Issuu

ACQUA DI PARMA

YOUR LIFESTYLE

T H E WA R M T H O F C R E AT I O N CEDRO VIRTUOSO A new fragrance from the Signatures of the Sun collection explores the meeting of cedarwood and hazelnut, transforming the creative process into an enveloping olfactory experience. There is a particular moment in the creative process when an idea begins to take form: intuition becomes intention, materials acquire shape and confidence gradually replaces uncertainty. It is this intimate transition from inspiration to expression that Acqua di Parma captures in Cedro Virtuoso, a new Eau de Parfum within its Signatures of the Sun collection. Conceived as an exploration of the sensorial warmth of creation, Cedro Virtuoso centres on an unusual meeting of two ingredients - Virginia cedarwood and hazelnut essence. The pairing is at once unexpected and instinctive, bringing together the dry, structured character of cedarwood with the rounded creaminess of hazelnut to create a distinctive woody gourmand composition. The fragrance begins with a carefully considered technical process. The Virginia cedarwood and hazelnut essence are coinfused through a 30-day maceration, allowing the two materials to evolve together rather than simply being combined at the final stage of composition. As the infusion develops, the hazelnut takes on a softer, creamier dimension, while the cedarwood retains its inherent dryness and structure. The resulting depth gives Cedro Virtuoso its characteristic texture - simultaneously woody, luminous and enveloping. The composition opens with the sparkling freshness of Calabrian bergamot, introducing clarity before gradually giving way to a warmer, more complex heart. Cedarwood becomes the central protagonist, revealing several facets as it develops: smooth warmth, spiced balsamic nuances and refined aromatic notes that lend the fragrance both presence and definition. Rather than relying on the familiar conventions of woody perfumery, Cedro Virtuoso creates its character through contrast. The dryness of the cedar is softened by hazelnut, while the gourmand quality of the latter is given greater sophistication by the woody facets uncovered during the creative process. The result is rich without becoming heavy, warm without losing

luminosity and expressive without becoming overpowering. The composition was created by Fabrice Pellegrin, a perfumer born in Grasse into a family of perfumers and recognised for his work with natural ingredients. His career has included fragrances for houses including Hermès and Diptyque, while his work has earned him the title of Perfumer of the Year. For Cedro Virtuoso, his intention was to reinterpret cedarwood through a more contemporary and tactile lens. “I wanted to evoke a sense of beauty and joy - something luminous yet introspective,” Pellegrin explains. For him, the fragrance began with the idea of “light meeting depth”, a balance that is reflected in the relationship between the two principal ingredients. Cedarwood provides what he describes as a sense of verticality, while hazelnut reveals unexpectedly woody facets that create a natural bridge between the two. That duality gives Cedro Virtuoso its quietly confident character. Rather than presenting itself as an overtly sweet gourmand or a traditionally dry woody fragrance, it occupies the space between the two - a nuanced composition designed to evolve naturally on the skin. The Cedro Virtuoso experience extends beyond the Eau de Parfum itself. As part of Acqua di Parma’s Signatures of the Sun ritual, the fragrance is accompanied by a body cream, hand and body wash, candle and diffuser. The Crema Pregiata per il Corpo and Sapone Classico Mani e Corpo translate the fragrance’s woody signature into daily rituals, bringing its warmth and enveloping character into contact with the skin. Meanwhile, the candle and diffuser extend the same olfactory atmosphere into the home, creating a more immersive interpretation of the fragrance. This broader approach reflects the philosophy behind Signatures of the Sun, a collection dedicated to revealing the depth and brilliance of individual ingredients. Drawing on the olfactory heritage of Acqua di Parma’s iconic Colonia, the collection explores exceptional raw materials through compositions intended to illuminate their character rather than disguise it.

acquadiparma.com

ACQUA DI PARMA

acquadiparma.com

YOUR LIFESTYLE

The idea of creation is also central to the visual world surrounding Cedro Virtuoso. The campaign takes place within a luminous design atelier, conceived as a metaphor for the moment when imagination becomes tangible. Materials are shaped, experimented with and transformed through skilled hands, mirroring the process through which the fragrance itself comes into existence. Central to the setting are six sculptural cedar totems, handcrafted in Italy. Their softly rounded forms echo the enveloping qualities of the fragrance while establishing a physical connection with its principal material. The pieces will subsequently find a home in Acqua di Parma’s Milan boutique, extending the creative narrative from campaign to Maison. There is a natural affinity between this emphasis on craftsmanship and Acqua di Parma’s own history. Founded in 1916, the Italian Maison has built its identity

around Arte di Vivere, combining traditional craftsmanship with a contemporary interpretation of refinement. Beginning with Colonia and continuing through fragrances and objects designed with a distinctly Italian sensibility, the house has long championed an approach in which complexity is made to appear effortless. Cedro Virtuoso brings that philosophy into particularly tactile territory. Its co-infusion of cedarwood and hazelnut, the gradual unfolding of its contrasting facets and the accompanying body and home collection all revolve around the same principle: that creativity is not a single moment, but a process of discovery. The result is a fragrance that finds beauty in that process. Cedarwood supplies structure; hazelnut introduces softness; bergamot brings light. Together, they form a composition that feels both assured and intimate - a warm olfactory embrace designed to accompany the moment when an idea becomes something more tangible, and inner confidence allows it to shine.

acquadiparma.com

your

MediaLondon Editor-In-Chief Emma Tompkins emma.tompkins@yourmedialondon.co.uk Editorial Director Jennifer Tompkins jennifer.tompkins@yourmedialondon.co.uk Design Director Lyndon Ford lyndon.ford@yourmedialondon.co.uk Commercial Director Paul Gregory paul.gregory@yourmedialondon.co.uk Accounts accounts@yourmedialondon.co.uk

+44(0)20 3150 2555 contact@yourmedialondon.co.uk yourmedia.london Your Media London, Cascades, 2 Westferry Road, London E14 8JN

21 The Animal Kingdom Artistry of the highest order delivered in exquisite form. 42 Cosy Season The new season calls for a new fragrance and this selection offers a whole host of warming options.

64 Mexico, Riviera Maya Escape to the sun on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, soaking up everything this stunning destination offers. 90 Bonheur Matt Abé’s incredible London spot delivers in every respect.

© 2026 Le Petit Paper Company Limited. All material is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any language without the written permission of Le Petit Paper Company Limited is strictly prohibited. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no liability for omissions and errors. Terms of acceptance can be viewed online.

100 The Art of The Journey Singer collabrates with iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton for two truly beautiful cars. 110 Value Added Transform your property with simple changes that will boost its value.

Patek Philippe Nautilus 50 YEARS OF AN ICON

Some watches are so iconic that it’s difficult to imagine a time when they didn’t exist. The Patek Philippe Nautilus, with its softly octagonal bezel, integrated bracelet and distinctive horizontal dial, is just such a watch. Today, its silhouette is instantly recognisable. In 1976, however, it represented something altogether more radical. At the time, Patek Philippe was best known for the refined dress watches and complicated timepieces that had helped establish its reputation as one of Switzerland’s great manufactures. Then came Gérald Genta, the celebrated designer whose vision for the Nautilus would help redefine the luxury sports timepiece. Here was a watch made not from precious metal but stainless steel; not delicate and formal, but robust, water-resistant and distinctly sporty. Even its shape broke with tradition. Neither round nor rectangular, its unusual case took inspiration from the portholes of transatlantic liners. And this influence went far deeper than aesthetics: its two-part construction featured lateral hinges and a system of clamping screws that pressed the bezel firmly against the case, echoing the hinge-and-bolt mechanism used to seal a ship’s porthole. Yet, for all that engineering, the Nautilus never looked utilitarian. Alternating polished and satin-brushed surfaces brought refinement to its robust construction, while the horizontally embossed dial and tapering integrated bracelet

established a design language Patek Philippe would come to define as ‘sporty elegance’. The original Reference 3700 laid down a blueprint that has proved remarkably resilient. Over the decades, the Nautilus has appeared in different sizes and materials, and been entrusted with an array of complications, while always remaining unmistakable. A medium-sized Reference 3800 followed in the 1980s, while 2006 brought a new generation to celebrate the collection’s 30th anniversary. Now, in 2026, the Nautilus reaches its 50th anniversary. To mark the occasion, Patek Philippe has returned to the purity of the original concept with a series of limited editions, including two 41mm white-gold models and a 38mm platinum interpretation. All three display only hours and minutes, and house the ultra-thin self-winding Caliber 240 – itself a historic movement, first introduced in 1977. The fourth anniversary piece is altogether more unexpected: a white-gold Nautilus desk watch, translating those famous lines into a new form for the first time. An appropriately unconventional way to celebrate a watch that began by challenging convention. Fifty years after its debut, the Nautilus has evolved considerably, yet the essential design has barely changed at all. Perhaps that is the clearest measure of an icon. Discover Patek Philippe at Watches of Switzerland, 155 Regent Street, London, W1B 4AD.

Watches of Switzerland, 155 Regent Street, London W1B 4AD | patek.com | watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

OMEGA

omegawatches.com

YOUR WATCH

A NEW EXPR ESSION OF AN ICON

Few watches possess a design language as immediately recognisable as the Omega Speedmaster. For generations, the name has been synonymous with precision, exploration and one of the most celebrated chapters in horological history. Yet the enduring strength of the Speedmaster lies not simply in its heritage, but in its ability to evolve without losing sight of the qualities that made it iconic in the first place. That balance is at the heart of the latest evolution of the Speedmaster 38mm collection. With seven new references, Omega has refined the proportions, colours and detailing of its more compact Speedmaster, bringing the range closer than ever to the aesthetic codes of the legendary Moonwatch while preserving the distinctive character that has made the 38mm collection such an appealing alternative. The changes are subtle rather than revolutionary, but their cumulative effect is significant. Rounded subdials replace the oval forms of previous Speedmaster 38mm models, lending the watches a sharper, more purposeful sporting character. The dial itself has been visually pared back, with less wording creating a cleaner, more contemporary appearance. Perhaps most tellingly, the bezel returns to a thicker profile, incorporating the essential ‘Dot-Over-Ninety’ detail associated with the Moonwatch. It is an exercise in refinement rather than reinvention. Omega has taken familiar Speedmaster signatures and carefully recalibrated them, creating watches that feel rooted in the past while being unmistakably contemporary.

within the collection while maintaining a coherent family resemblance. At the mechanical heart of the range are two self-winding CoAxial movements. The Calibre 3330 powers the six references equipped with a date function, while the seventh model, distinguished by its black dial and absence of a date display, is fitted with the Calibre 3332. This division allows the collection to offer subtly different interpretations of the same fundamental proposition. Rather than presenting a single watch in multiple colours, Omega has created a spectrum of personalities, ranging from the distinctly sporting to the more luxurious and jewellery-influenced. Among the steel-on-steel references, the black-dial model comes closest to the signature Moonwatch aesthetic. Its black aluminium bezel is paired with a black varnished dial featuring a matt finish, while the hands and indexes are filled with white Super-LumiNova for clear contrast. The absence of a date window gives the composition an especially clean appearance and allows the dial to remain focused on its principal elements. The bracelet continues that understated approach. Three rows are brushed, with two narrower rows of smaller polished links introducing a discreet change of texture. The combination gives the watch a robust yet sophisticated presence, reinforcing its connection to the traditional Speedmaster while retaining the more compact character of the 38mm case. A second steel model takes a markedly brighter approach. Its

