarium, Baker Street and Regent’s Park are merely a swift walk away. Preferable destinations such as Oxford Street command a swift hailing of a good ol’ London cab, but I am not one to complain when the prospect of a day’s shopping awaits. Walk through reception and you enter a soaring, glass-topped atrium, filled with (alas, fake) palm trees. There is a low-key, oldfashioned buzz to the place, with the hushed chink of bone china during afternoon tea and the clink of silverware in the evenings. The Winter Garden, The Landmark’s twoAA rosette restaurant, sits directly beneath said marvellous glass roof atrium. On a blue-sky day, the outdoors pours in and one can imagine the crispness of the winter air without enduring so much as a shiver. One of England’s finest traditions is to be found here, the Winter Garden’s award winning afternoon tea. Indulging in an assortment

room and jacuzzi. A series of neatly hidden doors lead to dimly-lit treatment rooms. An hour-long Seaweed Oil massage was thankfully not reminiscent of a scene from The Little Mermaid, but relaxing. The pool, surprisingly long for a compact space, has allocated times for children to swim so that adults seeking quiet refuge know exactly when not to go. Thank god. Much more enjoyable than a day at the dungeons, this is one London landmark I will be visiting again. www.landmarklondon.co.uk

The Collective

karat gold afternoon tea The moment you lay eyes on the table set for Gold Afternoon Tea at 51 Buckingham Gate you realise it’s going to be special. Champagne flutes perch on gold coasters beside white and gold-embossed menus, while tea cups finished with patterned gold trim, paired with polished golden teaspoons, stand out against the black tablecloth. It’s dazzling. With a menu designed by celebrity chef Vikas Milhoutra, the afternoon tea platter offers Gold Leaf Jelly, White Chocolate Delight with Gold Leaf and Strawberry Tart with Gold Flakes along with finger sandwiches and scones. And just so you know, all platters come with a generous helping of Luxor Pure Gold 24K Brut Champagne. It may sound a little formal but in such regal settings, just minutes from Buckingham Palace, it all seems very appropriate. www.51-buckinghamgate.com

The Great Escape When an urgent meeting arises the commute to bleak, darling... Business traveller Nikki Parry explains why the First Class Virgin ticket is the only way to travel. A regular commuter, I spend copious amounts of time sitting on trains and even more time complaining about them. That is, until recently. Following the advice of a close friend, I purchased a first class ticket for a Liverpool – London journey viaVirgin trains. Making myself fully at home in Liverpool Lime Street’s first class lounge, boasting an array of complimentary drinks, snacks, and the day’s broadsheets, I almost forgot I had a train to catch - but alas, London calls and the relentlessly uncomfortable journey must begin. Right? Having booked my ‘E-Ticket’ I floated past a bustling queue of disgruntled looking commuters waiting to collect their passes and boarded the train with ease. It was a sign of things to come, good things. Nestled in my own special space, stretched out and completely content, I was able to unwind, work, sleep and become lost in the blur of countryside flashing by. With lots of legroom, my own table, reclining seat and overhead reading light, I found the perfect place to sit back and relax. Who knew the usually long, arduous trek from Liverpool to London could feel like this? Table service is on hand Monday-Friday, delivering complimentary mouth-watering delights from a First Class menu via a smiling Virgin employee, whilst the onboard wi-fi, personal power point and enhanced phone signal were just the boost I needed to keep my day moving with the littlest of effort. Working, downloading and tweeting to my heart’s content, Virgin definitely know how to mix a little bit of pleasure with business. With prices starting from as little as £38 – you’ll struggle to persuade me otherwise that first class is not just the ticket for me! www.virgintrains.co.uk

The Collective

Road Having heard about the previous inhabitants of this establishment (it used appeal to, shall we say, a somewhat seedier clientele...) I was relieved to find a beautifully, and seemingly effortlessly, designed - what shall I call it ‘not quite bar, not quite restaurant’. It is a makeover of Carol Smillie proportions. An all day venue (excellent when you need a little taste of class without waiting for the evening dinner service), No.11 Pimlico Road offers a space ‘more home than high street’, though the food is almost certainly better than anything I’ve ever eaten in my house. The menu is down to earth with a European accent, with various ‘tossed and sandwiched’ options alongside dishes as equally divine as the steamed white wine mussels with saffron cream and warm sour dough bread I devoured in record time. ‘Not quite bar, not quite restaurant’ – No.11 Pimlico Road – jack of all trades? We say master of all. no11pimlicoroad.co.uk