The decision to bring the 38mm collection closer to the visual language of the Moonwatch is particularly significant. The Speedmaster name carries considerable historical weight, and the Moonwatch aesthetic has become one of the most recognisable signatures in modern watchmaking. Yet the Speedmaster 38mm has always occupied a somewhat different position, offering a more refined interpretation of the celebrated chronograph through its smaller case and greater emphasis on colour and versatility. The latest models retain that individuality. What has changed is the relationship between their proportions and the visual codes that define the broader Speedmaster family. Each of the seven references is fitted with a five-link bracelet inspired by the Moonwatch. Depending on the model, the central links are either polished or brushed, providing another opportunity for Omega to distinguish the individual expressions

white lacquered dial is framed by a blue ceramic bezel, with the tachymeter scale rendered in white enamel. Blue CVD-coated hands and indexes provide the principal contrast, while the same shade is carried through to the numerals within the date window. The result is a particularly crisp interpretation of the Speedmaster 38mm, in which the cool relationship between white and blue gives the watch a lighter, more contemporary personality. It demonstrates how effectively the collection’s revised architecture can accommodate more expressive colour combinations without losing its essential identity. The third steel reference takes a warmer route. A warm grey aluminium bezel surrounds an opaline silvery PVD dial, while Sedna™ Gold PVD hands and baton-style indexes introduce a richer note. White Super-LumiNova provides luminosity, while the subdials combine brown and Sedna™ Gold PVD hands to create a more nuanced palette.

omegawatches.com

OMEGA Here, the Speedmaster’s sporting credentials are softened by a sophisticated interplay of metallic and earthy tones. It is a reminder that the 38mm format lends itself particularly well to experimentation, allowing Omega to explore combinations that feel more elegant and understated than the traditional monochromatic Speedmaster. The collection moves further into luxury territory with its bicolour references. One combines stainless steel with a polished 18K Moonshine™ Gold bezel and a green aluminium bezel ring, complemented by a yellow gold tachymeter scale. The silvery opaline PVD dial carries Moonshine™ Gold PVD hands and baton-shaped indexes, again treated with white SuperLumiNova. Most notably, the smaller links within the bracelet are crafted in 18K Moonshine™ Gold. This creates a measured use of precious metal rather than overwhelming the watch with it, allowing the warmer tones to emerge through the bracelet and bezel while the stainless steel provides visual balance. A second bicolour model develops the Speedmaster 38mm collection’s established “cappuccino” aesthetic. An ivorycoloured main dial is contrasted with brown PVD-coated subdials, creating one of the collection’s warmest and most

inherent luminosity. Both models retain white Super-LumiNova within their baton-shaped indexes, ensuring that the emphasis on precious materials does not come at the expense of practical legibility. Taken together, the seven references illustrate the breadth of the Speedmaster 38mm proposition. There is the monochromatic confidence of black and steel, the freshness of white and blue, the warmth of silvery and brown tones, the richness of Moonshine™ and Sedna™ Gold, and finally the more overtly luxurious appeal of diamonds and mother-of-pearl. Yet beneath these distinctions lies a consistent design philosophy. Omega has not attempted to dilute the identity of the Speedmaster 38mm in pursuit of novelty. Instead, it has sharpened the details that connect the collection to its most celebrated forebear. The rounded subdials provide a stronger visual relationship with the traditional Speedmaster form. The reduced dial wording creates greater clarity. The thicker bezel and Dot-OverNinety reconnect the watches with a detail that has become inseparable from the Moonwatch aesthetic. And the five-link bracelet reinforces that connection every time the watch is worn. It is a thoughtful approach to evolution: one in which heritage

distinctive combinations. The stainless steel case is topped by a polished 18K Sedna™ Gold bezel and brown aluminium bezel ring, while smaller bracelet links are once again rendered in precious metal. The effect is sophisticated without becoming overly formal. The ivory and brown tones lend the chronograph a softer character, while the familiar Speedmaster architecture prevents the composition from drifting too far from its sporting origins. At the more glamorous end of the collection are two diamondset references, offered with either an ice blue PVD-coated dial or a white mother-of-pearl dial. In both cases, the bezel is set with 52 diamonds, totalling 1.53 carats, introducing a distinctly jewellery-led interpretation of the Speedmaster. The ice blue model has an inherently contemporary appeal. Its cool-toned dial provides a luminous backdrop for the diamonds, while rhodium-plated hands and baton-shaped indexes maintain the crisp visual language established elsewhere in the collection. The mother-of-pearl version is more delicate in character. Its naturally shifting surface introduces subtle variations in tone and reflection, creating an effect that changes with the light. Against this backdrop, the diamond-set bezel becomes less a

is not treated as something static, but as a design vocabulary capable of being interpreted anew. For Omega, the Speedmaster 38mm has always offered an opportunity to explore the more refined side of an iconic chronograph. The latest generation takes that proposition further, introducing a more cohesive relationship between the compact collection and the Moonwatch while allowing colour, material and finishing to shape each individual personality. The result is a collection that demonstrates why some of the most successful developments in luxury watchmaking are not necessarily those that announce themselves with radical change. Sometimes, the most compelling transformation comes through a series of precise adjustments: a curve here, a proportion there, a more restrained dial, a familiar detail restored. In the latest Speedmaster 38mm, those details combine to create something that feels both familiar and newly considered. It remains unmistakably a Speedmaster, yet its character has been subtly recalibrated for a contemporary audience. The Moonwatch may remain the ultimate reference point, but in these seven new interpretations, Omega demonstrates that there is still considerable room to explore within one of

statement of extravagance than an extension of the watch’s

watchmaking’s most enduring designs.

omegawatches.com

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

iwc.com

YOUR WATCH Few designs have had quite the influence on modern luxury sports watches as the work of Gérald Genta. In 1976, the celebrated Geneva artist and watch designer created the Ingenieur SL, Reference 1832, introducing a purity of form and an integrated-bracelet architecture that would go on to become defining characteristics of an entire category. Half a century later, IWC Schaffhausen continues to explore that legacy with the latest evolution of the Ingenieur Automatic 35. The newest reference, IW324902, brings a particularly fresh interpretation to the collection through an unexpected new dial colour known as Pool. Aquatic and vibrant, the shade introduces a more expressive dimension to the Ingenieur's otherwise disciplined aesthetic, allowing its precise geometry to interact with light in a distinctly contemporary manner. The 35mm stainless steel case is compact without appearing diminutive, while the integrated bracelet contributes to both the watch's visual coherence and its comfort on the wrist. Its combination of satin-finished and polished surfaces creates a constantly shifting play of light, revealing the sophistication of the finishing as the watch moves.

an approach that gives the watch a more relaxed, contemporary personality while retaining the precision expected of an IWC sports model. That attention to light continues across the case and bracelet. Satin finishing contrasts with polished surfaces on the case and bezel, while the bracelet's polished centre links sit between satinfinished h-links. The alternation creates a sophisticated visual rhythm, demonstrating that the watch's appeal lies as much in its finishing as in its underlying geometry. Turn the watch over and the mechanical character of the Ingenieur becomes visible through a sapphire crystal caseback. The automatic Calibre 47110 operates at 4Hz and provides a 42-hour power reserve. Its decoration includes circular graining and Geneva stripes, while a gold-plated oscillating mass adds a further flourish to the movement. The technical specification reinforces the watch's versatility. Measuring 35mm in diameter and 9.4mm in height, the stainless steel case is paired with a convex sapphire crystal featuring anti-reflective coating on both sides. Water resistance is rated at 10 bar, while the movement incorporates a date

The arrival of the Pool dial follows IWC's decision to revive and comprehensively reinterpret Genta's Ingenieur design. The Ingenieur Automatic 40, introduced in 2023, translated the original aesthetic into a contemporary form, with particular attention paid to ergonomics and finishing. The subsequent introduction of the Ingenieur Automatic 35 brought that philosophy to a smaller case, creating a more compact interpretation of the integratedbracelet sports watch. The new Pool reference adds a note of colour without compromising the defining visual language of the Ingenieur. Its dial features the model's characteristic grid pattern, composed of small lines and squares that give the surface remarkable

display and central hacking seconds. The Pool model also completes a remarkably varied six-piece Ingenieur Automatic 35 collection. Alongside it are stainless steel versions with silver-plated and black dials, a deep-blue reference, a model featuring a diamond-set 18-karat 5N gold bezel, and an entirely 18-karat 5N gold edition with a gold-coloured dial. This breadth is perhaps the greatest strength of the 35mm format. The underlying design remains consistent, yet different colours and materials can dramatically alter its personality. The Pool reference occupies an especially appealing position within that spectrum: vibrant but restrained, sporty yet refined.

depth. Against this intricate backdrop, rhodium-plated hands and applied indexes filled with Super-LumiNova® provide a crisp contrast, ensuring clear legibility even in low-light conditions. The bezel remains another unmistakable Ingenieur signature. Secured to the case ring by five functional screws, it gives the watch its characteristic technical presence, while the bracelet attaches through the middle links to enhance the ergonomics and create a supple fit around the wrist. The crown carries the ‘Probus Scafusia’ emblem, a traditional expression of IWC's commitment to craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence. The Pool colour itself brings an intriguing change of mood. Rather than attempting to make the Ingenieur overtly decorative, IWC uses colour to emphasise the clarity of its architecture. The aquatic tone catches and reflects the light across the grid pattern, creating subtle variations in appearance throughout the day. It is

For IWC, the evolution demonstrates how a design rooted in the 1970s can remain relevant without becoming trapped by nostalgia. Genta's original vision provided the foundation, but the modern Ingenieur is defined by a continual dialogue between heritage, engineering and contemporary aesthetics. The Pool dial therefore represents more than simply a new colour. It brings a different energy to one of IWC's most recognisable designs, highlighting the crisp geometry of the case and bracelet while introducing an unexpected sense of freshness. Half a century after the Ingenieur first challenged the conventions of luxury watch design, its fundamental proposition remains remarkably compelling. With the Ingenieur Automatic 35 in Pool, IWC Schaffhausen demonstrates that sometimes the most effective way to move a classic forward is not to reinvent it, but to allow it to be seen in an entirely new light. iwc.com

YOUR WATCH

T he A nima l K ingdom IN MINIATURE Six exceptional crafts, six artists and six extraordinary interpretations of the natural world come together in Vacheron Constantin’s latest Métiers d’Art creations