Beach Blanket Babylon

The Zetter Townhouse

Beach Blanket Babylon is more than a bar or restaurant. It’s a lifestyle, a club for the discerning without requiring a membership. It offers a cool, hip environment to relax in by day over breakfast or lunch, and a destination by night for the well-heeled socialite. With just the right mix of rock chic, boho luxe, and romantic whimsy, Beach Blanket Babylon guarantees a fashionable night on the town - and it’s in Notting Hill. I love Notting Hill.

Fancy a drink? It is a universal sentence that is more often than not answered with a resonating ‘YES.’ But what is your tipple of choice? There are drinks you sip and swill and ponder on, and others that you shoot to the back of your neck like a starting pistol. Tony Conigliaro is a master of them all, and so we find ourselves at the Zetter Townhouse, London.

Made up of various intimate spaces, BBB offers plenty of variety to meet anyone’s mood: there are intimate tables given over to cozy conversations, comfy seating by the opulent fireplace and an exuberant bar area where mingling is the order of the day. The restaurant serves seasonal, modern European cuisine, accompanied by an impressive selection of world wines and cocktails. Try the Porn Star Martini – delish.

www.beachblanket.co.uk

It is, without doubt, a cocktail emporium. Conigliaro’s reputation for his groundbreaking approach to cocktail making and the drinking experience is certified through every eye-opening sip. Disregarding the sugary drinks so popular in the 90s for their ability to keep drinkers dancing, Conigliaro deftly moves towards something more creative, more thoughtful. If you want my advice, try the Flintlock. Now that’s a real cocktail.

www.thezettertownhouse.com

T P ADVICE And service you’ll love. Many people find the prospect of visiting a lawyer a little bit daunting.

What you can expect

At QualitySolicitors Jackson & Canter we’re determined to change that view. We’re working to make expert legal advice more available, more affordable, more transparent and far more customer-friendly for individuals and businesses.

Direct lawyer contact

So why not give us a try - contact us today to see if we’re the right lawyer for you. You never know, it might just be possible to love your lawyer.

Saturday openings

Same-day response No hidden costs

Jackson & Canter Changing the way you see lawyers 0151 282 1700

mailbox@jacksoncanter.co.uk

www.qualitysolicitors.com/jacksoncanter

88 Church Street, Liverpool, L1 3AY

The Collective

useful and effective. Christian Aid has been in Haiti since 1997 and concentrates on long term development work.

Haiti: A Legacy of Transformative Hope Naomi Pinder, Head of the Wills & Probate Department at Liverpool solicitors, Jackson & Canter, recently visited Haiti as part of a Christian Aid trip to raise awareness of their efforts to alleviate poverty in the area. Here she tells of her experience and explains how your plans for the future could help to rebuild lives. We’ve all heard about the horrific destruction caused by the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, but what else do you really know about this country? Haiti has a volatile history that includes political instability, successive dictatorships and corruption. At the time of the earthquake in January 2010, Haiti was already the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of its population living on less than £1.10 per day. Food prices are very high, resulting in regular and violent protests. The catastrophic physical effects of the earthquake are everywhere: piles of rubble, demolished ruins and empty land where buildings once stood. The Cathedral in Port au Prince resembles the aftermath of the Liverpool Blitz. The nearby Anglican Church stands in ruins; an uncovered stone stairway leads to nowhere. The political and physical challenges are coupled with the tropical climate, the intense heat and high humidity setting off torrential rain and daily thunderstorms. This cauldron conspires against Haiti’s proud people who struggle endlessly to rise above the absolute poverty of their physical surroundings. Strength of Haiti’s people Christian Aid works with local Haitian people and has a vast wealth of skills and experience in knowing what type of aid is