For Vacheron Constantin, the art of watchmaking has always extended beyond the mechanics of measuring time. Since its foundation in 1755, the Maison has cultivated the decorative arts alongside horological expertise, preserving traditional skills while continually searching for new ways to express them. Its latest project takes that philosophy into particularly unfamiliar territory, inviting six artists from outside conventional watchmaking to translate their disciplines onto the tiny canvas of a watch dial. Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom is the latest expression of the Maison’s One of Not Many Crafts Programme, an initiative designed to encourage new approaches to horological craftsmanship. Rather than simply applying established métiers d’art to a familiar format, the programme asks artists to rethink their techniques within the demanding dimensions of a fully functioning timepiece. As Christian Selmoni, Maison Legacy and Style Director, explains, the initiative “expands the creative

vocabulary of Métiers d’Art within watchmaking”. The result is a collection of six concept watches, each devoted to an animal and each realised through a radically different craft: featherwork, glass sculpting, micro-origami, gold embroidery, paper sculpting and wood marquetry. The common subject is nature, but the creative languages could hardly be more diverse. Together, they transform the watch dial from a surface on which decoration is applied into a miniature stage on which materials, movement and craftsmanship coexist. The challenge becomes apparent in the dimensions. Each watch is housed in a 42mm case, yet the space available between the dial and its protective sapphire crystal is no more than four millimetres. Artists accustomed to working on considerably larger surfaces were therefore forced to rethink gestures, tools and materials, with years of experimentation and prototyping required to adapt their disciplines to the microscopic environment.

vacheron-constantin.com

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

The watches are united mechanically by the self-winding Calibre 2460 G4, whose peripheral display leaves the centre of the dial unusually open. Hours, minutes, day and date are presented through four apertures positioned at the extremities, allowing the artistic compositions to occupy the majority of the visible surface. Each movement contains 237 components, operates at 4Hz and provides a 40-hour power reserve. A specially designed 22-karat-gold oscillating weight, hand-engraved with motifs inspired by artisans’ tools, continues the theme on the reverse. The six creations demonstrate just how far that canvas can be pushed. Julien Vermeulen's 'Feathersnake' is an almost hypnotic composition in blue-green tones. More than 200 tiny pieces derived from seven rare lophophore feathers form a serpent whose body rises only three millimetres above the dial. The feathers are mounted on silk paper and applied to a specially developed structure, while goose feathers create the surrounding vegetation. Even the serpent's eye is given a minute 18-karat-gold and enamel treatment. The scale demanded extraordinary physical control. Vermeulen recalls that the smallest elements were only a few tenths of a millimetre and that “even breathing too heavily

could send them flying”. The work was so concentrated that he could not spend more than four hours a day on it. Ultimately, the project pushed him beyond the limits he had previously considered possible. If Feathersnake evokes the natural iridescence of feathers, 'Glassoctopus' conjures an underwater world. Created by Italian glass artist Simone Crestani, the transparent creature appears suspended above a dark-blue, hand-guilloché dial. Its tentacles and individual suckers were built piece by piece from minute glass rods, using tungsten tools developed specifically for the project. The finished sculpture rises just 3.5 millimetres above the dial. Glass presented a particular optical challenge: thickness, overlap and refraction could distort everything behind the sculpture. Even the tentacles crossing one another had to be conceived as carefully constructed illusions. For Crestani, the experience proved transformative. “This project constitutes a real turning point in my work,” he says, having developed a new technique after 25 years working with glass. The 'Oraygami' watch enters a dreamlike marine realm, where six tiny manta rays appear to glide through deep-blue waters. Each is folded from specially dyed Japanese paper and

vacheron-constantin.com

YOUR WATCH

mounted on fine brass stems at varying heights. A moiré effect on the crystal reinforces the impression of light moving beneath the surface of the ocean. For Anya Midori, the challenge was to invent an entirely new folding sequence rather than adapting an existing origami model. The paper itself also had to be dyed to achieve the precise shade of blue, with each alteration changing its thickness and flexibility. “This is probably the most significant project of my origami career so far,” Midori reflects, describing the experience as a lesson in making the seemingly impossible possible. Few techniques demonstrate the fusion of haute horlogerie and couture quite so vividly as 'Tigerbroidery'. Laura Baverstock's tiger is constructed from 9-karat yellow and white gold wires, with ceramic-coated black wires creating its characteristic stripes. Green silk and cotton form the jungle landscape, while Japanese silk threads reproduce the surrounding vegetation. The tiger's eyes alone incorporate ten shades of silk. The use of gold presented its own technical obstacles. Higher gold content changes the metal's flexibility, requiring new miniature tools to twist and coil wires fine enough for the embroidery. Every element also had to remain within the constraints imposed by the curved crystal and the dial's apertures. The finished composition took approximately 210 hours to complete. Baverstock describes the entire undertaking as “a venture into the unknown”. Yet its outcome has altered her perception of the discipline itself: “I believe I have brought embroidery to the level of art.” vacheron-constantin.com

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

vacheron-constantin.com

YOUR WATCH

The 'Papercroc' offers perhaps the most unexpected material transformation. At first glance, its white crocodile appears carved from ice, stalking through a snowy landscape. In reality, the entire scene is constructed from cotton paper, embossed, laser-cut and assembled into layers only three millimetres high. Brass matrices engraved with scales and foliage were heated to between 60 and 70°C before being pressed into the paper to create microscopic relief. For Paris-based artist Marianne Guély, the project fulfilled a long-held ambition to bring paper into watchmaking. The collaboration also challenged the assumption that paper is inherently fragile. “This project allowed us to demonstrate that paper can enter the world of haute horlogerie as a true form of art,” she says. Completing the collection, 'Woodenwings' gives the ancient discipline of marquetry an emphatically sculptural character. Anna Le Corno's falcon is assembled from 12 species of wood, including smoked eucalyptus and dark-blue-dyed birch, with the bird's plumage carved and layered to suggest movement. Three distinct techniques are combined, including a featherby-feather construction developed specifically for the wing.

The traditional tools of woodworking were impossible to use at such a scale, prompting the development of precision micro-tools, surgical-style scalpels and microscopic carbide bits. Much of the work was performed under binocular magnification, with the wing ultimately cantilevered over the dial at the very limit of contact with the crystal. Le Corno describes the experience as a continuing conversation with her material. “What fascinates me most is the dialogue with the material itself, with wood,” she says, adding that experimentation repeatedly revealed possibilities she had not anticipated. The six watches are remarkable not simply because of their artistry, but because none is allowed to exist independently of the mechanism beneath it. The Calibre 2460 G4's unusual peripheral display was instrumental in giving the artists their freedom, while Vacheron Constantin's watchmakers worked alongside them to solve the practical demands of miniaturisation. The result is a genuine exchange rather than a straightforward collaboration: artistic techniques were transformed by horological constraints, while the Maison's own understanding of Métiers d’Art was expanded by disciplines rarely associated with watchmaking. There is also a sense of continuity behind the experimentation. Vacheron Constantin has long found inspiration in the animal world, from an 1826 pocket watch decorated with an enamelled serpent to a 1910 scarab pendant watch and a 1996 series inspired by John James Audubon's 'Birds of America'. More recent creations have continued that fascination, including the Univers Infinis series and a 2022 seahorse tourbillon. What distinguishes Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Animal Kingdom, however, is its willingness to look beyond the established vocabulary of decorative watchmaking. Feather, glass, paper, wood, gold thread and origami become instruments of haute horlogerie, each retaining something of its original character while acquiring an entirely new precision. In doing so, Vacheron Constantin demonstrates that the future of craftsmanship need not be found by abandoning tradition, but by giving traditional skills new challenges. These six miniature worlds are proof that, when imagination is constrained by millimetres, craftsmanship can become all the more extraordinary.

vacheron-constantin.com

ROGER DUBUIS

T h e

K a b u t o

A dramatic new expression of high watchmaking draws on the samurai commanders of 17th-century Japan, bringing together Métiers d’Art, historical symbolism and the uncompromising mechanics of the Excalibur There are moments in history when the course of a nation is altered not by a single act, but by the coming together of individuals united by a common purpose. For Roger Dubuis, it is precisely this idea of unity that provides the inspiration for its latest creation, Excalibur The Kabuto Legacy - an extraordinary meeting of Japanese history, Métiers d’Art and high horology. Limited to just 28 pieces, the timepiece transports the wearer to 17th-century Japan, a period defined initially by conflict and competing ambitions before the emergence of a new political order. At the heart of this transformation stood three influential leaders whose efforts to unite the country's bushō - its samurai commanders - ultimately ushered in more than two centuries of peace and prosperity. Symbolically, Edo Castle became the centre of this newly unified society. Roger Dubuis interprets that pivotal moment through a watch conceived as a kind of horological gathering around the table, bringing together Edo Castle and twelve of the era's most significant samurai commanders. Rather than depicting the warriors themselves, however, the Maison chooses the most

L e g a c y

evocative symbols of their identity: their Kabuto, the elaborate helmets that expressed lineage, philosophy and aspiration. The result is characteristically expressive. Yet beneath the visual drama lies an extraordinary level of craftsmanship, with each miniature Kabuto requiring two to three days of painstaking work. For the samurai, the Kabuto was far more than protective armour. It was a highly personal statement, its distinctive ornaments conveying identity and meaning. Roger Dubuis has transformed this tradition into an intricate horological tableau, recreating twelve individual Kabuto in 18K pink gold through precise Métiers d’Art techniques. Each is micro-sculpted and hand engraved, with particular attention given to the ornaments positioned at the front of the helmets. These delicate elements served as instantly recognisable signatures of their respective bushō and therefore become the focal points of the miniature portraits. The composition begins at 12 o'clock with Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the principal architects of a unified Japan. His Kabuto is distinguished by a fern, a symbol associated with success and longevity. Around him are the commanders who served his cause, including the celebrated Four Heavenly Kings of the Tokugawa.

rogerdubuis.com

YOUR WATCH At 1 o'clock, Honda Tadakatsu is represented by a Kabuto bearing deer antlers, signifying divine protection. Sakai Tadatsugu, positioned at 2 o'clock, wears a helmet incorporating a sword-shaped frontal ornament, representing righteousness and the cutting away of evil. At 4 o'clock, Sakakibara Yasumasa is depicted through a sword-decorated Kabuto, embodying martial virtue and the samurai's pursuit of truth. At 9 o'clock, Ii Naomasa is marked by towering tenshō, symbolising bravery. Seven further samurai complete the circle, each represented by his own distinctive Kabuto. Together, they transform the dial into a celebration of individual identity within a larger story of unity - a fitting philosophy for a timepiece whose very construction demands the collaboration of numerous specialised crafts. At the centre of this gathering stands Edo Castle. Rather than reproduce the fortress literally, Roger Dubuis interprets its architecture through an abstract, contemporary aesthetic, creating a dramatic focal point for the dial. The castle is rendered in a deep blue coating inspired by indigo, a colour historically associated with samurai garments before becoming an important element of Japanese artistic and textile traditions. Its layered construction is brought to life through a

rogerdubuis.com

ROGER DUBUIS

rogerdubuis.com

YOUR WATCH

variety of surface treatments, including polishing and bright polishing, circular brushing and shot-blasting. The contrasting finishes emphasise the architecture's numerous facets, allowing the miniature fortress to shift in character as it catches the light. It is this interplay between historical reference and modern execution that gives The Kabuto Legacy its distinctive personality. The watch does not attempt to replicate the past literally; instead, it translates its symbols into the language of contemporary high watchmaking. The expressive dial is housed within a 45mm 18K pinkgold case, whose bold dimensions provide an appropriately substantial canvas for the intricate composition. A blue enamel ring surrounds the crown, while the watch is paired with a blue calf-skin leather strap featuring stitched tiles designed to recall the construction of samurai armour. The story continues on the reverse. Twelve individual crests belonging to the bushō are laser-engraved onto a blue-coated pink-gold ring beneath sapphire crystal, surrounding an elaborate rotor and providing another layer of symbolism for the

on the Emmy-winning television series Shōgun. His involvement reinforces the depth of research behind the creation, helping Roger Dubuis translate the symbolism of the period into a contemporary horological form. In The Kabuto Legacy, history is therefore not treated simply as decoration. The watch takes the values embodied by the samurai - identity, discipline, craftsmanship and unity - and expresses them through miniature sculpture, engraving, architectural construction and mechanical precision. The result is an Excalibur that pushes Métiers d’Art towards theatrical new territory, where the drama of the dial and the intricacy of the movement become two sides of the same philosophy. Much as the twelve commanders once gathered around a common cause, the individual crafts of Roger Dubuis converge here around a single creation: one that transforms a defining moment in Japanese history into a distinctly contemporary expression of haute horlogerie.

wearer to discover. Powering the creation is Roger Dubuis' RD821 automatic calibre, whose architecture deliberately leaves sufficient space for the watch's artistic expression to take centre stage. Offering a 48-hour power reserve, the in-house movement is finished using 14 different techniques and carries the prestigious Poinçon de Genève certification. The movement is therefore not merely an unseen mechanical engine but an essential component of the watch's philosophy: the visual audacity of the exterior is matched by the technical discipline beneath it. For Roger Dubuis, the connection between Japanese artistry and Swiss haute horlogerie is rooted in a shared devotion to mastery. To ensure that the historical references were handled with the appropriate authenticity, the Maison collaborated with Frederik Cryns, Professor of Japanese History and a consultant rogerdubuis.com

More T ha n A Watch THE HANDS THAT KEEP A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES ALIVE

A Rolex is designed to accompany its owner throughout life. Built to exacting standards, these are watches that can be worn every day and, with the right care and regular servicing, passed down through the generations. Rolex-trained watchmakers understand this better than anyone. Every service demands exceptional technical skill and meticulous attention to detail, but it also comes with a sense of responsibility. Each watch arriving on the workbench has been part of someone’s life, and their role is to ensure it’s ready for whatever comes next. For Rolex-trained watchmaker Aaron Jones, this is what makes the work so meaningful. “Watches sit on your wrist and they experience almost everything you do,” he explains. “So when you pass that watch down, it’s not just a timepiece, it’s everything that person has experienced.” This is why watch servicing is about far more than just replacing worn components or regulating the movement. “You haven’t just serviced a watch,” Aaron says. “You’ve brought life back to something that might have experienced everything that your grandfather did, or all the times that your father held you as a child.” A Rolex service is designed to preserve both performance and longevity, ensuring the watch continues to perform exactly as intended. That commitment requires years of specialist training, meticulous attention to detail and remarkable patience. After completing a degree in horology at Birmingham

City University, Aaron undertook a further 18 months of specialist Rolex training. He passed his Rolex After-Sales Service Watchmaker exams in Geneva before graduating in the UK. For fellow Rolex-trained watchmaker Michael Raven, that dedication comes from a deep respect for the brand itself. “I know how special a Rolex is to our clients,” he says. “Rolex is world-renowned, and synonymous with excellence. That is something that I really enjoy. I’m working on watches where excellence is front and centre.” But Michael believes the most rewarding moment comes at the end of the servicing process. “Being able to return the watch to the customer, knowing that it’s just right and it’s within all the specified tolerances, is really satisfying.” For Lee Reynolds, who has spent 33 years as a watchmaker, the appeal has never faded. “A lot of clients aren’t just purchasing a Rolex, they are purchasing an investment... and will, fingers crossed, hand it down through the generations.” Perhaps that’s what makes a Rolex unlike almost any other possession. It doesn’t simply tell the time; it bears witness to a lifetime. And thanks to the expertise of Rolex-trained watchmakers, each careful service helps ensure that the memories it carries today can continue to be treasured and passed from wearer to wearer for generations to come. To book an appointment with one of our watch experts, please contact one of Watches of Switzerland London showrooms.

rolex.com | watches-of-switzerland.co.uk

CLASSICS Ca rré e S m a ll S e c onds

B ECAUSE C LASSICS DOE S NOT ME AN BASIC

f rederiqu econ stan t. com

BREITLING

breitling.com

YOUR WATCH

A Meeting of Two British Icons Breitling & Aston Martin's DB5

The Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 brings together the enduring design language of a legendary grand tourer and one of Breitling’s most distinctive chronographs. Few cars have achieved the cultural resonance of the Aston Martin DB5. Introduced in 1963, its combination of elegant proportions, sophisticated engineering and unmistakably British character helped establish Aston Martin as one of the world’s most desirable luxury marques. More than six decades later, the car’s influence remains undiminished - and it provides the inspiration for a new collaboration with Breitling that unites two icons of design, craftsmanship and performance. The Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 revisits an especially evocative chapter in the history of both names. Breitling’s Top Time was introduced in 1963 as a deliberately unconventional chronograph aimed at a younger, speed-conscious audience. Two years later, a Top Time Ref. 2002 appeared on Sean Connery’s wrist in Thunderball, alongside the Aston Martin DB5. The pairing became one of the defining visual moments in the James Bond series - and the first Q-modified watch in the franchise. The new chronograph translates that shared history through materials as much as form. Its cushion-shaped case, grooved corners and mushroom pushers retain the distinctive character of the 1960s Top Time, while the unusual “squircle” subdials are inspired by the gauges of a classic car dashboard. Most evocatively, a wooden inner ring references the DB5’s steering wheel, while the hand-coloured gradient leather strap takes its tonal cues from the rich upholstery of the car’s interior. breitling.com

BREITLING

It is a thoughtful interpretation rather than a literal recreation. As Breitling Head of Product Design Pablo Widmer observes, “This chronograph blends form with true function.” He identifies the same qualities that have made the DB5 enduringly desirable: “lines, materials, and finishings.” That emphasis on restraint is echoed by Georges Kern, CEO of House of Brands, who describes the DB5 as “one of those rare designs that never fades”, adding that the new Top Time captures its “sense of timeless style”. Three distinct editions interpret the concept at different levels of rarity and luxury. The stainless-steel version, limited to 1,022 pieces, features a sunray-brushed silver dial with black subdials and is the closest in spirit to the original Top Time Ref. 2002. A second edition combines stainless steel with a platinum bezel and a black lacquered dial, limited to 315 pieces. The most exclusive interpretation is an 18-karat red-gold model, limited to just 250 individually numbered examples, with a natural onyx dial - a material used by Breitling for the first time. Across all three, the wooden rehaut provides a tactile connection with the DB5, while Super-LumiNova-coated hands and the external minute track ensure that the aesthetic remains firmly grounded in the functionality expected of a modern chronograph. The cases measure 41mm in diameter and 13.8mm thick, with cambered sapphire crystals, 100-metre water resistance and a screwed sapphire caseback.

Beneath the evocative detailing lies Breitling’s Manufacture Caliber 01, a COSC-certified automatic chronograph developed for precision and reliability. Its column-wheel architecture and vertical clutch provide smooth operation, while its 70-hour power reserve gives the watch considerable autonomy between periods of wear. Through the transparent caseback, the movement is further distinguished by an Aston Martin-engraved rotor, rhodium-plated on the steel and steeland-platinum editions and rendered in 18-karat red gold on the full-gold version. The collaboration is consequently about more than combining two familiar names. Aston Martin's Marek Reichman describes the project as bringing together “two brands with a shared appreciation for timeless design, craftsmanship, and innovation”, with every detail considered to reflect their respective character and authenticity. That shared philosophy is what gives the Top Time B01 Chronograph 41 Tribute to Aston Martin DB5 its appeal. The DB5 represented a new expression of performance and elegance in the 1960s; the Top Time brought a similarly progressive attitude to the wrist. Reunited more than half a century later, their relationship feels remarkably natural - a celebration of an era when speed, style and engineering were becoming inseparable, translated into a chronograph designed to carry that spirit into the present. breitling.com

YOUR WATCH

breitling.com

V I E W

O N L I N E

N O W

S U B S C R I B E

YOUR MEDIA LONDON Stay up-to-date with our latest content and access the full back catalogue online now

Your Media London

yourmedia.london

YOUR LIFESTYLE

Purdey

N Men's Shooting Tattersall Shirt in Hazelnut £195.00; Men's Ensay British Outdoor V-Neck Jumper in Audley Red £250.00; Men's Heavy Twill Flat Front Trousers in Audley Red £425.00; Men's Kingsley Travel Jacket in Coffee £1,095.00; and The Field Day Bag in Sporting Green £995.00

shop.purdey.com

PURDEY

To herald the start of the game season, renowned British heritage brand, Purdey will open a pop-up boutique in Harrods, from 7th September until 8th November. The boutique, which will be located in Menswear Designer Collections on the second floor, will offer a carefully curated edit of the most iconic Purdey products combining pieces from the Sporting Collection, the Global Sporting Range, and the Lifestyle Collection. Highlights will include the new Kalahari jacket, a number of pieces incorporating the brand’s technical tweeds, the new light-weight luggage collection, the high-performance Vatersay cape, a selection of polo shirts, and range of accessories including caps, scarves, socks and ties. “More than merely a pop-up store, I consider this endeavour a meeting of minds, a collaboration between two bastions of British culture. Harrods is, needless to say, the world’s preeminent luxury department store, so for Purdey to be given an opportunity to showcase our wares in such inimitable surroundings it is indeed an honour. Likewise, Purdey has become one of the foremost names in field sports and country pursuits. Our brands were born just 20 years apart, and over the past two centuries have come to redefine the notion of rarefied craftsmanship." Dan Jago, CEO of Purdey.

shop.purdey.com

YOUR LIFESTYLE

Men's Shooting Tattersall Shirt in Canvas Blue £195.00; Men's New Labrador Tie £170.00; and Men's Winter Kalahari Jacket in Pebble £1,295.00

shop.purdey.com

PURDEY

The Field Weekend Bag in Sporting Green £1,495.00 Men's Utility Pocket Shirt in Sand £195.00; Men's Kalahari High Collar Vest in Sage £595.00; Swarovski NL 12 x 42 Binoculars in Green £2,570.00

shop.purdey.com

YOUR LIFESTYLE

Men's Shooting Tattersall Shirt in Canvas Blue £195.00; Men's New Labrador Tie £170.00; and Men's Winter Kalahari Jacket in Pebble £1,295.00

shop.purdey.com

Cosy Season

Update your fragrance wardrobe with a warmer, more comforting scent thanks to these new launches

Angel's Share on the Rocks, 30ml £130.00 from Kilian Paris. bykilian.co.uk | Carbone Eau de Parfum, 50ml £145.00 from Balmain Beauty. Available at Selfridges | Cedro Virtuoso Eau de Parfum, 100ml £257.00 from Acqua Di Parma. acquadiparma.com | Nadira No.9 Parfum, 75ml £320.00 from Liz Astor. lizastor.com | Vanilla Affair Extrait de Parfum, 90ml £220.00 from D'Orsay. Available at Liberty. libertylondon.com | Oud Velvet Mood Extrait de Parfum, 70ml £360.00 from Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris. franciskurkdjian.com | Mystic Moonlight Parfum, 100ml £230.00 from Atkinsons. Available at Selfridges

Murano Exclusive Renaissance Eau de Parfum Concentrée, 100ml £288.00 from The Merchant of Venice. Available at Harrods | Bvlgari Allegra Baciami Ancora Parfum £298.00 from Bvlgari. Available at Harrods | Suede Silhouette Eau de Parfum, 88ml £225.00 from Ormonde Jayne. Available at Selfridges | Tobacco Chocolat Eau de Parfum, 50ml £230.00 from Tom Ford Beauty. Available at Harrods | Velvet Tonka Extrait de Parfum, 100ml £280.00 from BDK Parfums. Available at Selfridges | Sunset Hour Dark Peach, 100ml £155.00 from Goldfield & Banks Australia. Available at Harrods. uk.goldfieldandbanks.com | Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolu Eau de Parfum, 100ml £160.00 from Chanel. Available at Harrods. chanel.com

y t u a e B s y Bu

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

Launched not long after the release of the new Coco Mademoiselle fragrance, Crush Absolu, a new make-up collection completes the offering from Chanel. The new Les 9 Ombres palette makes it possible to create a multitude of looks, from subtle and discreet to dramatic and luminous. Switch up your intensity from one rendezvous to the next using its five highimpact eyeshadows and four shimmery top coats. Crush, a soft yet bold mauve lilac, coats lips in subtle radiance. The limitededition release, has also been adorned with the House’s iconic double C for the first time, making this a must have collectors item.