We visited four partners including GARR, an organisation helping refugees and displaced people. In founding a settlement, GARR starts by selecting land for building earthquake resistant homes, before bringing the community together to build over 30 new homes. We visited a village called Solidarity, where I interviewed a young man named Jeudine, who lived in a house with his wife and children. He was a lovely, gentle man and was so pleased to be able to provide food and shelter for his family. Jeudine had been given independence, self-respect and dignity. At Solidarity, a water tank had been built at the top of the hill and pipes lead to a number of water fountains where the people can collect clean water. A community hall was nearing completion and the school is down in the hill in the village. It is important that the people living at the top are not isolated. The co-operative nature of Solidarity was amazing, allowing the villagers to work towards the benefit of everyone whilst having ownership and control of their lives. In this way they are transformed from passive recipients to active participants. How You Can Leave Your own Legacy As you would imagine, any financial support given to these organisations can hugely help their efforts in Haiti. You may feel that is not something you can dedicate at this time, but something you may consider is the transformation that a legacy in your Will can bring to Haitians living in desperate poverty. You can specifically request to give a small amount to charity in your Will, whilst also ensuring your friends and family are cared for. Legacy income is worth around £1.9 to 2 billion a year to the work of charities and in these days of public sector spending cuts, the work of charities is even more important to help and serve those less fortunate than ourselves. If you would like to leave a charitable legacy to Christian Aid or any other charitable organisation in your Will, contact Naomi Pinder on 0151 282 1700 to find out more. Whether you are making a Will for the first time, or would like to update an existing one, help is available and tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.

The Collective

THE DAFFODIL HOTEL AND SPA

The Collective

ow to encapsulate the beauty of the Lake District in a single sentence? William Wordsworth described Grasmere as ‘the loveliest spot that man hath ever found’, and as Britain’s greatest Romantic poet we should be inclined to trust his judgement.

Destination decided, a hotel must be found. Perched on the edge of Lake Grasmere stands The Daffodil Hotel & Spa: a beacon of luxury, indulgence and tranquillity. Sitting quietly amongst the natural beauty of its surroundings, it has no equal. Four shiny stars promise unadulterated relaxation and they do not disappoint. Interior Designer, Paul Sawford, truly deserves an accolade for his bespoke carpets and indulgent colours, though no designer in the world can draw your eyes from the breathtaking view a lakeside room affords. Wellies and waxed jackets are essential for melancholic ambles around the lake, and for those of you looking to spend the entire day in the great outdoors, The Daffodil are only too happy to provide you with a picnic, authentically prepared with delicious local produce. However, in the crispness of the December air, a bowl of Head Chef, Nick Martin’s, ‘Seasonal Soup of the Day’ is all too tempting. Weather-beaten and aching from a day of rambling, The Daffodil Spa is ready and waiting to slick, buff and pamper you back into shape. A unique concept in Cumbria, the spa includes a sauna, steam room and 10 metre thermal pool, for although Lake Grasmere may be beautiful, it certainly isn’t warm! The beauty and elegance of The Daffodil Hotel and Spa lends itself to romance and The Collective bride would look ravishing at a lake side ceremony, bouquet of freshly picked flowers in hand... Offering bespoke wedding packages to suit every taste, The Daffodil is completely committed to you. It is also worth noting that although The Daffodil Hotel and Spa has not long had its first birthday, the building itself has been around for over a century and has always served as a hotel. Originally built as a testimony to the thriving tourist industry that poetic genius and long term tenant, William Wordsworth inspired, The Daffodil seems to remember Wordsworth’s most famous masterpiece in its very name. ‘Beside the lake, beneath the trees/Fluttering and dancing in the breeze’ stands The Daffodil Hotel and Spa. Now, who could describe it better than that? www.daffodilhotel.co.uk

The Collective

The Great Northern Hotel Historical revival meets minimalistic chic at the Great Northern Hotel.

few years ago one could walk right past the Great Northern Hotel without noticing. Boarded up since 2001, this striking piece of Victorian pomp - curved and tall, topped with gabled windows and giant chimney stacks – has stood empty and unappreciated for over a decade. Yet after four years of hard labour and a £14m revamp, this 1854 Lewis Cubitt building looks a little different - a lot different. Standing alone between St Pancras and King’s Cross station, it is a masterpiece of cosmetic surgery: a railway hotel that exists firmly in the 21st century. Cue fanfare - the Great Northern Hotel is open for business.