Exclusive Creation, Les 9 Ombres The New Smoky Eye Limited Edition £103.00; and Rouge Coco Lipstick £47.00 from Chanel. chanel.com

The new YSL Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation awakens skin with a new supersoft glow that looks and feels so lightweight, like a true secondskin. From a light, tint-like finish to coverage you build and customise your way, this next-gen Cushion Foundation is by your side for onthe-move no-makeup makeup looks and full beat looks, day and night. Available in 31 blendable shades, it's packed with skincare staple ingredients and botanical treasures such as polyglutamic acid, 3% squalane, niacinamide and jasmine petals, to leave the skin hydrated, plump and with a glow that lasts all day.

Skin Affair Soft Glow Cushion Foundation £52.00 from YSL Beauty. Available at Boots, Sephora, SpaceNK, Selfridges, Harrods, LookFantastic, and John Lewis.

This September, Laura Mercier introduces a brand new line-up of effortless artistry essentials, bringing together colour, innovative textures, and the brand’s signature French approach to enhancing natural beauty. New releases include the four new Caviar Eyeshadow Quad that's perfect for on the go and designed to create effortless, customisable eye looks that last up to 16 hours.

Cheat your way to sun-kissed skin with By Terry's Tea to Tan Golden Glow. The radiance booster, water-based serum for the face, neck and décolletage, energises dull skin to deliver an instant golden glow.

Caviar Eyeshadow Quad in Rosewood Romance £52.00 from Laura Mercier. Available at Space NK.

Tea to Tan Golden Glow £42.00 from By Terry. Available at Space NK.

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY With a soft matte finish, this vegan PDRN powered tinted lip balm delivers cushiony hydration and a soft mate wash of colour. Vegan PDRN Tinted Soft Matte Lip Blur Balm from Glow Recipe. Available at Sephora.

Combining lip care and makeup, Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil delivers an instant mirrorshine gloss effect without compromising on comfort. Its innovative formula reacts to the lips' pH level, revealing a "custom" lip colour, while instantly enhancing their natural glow with a luscious finish. Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in Rosy Candy £34.00 from Dior. dior.com

Keep skin luminous all through the autumn. Rhode's Highlight Milk is a hybrid luminizer that enhances bare skin and makeup with a shimmery, naturally luminous finish. Made with rhode's signature, award-winning Glazing Milk formula, it delivers clinically proven hydration and soothing skincare benefits. Use with the rhode Pocket Brush. Highlight Milk, 65ml £28.00; and Pocket Brush DoubleEnded Makeup Brush £27.00 from Rhode. Available at Sephora.

With a cashmere-soft lip formula designed to enhance the natural tone of the lips while subtly blurring texture and softening the look of fine lines, the new Phantom Blur Balm from Hourglass offers an ultra-silky gel texture for all-day wear without dryness, thanks to a nourishing blend of hyaluronic acid, conditioning oils, and emollients that wear more like a treatment than a traditional matte lipstick. Phantom Blur Balm £36.00 from Hourglass. Available at Sephora.

Make sure your makeup lasts with this affordable gel-based, hydrating face primer that smooths skin while gripping firmly onto makeup. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer £11.00 from e.l.f. Available at Boots.

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

Dyson Camera Jet Meet the Dyson Camera Jet, the only toothbrush with a camera powered by Gap Optical Targeting to identify gaps between teeth and precision-floss while you brush. The first for the brand and changing the game of mouth hygiene as you know it. Inside the CameraJet is a 100k-pixel macro lens camera powered by Dyson’s Gap Optical Targeting AI, scanning 29 live images per second to detect, track and predict gaps between teeth in real time, triggering a precision jet burst of mouthrinse exactly where it is needed. Unlike traditional water flossers’ sharp, needle-like jets, which can pierce plaque without fully removing it, the CameraJet’s broad conical jet sweeps plaque away with wider coverage. It’s also optimised at lower pressure to be gentler on gums and enamel. This machine features a compact 12.5ml mouth rinse tank that dispenses the optimal amount for one session, integrating rinsing into your brushing routine without flooding the mouth. Its anti-gravity tank, diaphragm pump and pressure chamber deliver controlled, uninterrupted jets in any orientation, and to make refilling and charging seamless, Dyson has engineered a charging docking station that refills the toothbrush at the touch of a button in just three seconds. Teeth aren’t flat, so Dyson’s brush head isn’t either. The topography of Dyson’s brush head is unique and engineered to reach a greater proportion of the tooth’s surface. Its dual-bristle design is precisely contoured to clean along the gumline and lift surface stains for whiter teeth, while helping to remove plaque others leave behind. On top of this, Dyson’s unique variable sonic oscilladon varies the angle of oscilladon while you brush, keeping the bristles in constant motion and helping to prevent stalling. Making sure developers and designers have considered everything, Dyson has engineered a complete dental system to optimise the performance of Dyson CameraJet. This includes a proprietary non-foaming toothpaste, formulated without SLS (a common foaming agent) to help keep foam out of the way so the camera can see clearly and support Gap Optical Targeting, alongside a lowfoaming mouthrinse formulated for use with the precision jet. The system includes the Dyson CameraJet toothbrush, charging dock, travel case, Dyson Toothpaste and Dyson Mouthrinse. The Dyson CameraJet Dental System launches on 1st September 2026 in Dyson Demo Stores and selected retailers at £419.99. dyson.co.uk

Shark FacialPro Now available in a delightful spa purple colour way, the Shark FacialPro Glow and DePuffi At-Home Hydrating Facial System is Shark's first exfoliation and deep hydration tool with contrast therapy for professional glow and sculpting of the skin. Developed in a Korean skincare lab, the device is suitable for all skin types and supports skin barrier repair for smoother skin in just one use. Coming complete with 4 extraction tips for personalised precision on pores to clear dead skin; the device also comes with expertly formulated skincare, supercharged by technology and developed with dermatologists. Begin by using the DePuffi to warm the skin and open pores before beginning the exfoliation and extraction process. The separate 'gunk' tank shows just what you are pulling from the skin, including residual make-up, dead skin cells and oil clogging impurities. Next use the cooling DePuffi to sculpt and depuff the skin. Instantly satisfying and consistently delivering spalike results at home, the clever device works in just ten minutes, dramatically improving skin texture, brightness and glow. FacialPro Glow and DePuffi At-Home Hydrating Facial System £299.99 from Shark Beauty. sharkninja.co.uk

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

NIRA PRO LASER The Nira Pro Laser device uses the same non-fractional, non-ablative laser technology as dermatologists. Beginning by gently warming the dermis to stimulate natural collagen production without any side effects, it quickly works over time to revealing visibly firmer, youthful-looking skin in 90 days. As well as being safe for all skin types with no pain, redness or downtime, the Nira Pro can build collagen, lift hooded eyes, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, even skin tone, tighten skin and brighten dark spots. With 9 comfort levers, silent-vibration mode and a session lasting just 2 minutes a day, it is easy and quick to use making it a useful tool in your beauty kit. You can also pair with the new Nira app for AI-powered skin analysis, personalised laser comfort settings, and progress tracking that rewards you the more you use it. Nira Pro 3 Laser £629.00 from Nira. niraskin.com

INFRARED MAT BY SKINVITY You've seen LED Masks, light panels and even LED hair brushes, but now Skinvity introduces the Infrared LED Mat by Skinvity - a nextgeneration full-body photobiomodulation device designed to support deep cellular regeneration and total body wellbeing. Unlike traditional light panels, its wraparound, almost sleeping-baglike mat design ensures direct contact with the skin, maximising energy absorption and delivering a more effective and immersive treatment experience. By combining advanced red and infrared light technology, the device works at both surface and deep tissue levels to support skin quality, muscle recovery and systemic balance - making it an ideal solution for those seeking a holistic approach to performance, recovery and longevity for the whole body. Combining multiple wavelengths of light to deliver deep, multi-layer biological stimulation, the Red light (630 nm) targets superficial skin layers to stimulate fibroblast activity, supporting improved firmness, elasticity and skin quality, while the near-infrared light (830 nm) penetrates deeper tissues to promote cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation and support mitochondrial function. Finally the deep infrared (1072 nm) reaches broader and deeper tissue areas with reduced light dispersion, enabling more efficient systemic regeneration. The innovative direct-skin contact design ensures maximum irradiance by eliminating the distance between the light source and the body, significantly enhancing energy delivery compared to panel-based devices. Photobiomodulation effect supports ATP (cellular energy) production, helping optimise cellular repair and overall biological performance. When used regularly, the mat helps reduce inflammation, promotes faster muscle recovery and soreness, improve circulation, and enhance skin firmness, elasticity and overall deep cellular regeneration and energy production. The benefits extend beyond the body though, improving mental wellness too by supporting relaxation, mental clarity and body comfort. The recommended session time is just 20 minutes a day and provides the perfect excuse to quieten the mind and support the body. Skinvity Infrared LED Mat £1799.99 from Skinvity. Available at Selfridges.

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY If you want to get glowing skin like Kendall Jenner then look no further than Anua. With a whole range of masks, mists and serums - try the PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum. Combining PDRN, Hyaluronic Acid, and Collagen for this formula helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier for hydration and a radiant complexion. PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum £20.00 from Anua. Available at Boots. anua.com

Formulated with advanced PDRN, this rejuvenating lip serum helps to repair the delicate lip barrier, smooth rough texture and deliver longlasting moisture with a healthy, natural glow. Dr.Reju-all Advanced PDRN Rejuvenating Lip Serum, 10ml £12.90 from Dr.Reju-all. Available at Boots.

V I R A L

P D R N The first eye cream from The Ordinary, it's Formulated with Lacto-PDRN, a microbialderived vegan alternative to salmon-PDRN, and Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) to help address visible signs of aging and target dehydration.

Medicube blends der matolog isttested formulas with safe ingredients to help you achieve clearer, firmer, and healthierlooking skin. One of their most popular products are their PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Masks. Packed with salmon PDRN it instantly enhances skin elasticity to provide a luminous glow. PDRN Pink Collagen Gel Masks, Pack of 4 £17.90 from Medicube. Available at Boots.

Lacto-PDRN 4% + B9 Eye Cream £8.70 from The Ordinary. theordinary.com

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

CARE FOR YOUR SKIN Get ahead of dry winter chapped lips with this conditioning and nourishing balm from Grown Alchemist. Leaving lips feeling hydrated, soft and smooth, it's formulated with shea butter and jojoba oil. Hydra-Restore Lip Balm Spearmint, 12ml £16.00 from Grown Alchemist. grownalchemist.com

The culmination of 28 years of Swiss cellular science, the RS-28 Rejuvenation Serum from skincare power-brand Swiss Perfection utilises internationally patented Irisa Exosome Technology to reprogram the skin at a cellular level and visibly reverse signs of ageing. Formulated with advanced NAD+ boosters and potent ferments, it quickly targets a loss of firmness, uneven tone, and diminished radiance to support the skin's natural renewal process for a smoother, more youthfully sculpted appearance. Use alongside other products from the brand for best results. RS-28 Rejuvenation Serum, 15ml £200.00 from Swiss Perfection. Available at Harrods.

TransForm Body Treatment with TriHex Technology ® is an award-winning product which helps reduce the appearance of crepey and loose skin anywhere on the body including arms, tummy area, hands and knees resulting in visibly tighter, firmer, more youthful-looking skin. Packed with exclusive clinically proven technology, key ingredients help the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin as well as supporting the body’s detoxification process. It also helps the skin’s ability to boost hyaluronic acid for hydration benefits. Studies show significant improvement in skin texture in 28 days of daily use. Alastin TransForm Body Complex £162.00 from Alastin. alastin.com

Dermalogica's new Smart Eye Density, is a bio-intelligent serum that targets the dreaded hollow under eye, cleverly formulated with growth factors to help increase elastin and collagen production, improving skin density and volume over time. With the beauty industry moving away from quick fixes and more towards tissue regeneration and skin biohacking, the new serum contains rye seed extract which helps support firmer looking skin and polyglutamic acid, sweet potato extract, and CoQ10 which work together to visibly reduce undereye discolouration. In addition, for more immediate results, Dermalogica's growth factor complex is delivered via an oleosomal system which uses two types of hyaluronic acid to deliver instant hydration. Smart Eye Density £125.00 from Dermalogica. dermalogica.co.uk

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY This month, Diptyque launches Les Rituels de Soin, a new holistic collection inspired by ancient bathing rituals of Greece and Rome. With two beautiful self care rituals for the morning and evening, the collections feature a cleansing gel, rich body balm, ceramic gua sha tool, dry body brush, as well as stylish vanity boxes and decorative pieces. The collection also features two new candle scents. Working with perfumer Nathalie Cetto, every scent across the collection has been designed to produce a measurable emotional effect calm, vitality, energy - and built into each formula accordingly. Prices start from £28.00 from Diptyque. diptyqueparis.com

Rapidly revive dull, tired-looking skin, with Dua Lipa's range with Augustinus Bader. Built on three essential products - a renewal cream, supercharged glow complex and balancing cream cleanser - the routine is simple yet powerful. This multi-functional supercharged glow complex in particular visibly fades post-acne marks and dark spots, smooths fine lines, and helps prevent damage from daily stressors, for skin that instantly looks more radiant. Supercharged Glow Complex £65.00 from Dua by Augustinus Bader. Available at Selfridges. duabyab.com

A total reset for the new season, this Ayurvedic spa-inspired luxury body oil has been mindfully created with a cooling blend of Rose, Jojoba and Spearmint Oils to restore healthy digestion, eliminate toxins. Use with the brand's artisan, ecofriendly Kansa Skealer Lymphatic Massage Tool to stimulate circulation, helping to release toxins while bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to strengthen skin and mind. Body Sculpting Duo - Pitta £112.00 from Mauli Rituals. maulirituals.com

Targeting all types of skin imperfections, the new Corrective Serum from Sisley Paris leaves the skin looking visibly clearer and healthier, while also preventing new breakouts from occurring. Combating shine, pores, and acne prone skin, from the very first use, it corrects existing spots using Succinic Acid, a gentler alternative to Salicylic Acid, while delicately unclogging pores, and Pomegranate peel extract to regulate excess sebum. Corrective Serum for Blemish Prone Skin, 30ml £164.00 from Sisley Paris. sisley-paris.com

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY Developed by plastic surgeon Dr Marc Ronert and Image Skincare, Vol.U.Lift is the first topical solution intentionally formulated to address the specific skin concerns that occur with GLP-1 usage and rapid weight loss induced ageing. However it can be used by anyone concerned with skin ageing. Using advanced technology to restore skin density, improve elasticity, and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, the formula is boosted by patent-pending XOSM™ Technology, a smart encapsulated technology that delivers powerful antioxidants into skin to amplify firming and lifting effects. This breakthrough formulation corrects these facial changes while nourishing the skin’s barrier for a solution that can be used as a standalone product or accompanying professional procedures for radiant, youngerlooking skin. Now available for the body too, you can target every area with ease. Vol.U.Lift Body is available for £110.00. volulift.co.uk

Formulated by Dr Takami with patented Soft Peel technology, Takami Daily Renewing Soft Peel is the brand's original clinical serum. The clever Japanese serum gently refines your skin's surface and supports your skin barrier to promote clearer, smoother-looking skin. Powered by seven enzymatic extracts, the formula works with your skin's daily renewal cycle to support natural cell turnover, helping improve the appearance of visible pores, roughness, uneven texture and dullness with results that accumulate over time. Fragrance- and alcohol-free with a skin-friendly pH of 4.7, Takami Daily Renewing Soft Peel is gentle enough for sensitive skin and daily use. Daily Renewing Soft Peel, 30ml £35.00 from Takami. Available at Space NK.

Featuring magnesiumrich deep sea water extract to promote longlasting hydration, Elemis's Pro-Collagen Marine Body Cream helps to improve firmness and elasticity in the skin, deeply hydrating for the cooler months ahead. Pro-Collagen Marine Body Cream £70.00 from Elemis. elemis.com

Founded in 2012 by pharmacists Dr Elena Aceto di Capriglia and daughter Dr Camilla D’Antonio, alongside son Giovanni D’Antonio, who is CEO, cult Italian skincare brand Miamo is built on pharmaceutical expertise and rigorous scientific research. The brand is known for its structured Miamo System and science of serum layering, offering over 100 personalised routines designed to deliver measurable results. One of the bestsellers is the Longevity Cell-Care Soft Satin cream. Formulated with an exclusive pool of active ingredients specifically selected and studied to promote the skin’s cellular longevity and prevent signs of aging, the cream is suitable for all skin types to create a regenerating, repairing and restructuring effect. Helping to redensify collagen fibers and protect cells from external stress and temperature changes, as well as protect cells from damage caused by outside stressors and environmental exposomes. Soft Satin Cream, 50ml £67.00 from Miamo. miamo.com

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY Creamy and softening, this cleanser from Fenty Skin removes dirt, oil, impurities and makeup without leaving your skin feeling tight. Enriched with antioxidantrich ingredients like Barbados Cherry, Ginkgo Biloba, Green Tea, Fig and Quince, it helps brighten, clarify and condition your complexion making it perfect for balanced to dry skin types.

Cosy and comforting, Joonbryd's Daydreamer Firming Body Serum is clinically proven to improve thinning crepiness, fine lines, stretch marks and cellulite within 6 weeks. Daydreamer Firming Body Serum, 100ml £78.00 from Joonbryd. joonbyrd.com

Fenty Skin Total Cleans'r Remove-it-all Cleanser £32.00 from Fenty Beauty. Available at Space NK.

Powered by 0.03% Retinal and 0.5% Bakuchiol, alongside Peptides and soothing Rose Water, this advanced overnight serum from The Organic Pharmacy helps leave skin looking firmer, smoother and renews the complexion without compromising sensitive skin. Clinically proven to reduce crow’s feet depth, improve skin uniformity and decrease pigmentation in just 28 days, it also enhances radiance by 36% and smoothness by 15.6% after continued use. Suitable for all skin types, this renewing serum delivers visible age-defying results for stronger, brighter and more refined skin overnight. Retinal Night Serum £65.00 from The Organic Pharmacy. theorganicpharmacy.com

& RENEW RESTORE REVITALISE

Protect and prep the skin with the Supergoop!' bestselling Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50, reformulated to be even better than before. Combining the properties of a moisturiser, makeup primer and SPF, this undetectable Supergroup! gel formula is a multitasking hero. Completely invisible on the skin, it's powered by a factor of SPF30 to help shield against damaging sun rays, including UVA, UVB and blue light.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50, 50ml £36.50 from Supergoop! Available at Cult Beauty.

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

Peptides

Every day, your skin cells work via signals to build collagen, repair and defend. In your 20s, those signals fire constantly. After that, they start to fade. Collagen production drops roughly 1% a year from your mid-20s onward, and the repair signals that once kept skin firm and even-toned start to go quiet. Most skincare tries to compensate from the outside - sealing in moisture, smoothing the surface - but not going deep enough into the dermis. Peptides do something different: they re-send the signal you're missing. Peptides are short chains of amino acids - the same building blocks as collagen and elastin. Apply them to skin, and you're handing it pre-written instructions it can act on immediately. The work to harness more collagen and elastin production, even out tone and redness and strengthen and support the skin's natural structure. They're even gentle enough for sensitive skin. Hydropeptide's extensive range is specially formulated to harness the power of peptides, working to restore skin's even tone, firmness and brighteness while giving youthful hydration to the complexion. Power Serum £131.00; and Power Lift Moisturiser £94.00 from Hydropeptide. hydropeptide.co.uk

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY Packed with 3x Pro-Collagen Peptides and hyaluronic acid technology for 24-hour hydration and instantly plump, bouncy skin, this cushiony, oil-free formula from Paula's Choice saturates every surface cell in hydration to visibly plump and improve bounce. 3x Pro-Collagen Peptides support and sustain healthy collagen and elastin levels. Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturiser, 50ml £49.00 from Paula's Choice. Available at Sephora.