The hotel is a rather fitting neighbour for the new King’s Cross and its arts-cool credentials. Inside, the grand sweeping staircases and high ceilings remain. The palette in the rooms is kept to fairly light Victorian shades of Farrow & Ball; and a contemporary spin has been given to the top-quality fittings and finishes. There seems a clever emphasis on small-scale style and discretion here - after all, the concept of a railway hotel was never about glamour, it was a warm place to wait in between trains. The Great Northern Hotel has been contemporised, yes, but its original identity stoically remains. For serious eating and drinking there is a bar and a modern British restaurant, Plum + Spilt Milk (a name alluding to the livery of the London and North Western Railway carriages), headed up by Mark Sargeant. The interior is fabulous – atmospheric with rich colours, interesting textures and a mirrored ceiling complete with chandeliers. Opening directly onto King’s Cross railway station, the hotel cleverly redefines the idea of a station bar and yet - as such details as the absence of tablecloths suggest - a fine dining experience is rejected in favour of a decent meal served speedily enough to meet the needs of a traveller waiting for their train. Impressive? We think so. www.gnhlondon.com

small-scale style

to wait in between

The Collective

Make a positive difference

Looking for the secret to keeping your employees happy and healthy?

0800 195 2992 www.medicash.org

The Collective

Live your best life less? Travel more? Join a pottery class? Whatever goals is one resolution that appears on the traditional annual list year after year: take better care of my health. But there is not just your own health to consider, as Practice Manager of Morecroft Solicitors, Julie Johnson, knows all too well...

llness affects everyone. Fact. It affects your productivity at home and more importantly, at work. Despite this, a recent survey of 2,000 people by The Co-operative Pharmacy revealed that one in three employees feel pressurised to go into work though they are suffering from an illness, lengthening their recovery time and putting others at risk. It may be the season to be jolly, but it is also the season for flu. With two thirds of sick days taking place during the winter months (November – February) it’s unlikely that your business will remain unaffected. It all seems a little hopeless, but imagine if we told you there was a way to protect yourself and your employees without so much as a sniffle. Medicash have a solution: Flu accounts for 7.6 million lost working days in the UK each year (9 per cent of all absences) and costs the UK economy £1.35bn. Rather than just relying on ‘at risk’ employees getting immunised, a more proactive approach could have a dramatic impact on a business if implemented

correctly. Flu jabs are available on the high street through pharmacies and even larger supermarkets. Vaccinations can take place in the workplace from as little as £10 per employee (including the cost of a nurse), or can be covered through a healthcare cash plan. Established over 140 years ago, Medicash is one of the largest and most established healthcare cash plan providers in the UK, offering a wide range of affordable health plans for companies, individuals and intermediaries. Five years ago, Julie Johnson made the decision to enrol her staff in a Medicash plan and has never looked back. “Both current and prospective employees are delighted with the package”, says Julie. “I often hear comments about how it is lovely that the firm ‘look after their staff ’ through Medicash’s health cash plan”. A health cash plan is a low cost insurance package that provides cash back towards everyday healthcare bills and allows employees to take a proactive approach to their health. This can include cover for optical and dental treatments, consultations and diagnostic tests,

complementary and alternative therapies and flu jabs. Some schemes can also compliment an existing group PMI scheme by covering any excess that may apply. Health cash plans can improve the health of the workforce, increase productivity and reward employees in the most cost effective way. With over 110 employees, Julie has noted a huge difference since the implementation of the plan. “Essentially I have given my staff the peace of mind that if they have need to see a consultant, dentist or optician, they can do so with the assistance of the Medicash package. They now know how much I value them and team morale is higher than ever”. With a variety of health plans tailored to your business needs, forget the generic box of chocolates - there is no better gift for your employees this Christmas than a healthy work environment. Who knows, 2014 may be your best year yet. To find out how Medicash can help your business call 0800 195 2992 or visit www.medicash.org

The Collective

Admittedly, I was

than that of a

Business & Pleasure one hotel room? Cheval Residences have the answer...

he dreaded London business trip; we have all been there - a week of stressful presentations, important meetings and steely negotiations. Your evenings consist of strained conversation with colleagues whom are paid more than you and, quite frankly, do not deserve it. Your suitcase refused to carry five different outfits and Monday’s clean shirt may have to make a not-so-clean appearance on Friday. Your hotel room is fine, nice, comfortable - but forget having a cup of coffee whilst mulling over your notes for the next morning, unless of course you want to pay £4 minus the room service charge. Enter Cheval Residences.