Featuring Matrixyl® 3000 and Matrixyl Synthe'6 ®, Dermatica uses next-generation Plant Exosomes peptides in their new lightweight serum to visibly soften fine lines, boost elasticity and revive tired-looking skin. Fragrance-free, it is suitable for all skin types and layers effortlessly into any skincare routine. The Daily Firming Multi-Peptide Serum £24.99 from Dermatica. dermatica.co.uk

For 12-hour coverage, available in 25 shades, the new Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops are multi-use complexion drops with aminoacid-coated pigments and a peptide complex for undetectable coverage and visibly firmer skin. The first foundation style product for the brand, the versatile formula is anything you want it to be. It can provide effortless all-over coverage; it can spot conceal imperfections; or it can be mixed with your moisturiser for a subtle natural tint. Infused with peptides and plant oils, Kamo is clinically proven to visibly firm, smooth, and even tone for healthier looking skin. Kamo Triple-Peptide™ Cover Drops £37.00 from Drunk Elephant. drunkelephant.co.uk

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

La Prairie at The Dorchester Spa Two names, both with a rich history of delivering quality, endlessly pushing the epitome of luxury, come together to provide one of the most exquisite spa experiences around.

The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA | dorchestercollection.com

YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY

Marking a new chapter and bringing together two houses with origins dating back to 1931, The Dorchester Spa has welcomed La Prairie as its new spa partner. Offering a range of new facial treatments, alongside an exclusive ritual created just for the prestigious hotel, the new pairing focuses on tailoring, precision and expert technique, with each treatment shaped around individual skin needs for a personalised, results-led treatment experience. After heading down to the luxurious golden-hued spa, each experience begins with a consultation to assess the skin, allowing for each treatment to be personalised to the needs and wishes of the guest. Taking a multi-sensory approach, guests are then guided through one of three sensory concepts - Lakes, Mountains or Forests - inspired by La Prairie's home of Switzerland and their stunning natural landscapes. These concepts are created through scent, sound and touch, creating a calm setting that supports and sets the tone for the treatment. At the centre of the partnership is the 1931 The Dorchester Skin Caviar Ritual. Created exclusively for The Dorchester, the treatment reflects the shared heritage of both luxury houses. Beginning with a deeply relaxing back massage using cooling British marble stones, inspired by the hotel’s lavish interiors, the 90 minute treatment continues with a La Prairie Skin Caviar facial designed to support elasticity, structure and radiance. The luxurious, results-led products work to lift, firm and sculpt the skin, leaving you with a more radiant and rejuvenated complexion. Other La Prairie treatment highlights include the Tailored Cellular Reset Facial, a personalised treatment guided by an in-depth skin analysis and targeted application across different areas of the face and the Rejuvenating Facial which combines platinum-enriched formulas with massage, cryotherapy and sculpting stones to support firmness, hydration and skin texture. Afterwards take time to relax in the spa's peaceful, rose adorned relaxation room with a energising juice. 1931 The Dorchester Skin Caviar Ritual - 90 minutes - £600.00 | dorchestercollection.com

P I C K U P T H E L A T E S T P R I N T E D I T I O N N O W

Get every edition direct to your digital or physical mailbox with a subscription

Your Media London

yourmedia.london

your

travel STAY T H E N I G H T AT CO P PA C LU B

N coppaclub.co.uk

COPPA CLUB

THE GREAT HOUSE SONNING

The Great House Sonning Coppa Clubhouse, Thames Street, Sonning RG4 6UT | thegreathousesonning.co.uk

YOUR TRAVEL

Just a short drive from Reading and in a tranquil location by the Thames, The Great House Sonning, Berkshire is part of the Coppa Club and was the original clubhouse for the group. With its beautiful riverside setting, the former Elizabethan coaching inn boasts the group's signature laid-back cool character. Eat, drink and stay in one of the 49 boutique bedrooms dotted around the property. From the comfy doubles to the biggy riverside suites, all rooms offer comfortable beds, treat hampers, luxury amenities and spacious bathrooms. Suitable for the whole family, including four legged friends, many of the rooms overlook the river, while others lie in a 16th century building reflecting the historic nature of the property. Designed for switching off and slowing down, the hotel is the perfect countryside retreat, and what's more, with the Thames Path and beautiful countryside walks right outside, it's an ideal place for a stay away with your dog. The team also go out of their way to make your furry friend welcome with a curated treat box, comfy bed and doggy guestbook to sign. After all that exploring, guests are invited to make the most of the access to the Coppa Club restaurant and bar. Open for breakfast, long lunches, dinner or drinks by the water, the stylish venue offers a covered terrace, lawns to the river, and pretty dining igloos. Whether sitting on the terrace or in the main dining room, the extensive all-day menu begins with a range of nibbles and small plates designed to share. Highlights include wild garlic butter seeded puffed bread, a Cobble Lane Cured meat selection served with olives, cornichons, figs and crispbreads; salt and pepper squid served with basil and garlic aioli; and roasted prawns with tomato, samphire and sourdough toast. Moving on to mains and you have a generous portion of mussels in a lemongrass, chilli, coconut and basil sauce; classic Cyder battered haddock with triple cooked chips and mushy peas; and Harissa roasted aubergine with beetroot hummus, and a fennel and cucumber salad. Pizzas, pastas and salads are also on offer, alongside a huge range of sides and dedicated kids menu packed with seasonal fruits, vegetables and proteins. Enjoy alongside the varied wine list or spirit and cocktail menu. As you would expect, breakfast the next day is equally as impressive with all the classics from a Full English with St Ewe's eggs to a well-stacked breakfast muffin with sausage patty, streaky bacon, fried egg and Pitchfork cheddar. The menu also features Mediterranean options in the form of Tahini porridge; green Shakshuka; Spiced French toast; and Hazelnut and pumpkinseed granola with Wye Valley rhubarb and stem ginger. With plenty of places to lounge, relax and even work, Coppa Club has you covered from first latte to late night martini, whatever the reason or occasion. There's always plenty to do as well, thanks to a packed events calendar with summer highlights including outdoor cinema, and Sunday DJ sets. coppaclub.co.uk

COPPA CLUB Nestled on a wide stretch of the River Thames in the Chiltern hills, The Swan at Streatley is a converted 17th century inn with a terrace right at the water’s edge. Part of the Coppa Club brand, from the restaurant to the library there are plenty of nooks and crannies to explore and tuck yourself away in, whether there to relax, work, or meet with friends. The Swan at Streatley boasts a cafe, restaurant, bar, partially covered terrace, event space, snug, gallery and a boathouse. From riverside weddings, meetings and parties, there's a space for everyone. From a loft room to a spacious family room, the bedrooms are designed to feel like a home away from home but with luxurious extra touches. Whether you're relaxing after a day on the river, spending a weekend in the country or working away from home, there's a room to suit you. The large double rooms on the ground floor not only offer fabulous views of the river but are also dog friendly with access to a private garden. Each room is wonderfully cosy with modern touches. Dogs are made to feel welcome with beds, treats and a toy, while the family suites boast bunk beds suitable for children up to 12 years and a sofa bed for up to 16 years. The Swan offers seasonal, all-day dining across The Lawn Bar & Grill, serving seafood, summer grills and drinks overlooking the Thames, and The Boathouse, a cosy spot for leisurely meals and cocktails. The main restaurant offers a wide and varied menu with sumptuous antipasti plates like a heart charcuterie plate; and hot honey Somerset camembert to Isle of Wight tomato bruschetta, and salt and pepper squid. There's also a host of pasta and pizza including the Coppa Hot with Cobble Lane pepperoni, 'nduja and fresh chilli; and red mullet and prawn linguine. Top it off with truffle and pecorino fries or a fresh house salad packed with grains and superfood edamame beans. For breakfast, you can expect a hearty Full English breakfast with St Ewe's eggs, Cumberland sausage, bacon, Portobello mushroom, tomato, baked beans and sourdough toast. Or a garden breakfast with Harissa halloumi, or buckwheat and spiced French toast with clotted cream, raspberries, mint and pistachio. With plenty to do - guests can enjoy outdoor yoga, wild swimming and paddle boarding all within the hotel grounds. There's also an on-site gym, sauna and steam room, alongside expert care from Bodyset physiotherapists. Pure Boating is located at The Swan at Streatley and guests are invited to enjoy a tranquil cruise on a quiet part of the River Thames, surrounded by abundant, beautiful, unspoilt scenery and natural beauty, perfect for spotting the occasional kingfisher or heron. The self-drive boats are not only easy to use and ideal for those with little to no boating skills, but it's also a great way to spend an afternoon and tick something off the bucket list! Afterwards , you can relax with a delicious cocktail in the scenic gardens. One thing is for sure, whatever you choose, you can be sure to feel much more at ease than when you first arrived.

The Swan at Streatley Coppa Clubhouse, High Street, Streatley-on-Thames RG8 9HR | theswanatstreatley.co.uk

YOUR TRAVEL

THE SWAN AT STREATLEY

pureboating.co.uk | coppaclub.co.uk

MEXICO

M E X I C O R I V I E R A

M A Y A

Located on a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula, Riviera Maya is a thriving playground for those looking for an indulgent stay in one of the many all-inclusive resorts in the area. A fantastic introduction to Mexico, this magical region invites world-travellers to explore, play and unwind. Nearby Tulum is well-known worldwide for its stunning Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, and mystical cenotes. Located about 130 km south of Cancun, the fascinating destination offers

people and workers in this important port town way back during the period 1200 to 1521. Tulum is also one of the few Maya ruins with a beach - two, to be precise - making it a must-visit for a swim. In fact, many areas nearby are must-visits for a swim thanks to the fabulous weather and many magical cenotes. While May to September are the hottest months to visit, Mexico enjoys a wonderful climate all year round. Mayans saw cenotes as openings to the underworld. Xcaret park offers thrilling zip lining, as well as a variety of

a blend of ancient history, natural beauty, and modern amenities. As one of the most visited archaeological zones in Mexico, the ruins are perched high on seaside cliffs. Well-worth the visit, if not for the stunning seaside views alone, you can take a guided tour and imagine tradesmen bringing goods over to the Mayan

cenotes. If you only have time for one, however, make sure it's the magical Rio Secreto. The secret underground cave network was only discovered in 2006 when a man chasing an iguana came across an opening that led to a labyrinth of untouched caves and galleries.

visitmexico.com

YOUR TRAVEL

Speaking of wildlife, Mexico has the second largest population of jaguars in the world just behind Brazil. The jaguar was seen as the maximum symbol of strength to the Mayans so therefore is hugely culturally important to the country's history. Other exotic species include pumas, spider monkeys, snakes, tarantulas and of course, iguanas - who you'll be hard pushed not to see at every turn, sunbathing and patrolling their territory. Also nearby is Playa del Carmen, a tranquil beach paradise. Once a fishing village, used only by cruise ships coming in to the port of Tulum, the boho destination is now very cosmopolitan, world-renowned for its entertainment and ability to draw a crowd. Take a catamaran trip to discover the Meso-American Barrier Reef, the second longest coral reef in the world or journey across to Mexico's best-kept secret, Isla Holbox and explore all the tropical island has to offer, including the unique bird species that nest on the island, all while enjoying lunch on the powdery white sand beach before heading to the vibrant downtown area.

visitmexico.com

MEXICO

Located on the Riviera Maya, on a stunning private white sand beach, the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya is the perfect place to explore the pristine Caribbean waters that surround the extensive resort. Enjoy a range of snorkelling, swimming and kayaking or simply lie by one of the many pools with a cocktail enjoying the sun, whatever you fancy the possibilities are endless at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. There are two distinct areas to the hotel; the Hacienda section which is geared up for family-friendly fun, with a 23-slide Rockaway Bay Water Park and signature hangouts; and the adult-only, Heaven section, which allows couples and friends alike to enjoy their very own private adult beach and fine dining. A paradise for all, the hotel offers a range of rooms and suites