Over the past three decades, Cheval Residences have established their position as the undisputed leader in the provision of luxury serviced-apartments in London. Based in the prime areas of the city, including Knightsbridge, Kensington and Sloane Square, a portfolio of over 287 luxury apartments await the weary traveller looking for something a little more substantial than a hotel room. Finding myself in London on a spot of very important business that centred upon Sloane Street (yes, that’s right, shopping counts as business – it does), I had the pleasure of sampling a Cheval Residence. Admittedly, I was curious: surely it cannot boast much more efficiency than that of a luxury hotel room? Actually, as a found out later that afternoon, it can. Staying at Cheval Phoenix House, my spacious apartment surpassed my expectations. Images of a sparse kitchenette were replaced by a fully equipped kitchen, (considerably larger than the kitchen awaiting me at home), complete with fine china, dishwasher and washing machine. An organic welcome hamper waited patiently on my dining room table, as did the Frette satin sheet and luxurious goose down duvet on my king size bed.

Marrying the beauty and comfort of a luxury hotel room with the practicality of a family home, Cheval Residences are undoubtedly leading the way in the land of the serviced apartment. Perfect for both business and recreation, Cheval Residences understand the need for a home away from home, providing defined spaces for cooking, washing, working, sleeping – there is even space to entertain, but then again, maybe you want just be home alone for a while. Those work colleagues are insufferable after all... www.chevalresidences.com

The Collective

The Apartment The Apartments by the Sloane Club residence, lady of the house speaking... ealth: a six letter noun that may be abstract but consistently makes itself visible. An esteemed member of The Sloane Club, wealth is currently residing in No.19 Sloane Gardens, enjoying a spot of luncheon whilst its Bentley cools on the cultured tarmac outside. Welcome to a land of cucumber sandwiches and afternoon tea; welcome to The Sloane Club.

Providing the services of an exclusive hotel but with the space and privacy of a luxury residence, moments from London’s most coveted neighbourhood lives The Apartments by The Sloane Club. A relatively new venture for the elite private members’ club, twenty self-contained serviced apartments within four historic 18th century houses offer both members and guests a pied a terre for longer stretches in the capital. Individually designed to reflect the best of traditional English decoration but with all the mod cons of a NASA space station, ubiquitous flat screens sync effortlessly with pads and pods alike, whilst beautifully appointed kitchens contain the essential Nespresso machine - if one should feel inclined to endure the hardship of making their own coffee.

If the closest you have come to joining a club is a hazy prepubescent Brownies memory then allow The Sloane Club to provide a demonstration.This is a club that encourages and caters to the whimsical fancy for a bottle of Claret or a snifter of champagne, delivered by a man named Charles whom you have been acquainted with for years and knows all of your children by name. To become a fully fledged member depends largely on the size of your wallet, but if you are looking for a ‘hometel’ with a little novelty attached then The Apartments are for you. Posh voices at the ready... www.clubapartments.co.uk

start your business with a free consultation This consultation will be a free, no obligation, half hour consultation to discuss your likely legal requirements. This consultation may take place face to face with

one of our specialist solicitors, over the telephone or by other electronic means and the report will include a fixed fee quote for each action area identified.

Following the consultation we will prepare a report which will identify issues which require further action using a simple step plan as follows:

Free initial consultation whether in person, telephone or other electronic means.

Client can select the fixed fee start-up package or simply select which tasks we are to undertake.

Client supplied with report & fee estimates.

. .

For more information about our Business Services please call Donal Bannon

0843 504 4739 or email djb@morecrofts.co.uk Visit us at

www.morecrofts.co.uk

or pop in to your nearest office:

Liverpool City Centre No 1 Tithebarn 1-5 Tithebarn Street Liverpool L2 2NZ

Crosby 2 Crown Buildings Liverpool Road, Crosby Liverpool L23 5SR

Woolton 7 Church Road Woolton Liverpool L25 5JE

Wirral 30 Hamilton Square Birkenhead Wirral CH41 6AZ

Allerton 4 Allerton Road Liverpool L18 1LN

Tel: 0151 236 8871

Tel: 0151 924 9234

Tel: 0151 428 1911

Tel: 0151 666 2210

Tel: 0151 909 2191

Morecrofts LLP offers legal advice on a broad range of services for individuals and businesses LLP No. OC333433

The Collective

Putting More into Law The Collective catches up with the Head of Commercial at Morecrofts Solicitors, Donal Bannon, on how it feels to be in need of an MOT! Cheeky... Morecrofts is one of Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest and most respected Private and Commercial Law Firms and this year sees you reach your 200th birthday. Are your values still the same? Our values have remained unaltered over the last 200 years and are the secret of our success so why would we change them? We have a loyal workforce with little staff turnover because we are a team and everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s views are welcomed and respected. The value we cherish the most is our integrity; we always put our clients first and often go the extra mile putting their interests ahead of ours.

their structure, their terms of trading, their employment policies and contracts, their lease obligations, supplier agreements and how well protected their intellectual property rights are. The Merseyside Independent Business Awards was launched this year by Morecrofts - what was the thinking behind this decision? The MIB awards follow the same train of thought as our Business MOT in that we aim to promote local independent SMEs and to give them a platform to gain the recognition they deserve. Having identified that void in the Merseyside area we wanted to mark our 200th year by launching the awards (which we will hold annually) so that we could give something back to the local economy as our legacy. How important is it for Morecrofts to support local Independent Businesses? We have grown over the years with many of our clients and indeed the City itself and we shall continue to grow further by helping local businesses to prosper. Their success should ensure our success. It has been a good year for Morecrofts: you scooped two prizes at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liverpool Law Society Awards! What are your aims for the New Year? We have won a number of awards this year (indeed we have run out of space at our reception desk) which is a great tribute to the firm.Whilst it is always nice to receive recognition for our success and quality of advice we place greater emphasis on what our clients tell us when they complete and return the satisfaction questionnaires we send out to them at the conclusion of the work. Well over 90% of the questionnaires suggest that we provide an excellent service which probably explains why we have loyal clients and why most of our new clients are referred to us by existing clients. We have a number of exciting projects in the pipeline to launch next year by which we shall continue to support local independent businesses but I cannot reveal further information about these plans at this stage so watch this space!

Tell us about your FREE Business MOT service. With the 200th year of Morecrofts in business now coming to a close we are really excited to begin our next century; as a part of this we have pledged to promote, support and help other independent businesses in the Liverpool City Region grow. We arrange for one of our solicitors to go and see the businesses to have a chat about how they might benefit from some legal guidance. It is a free service, just to advise companies on how to protect their business and enable them to move on to even greater success. If any action needs to be taken as a result of the MOT then we provide fixed fees for carrying out identified work. As in the case of a car MOT we identify which steps need to be taken immediately to repair the business, which steps need to be taken in the medium term and which steps can wait until a later date. How important is it for a business to receive this kind of consultation? It is vitally important for any business to take a step back and review how it is operating and to address any weaknesses it may have. Many small businesses do not address these issues until there is a problem, by which time it becomes costly and damaging to the business. It is therefore like an insurance policy, making sure you have the protection in place before things go wrong. We help businesses to look at the effectiveness of For more information about our Business Servcies please call Donal Bannon 0843 504 4739 or email djb@morecrofts.co.uk

The Collective

The Berkeley Describing itself as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;an essential reservation Collective takes a closer look at the hotel gracing little black books.

Beautiful room? Check. Fantastic location? Check. A-list wine and dining? Check. London hotel, The Berekeley, deserves every inch of its allocated five-star rating. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge (also known as shopping central), Harvey Nics and Harrods are the rather impressive neighbours of this exclusive London hideaway. A passion for creativity and a long collaboration with the very best interior designers and architects puts the Berkeley at the forefront of design and my, it shows. Every morning, beautifully stylish floral arrangements arrive glisteningly fresh from couture flower emporium, McQueens. Every afternoon, the latest catwalk creations become delicate confectionary served on Paul Smith-designed fine bone china at Prêtà-Portea. Every evening, Marcus Wareing caters to your dining needs, armed with two Michelin stars. Need I go on? Amongst the many star features of The Berkeley is its rooftop pool and health club,

in the heated pool and sip

complete with sweeping views across the treetops of Hyde Park. If you are looking to kick start the approaching year without any excess winter padding, the state of the art gym promises to put you through your paces, with personal trainers on hand to bully you into that extra mile. If, like us, you would rather take a leisurely dip in the heated pool and sip green tea whilst enveloped in a plush towelling robe, the necessary facilities are ready and waiting.

Relaxed and rejuvenated, the Blue Bar awaits. A path just left of the hotel’s reception area leads the lucky guest into one of the most popular and exclusive London hangouts, naturally frequented by the odd celebrity or two. Cherubs and floral woodcarvings drip from the ceiling and surround the fish-eye mirrors on the ‘Lutyens Blue’ walls, while a white onyx bar and black crocodile print leather floor add a further touch of flamboyance. The creation of Madonna’s favourite designer, David Collins, Blue Bar is a daringly intimate space with an impressive clientele. Yes, this popular hotel may boast of its brilliance, but with over ten awards to its name and a menagerie of famous faces milling around its bar, who are we to contradict? www.the-berkeley.co.uk

The Collective

A latte in Paris with our very own, Viktorija Grigorjevaite...

Tell us about yourself…..

What photographers and artists inspire you?

Where will you be when you’re 40?

There have been five key chapters in my life that I believe have greatly contributed to the woman I am today. They include, staying for one year in the Assumption Convent, walking alone for 920km in Camino de Santiago, staying in the Kopan Monastery in Nepal and completing a Vipassana meditation. The most important to me was meeting a guy called Marius ten years ago in a photo studio.

My favourite photographers are David LaChapelle and Gregory Crewdson. Their style of photography helps me remember that photography is not about capturing what you see but about creating what you would like to see.

Hopefully on a mountain top for my 40th birthday with my husband. Sharing a moment of clarity reflecting on the dreams I achieved in becoming a successful artist less concerned with financial development and more concerned with personal growth. I can’t see myself in one particular place but once I’ve crossed that dream off my list I will have more space for other seeds to grow into bigger dreams.

Today, my life is challenged in other ways, managing my various projects that include being Creative Director of The Collective Magazine, my fashion photography and being both an artist and curator. When did you first know that photography was your passion? It was about five years ago. I finished my first degree in Sociology but I wasn’t sure if it was really my thing. Feeling lost I went on a spiritual journey to Asia. A big part of it was staying in a Tibetan monastery where I tried to figure out what my purpose in life was. The answer was Art. I felt the need to create and the camera felt like a natural way to express myself. Five years later I am still holding onto my camera, feeling happy and grateful for the beauty I capture through my lens. When was your first experience holding a camera? I was six years of age. My parents bought a Polaroid camera and I remember taking photos of my sister feeling extremely happy watching the magic of an instant image.

How do you capture people so powerfully when taking a portrait? I guess we all have those ‘powerful look moments’ but they may only last for a fraction of a second. The trick is to make the shutter button click when that moment arrives. On a serious note, the result almost always depends on the persons willingness to contribute to the photo by opening themselves up to me and the camera. Despite of their fears or insecurities. It’s not always the case but I couldn’t be happier when it happens. Are you going to change the world? The world is fine as it is. It’s our view of it and our attitude towards it that needs to be changed, if we suddenly realise that we are not happy with it. As Leo Tolstoy said: “Everybody thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing themselves.” So if enough people change themselves there will be no need to change the world.

You’re married tell us about your husband? Shhhhh... It’s a secret! I will tell you the secret - Marius (the guy I met ten years ago in the photo studio he is my husband) is above everyone and everything to me. I can honestly describe him as the most intelligent and tolerant man I have ever met and I couldn’t be happier with anyone else even in my dreams (and I am a big dreamer) www.vggv.co.uk

The Collective

5-6 Kenyon Steps, Liverpool One, Liverpool , L1 3DF

www.chaophraya.co.uk

19 Chapel Walks, Off Cross Street, Manchester, M2 1HN

45 Castle Street, Liverpool 0151 227 2366

www.andrewcollinge.com

11 Chapel Walks, Manchester 0161 834 1616