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Km 72, Highway Cancun-Chetumal Puerto Aventuras, 77710 Quintana Roo, Mexico

YOUR TRAVEL

to match all moods and tastes. From Deluxe Gold to Rock Royalty - which offers a Rock Royalty dedicated telephone concierge, aromatherapy and pillow menus and a complimentary 25-minute couple massage at the Rock Spa®, there's an array of options. Additional Rock Royalty level amenities include a complimentary beach bag, priority booking for Bali beds, bathrobes, a sleep mask and slippers and an espresso coffee machine. All rooms feature plush 300-thread count Egyptian cotton bedding, 24-hour room service, expansive rain showers, hydro spa tubs and Rock Spa® bath amenities. Our favourite rooms are the swim-up deluxe rooms where you can enjoy private loungers and use of a semi-private shared pool, with views over the immaculate tropical gardens. Just an hour's drive from Cancun airport, the decadent resort is home to the Rock Spa. The giant spa boasts 48 treatment rooms, fabulous hydrotherapy facilities, as well as sauna and steam rooms. Take a guided tour of the hydrotherapy circuit, complete with face masks and ice scrubs before moving on to a treatment with a dedicated therapist. A huge range of massages and facials are available using a variety of techniques from hot stone therapy and aromatherapy to reflexology and wood therapy. Other facilities include the Posh beauty salon, Body Rock® Fitness Centre, the Yoga Temple, bowling alley and retail outlets. If golf is more your game, you can hit the links at the 18-hole Robert von Hagge signature golf course. Dining wise, guests are spoilt for choice. You can head over to the Hacienda resort to enjoy The Market, which features an international buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pizzeto serves brick-oven pizzas and salads, soups and pasta a la carte, while Zen offers traditional Asian cuisine, from sushi to a special Teppanyaki experience.

hrhrivieramaya.com | hotel.hardrock.com

MEXICO

Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Km 72, Highway Cancun-Chetumal Puerto Aventuras, 77710 Quintana Roo, Mexico

YOUR TRAVEL Elsewhere Italian 'Ciao' is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Toro is a classic steakhouse with international buffet at lunch, and La Isla plates up American fare including juicy burgers, basket fries and American desserts for breakfast and lunch. There's also a poolside bar and coffee shop, Cafetto offering a continental breakfast, snacks, coffee and tea. Back over in adult's only, Heaven, there are three more restaurants open for dinner. WAI provides Thai-inspired dinners, with handmade noodles prepared beside the wok show station. The star of the show though is Umo, which specialises in Mexican Yucatan cuisine. Menu highlights include Guaca-umo-le with rib eye 'chicharron' and forest herbs; Kibbe Maya stuffed with grilled octopus; and Picana served table side with coffee and a Tabasco pepper crust. Between Wai and Umo is Arribo Bar, a cocktail bar serving up hand-crafted serves using local spices and homemade syrups, and of course a variety of tequilas. Finally Le Petit Cochon has been designed to resemble a countryside French bistro, and Faro Gastro Market offers a range of delicious options for breakfast and lunch. Each area in the 'market' style restaurant offers something for everyone, from salads and fruit; fresh fish and grilled meats; to traditional Mexican tacos and a whole host of pastries and breads. There's also a stunning ocean facing patio for those who want a spectacular view. After all that dining, enjoy some live entertainment and after dinner cocktails at Heaven Bar & Lounge, or dance the night away at the Heaven nightclub, offering live music and DJ sets. With decadence and excess at every turn, there's something for everyone at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya making it a true tropical paradise for all.

hrhrivieramaya.com | hotel.hardrock.com

ST LUCIA MEXICO

Serenity at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, POvisitmexico.com Box 246, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia | serenityatcoconutbay.com

YOUR TRAVEL

visitmexico.com

MEXICO

A little further down the coast, and closer to Tulum, Unico 20°87° is an all-inclusive sanctuary inspired by the rich cultural landscape of modern Mexico. The coordinates in the name have been selected to offer an ideal window into the natural wonder and local energy of the region. Designed completely and exclusively for adults, Unico 20°87° is a place to retreat, restore, adventure, explore, and share award-winning cuisine with friends and family alike. Boasting a neutral, natural colour palette with a variety of art dotted all over the hotel, the resort showcases Riviera Maya’s unique local character and diverse natural beauty through a variety of design features. Since opening in 2017, the resort has endeavoured to seamlessly blend sophistication with local identity. From handcrafted décor created by local artisans to curated adventures, wellness rituals inspired by regional traditions, and culinary experiences that celebrate the diversity of Mexican cuisine, the resort offers a special look into the heart and soul of the Riviera Maya. Tranquil rooms boast outdoor whirlpool tubs - especially blissful if you have a room facing the sea; spa-inspired bathrooms, local artwork and locally produced soaps; and pillow and aromatherapy menus. What is more, guests are assigned a local host on arrival to assist with daily needs, Unico, Q.R MX, México 307 KM 260, 77710 Akumal, Kantenah, Mexico

YOUR TRAVEL

as well as assistant with check-out, restaurant, spa, golf and Balinese bed reservations, and cleaning requests. Home to five restaurants, each boasting a selection of cocktails and worldclass cuisine. All dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding area. Every year, the resort also hosts a visiting chef who creates a signature menu for one of the restaurants inspired by regional fare. Head to Mi Carisa for a cozy meal in the Italian style kitchen, or Mura House for an Asian meal that blends traditional Japanese cooking styles like teppanyaki, yakitori and sushi into an exciting fine dining experience. French bistro, Avec is the latest in the line up. Offering dishes such as traditional French Onion Soup with melted gruyere cheese; and artisanal Foie Gras terrine, dishes are beautifully presented. And although, perhaps not French as we know it, the Wellington Filet is not to be missed. Made with mushroom duxelles, sautéed spinach leaves, serrano ham and stuffed morel, it's served with roasted garlic puree and a glossy meat jus that's topped off with black truffle essence. Those looking for true Mexican flavours, Cueva Siete is named after the mythical seven caves of Mayan origin. The Yucatan is peppered with caves and archaeologists have long been finding clues of the ancient rituals that transpired within. A celebration of this magical culture, Cueva Siete sees a unique exploration of dishes created with fire and smoke from the land and sea. Highlight dishes include, crunchy octopus in pilbil emulsion and picked onions; 12 hour slow cooked beef short rib tacos with fresh herbs and guajillo chilli; and marinated pork shank served with au-jus pibil.

unicohotelrivieramaya.com | unicohotelcollection.com

MEXICO Elsewhere enjoy pizza and fresh fish tacos by the pool or head to 20.87 that transforms in the day from a lavish breakfast buffet to steakhouse in the evening. There's also a cafe serving a variety of pastries and fresh salads, alongside excellent iced coffees. With three pools; two with swim up bars - one offering more of a party atmosphere with lively music and regular pool events, and another slightly quieter, for a more chilled out experience with a good book - guests can relax among the palms with ease. There is so much space to explore whether you prefer the pool or the beach or even your room, if you book one of the swim up rooms. After all that sunshine, you can head to the Escenia Spa for the ultimate zone-out. The full-service spa offers a range of luxury treatments from couple's massage to Mayan inspired body scrubs and sunburn wraps, creating an array of locally-inspired beauty rituals. There is also a fullyequipped hydrotherapy facility for guests to explore, as well as outdoor pools. Little touches at Unico make for an unforgettable stay. Get your complimentary hat hand-personalised by the talented painters, or head to one of the many wellness classes and crafting experiences that are held daily for guests. The hotel regularly hosts special events and poolside parties for guests to enjoy in line with calendar holidays and local celebrations. Artisan makers often turn up at least once a week for an open-air, marketstyle shopping experience where guests can purchase everything from handmade jewellery to punchy chilli sauces and Mexican marinades. Guests are also invited to stop by the retail section of the hotel to experience gaming, tequila and wine tasting, as well as the Artesanos craftsman boutique which sells unique and regional antiquities and take a piece of Unico 20˚87˚ home with you while keeping the art of artisanal craftsmanship alive in Mexico.

Unico, Q.R MX, México 307 KM 260, 77710 Akumal, Kantenah, Mexico

YOUR TRAVEL

unicohotelrivieramaya.com | unicohotelcollection.com

RHODES

ELLA HELEA RHODES Overlooking Kallithea Beach, Ella Helea is a beautiful family resort on the island of Rhodes. Part of the Ella Resorts collection, the expansive resort offers a relaxed setting and is particularly well-suited to families travelling with young children thanks to the spacious family rooms and many activities. With an all-inclusive offering as well as dedicated childcare facilities and crèche club, the resort is perfect for multi-generational trips, allowing the whole family to join in on the fun. While the crèche club is ideal for toddlers, the resort's kids club

within Ella Helea are flooded with natural light wherever possible. Each area is spacious and airy with a clean neutral colour palette, making the most of natural materials and lots of greenery. Expect intricate rattan, crisp white linens, natural wood, and tonal soft furnishings, creating a truly calming retreat from the hot sun outside. This meticulous attention to detail and tasteful approach to quiet luxury allows guests to soak up the light and enjoy the tranquility of the Aegean sea. Deluxe rooms offer fantastic views as well as

for children aged 4-12, is organised and run by Worldwide Kids, specialists in children's programming, and Ella Land Club offers creative workshops, team sports and indoor/outdoor activities designed to spark children's creative and playful interests. Making the most of the landscape around the resort, spaces

swim-up and family layouts, while elegant Helea Suites are even more secluded with expansive terraces, sea front views and blissful private saunas. All rooms feature plush orthopaedic mattresses, a pillow menu, spacious bathrooms with luxury amenities, and a beach bag complete with pool and beach towels.

Ella Helea, Kallithea, Rhodes, Greece 85100

YOUR TRAVEL

With five restaurants, two street food hubs, and three bars, Ella Helea offers a variety of cuisines to suite all palates and tastes. From fresh Mediterranean mezze to authentic Latin American flavours, you will be spoilt for choice. Overlooking the glittering sea, Lopia celebrates Mediterranean flavours with generous buffet dining at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Created using the finest local ingredients, each menu showcases timeless dishes inspired by Rhodes and the wider Mediterranean. In the morning expect fresh pancakes, crepes, pastries, Greek specialities, fruit and a whole host of eggs, salads, meats and traditional breakfast fare from the open kitchen, where chefs prepare dishes fresh to order and preference. Come lunch time, enjoy an assortment of traditional mezze, soups, salads, fish, pasta, grilled meats, as well as children's favourites pizza, chicken and burgers. While evenings bring more international cuisine, taking inspiration from the likes of Asia and Italy, alongside the showstopping desserts.

ellaresorts.com/rhodes

RHODES

For a real taste of Greece, complete with true Greek hospitality, head across to Tsouka. Created by acclaimed Greek chef Apostolos Trastelis, the menu features fresh Aegean seafood, carefully sourced meats, mountain herbs, sun-ripened vegetables and premium olive oil, offering an authentic taste of the island. Apostolos Trastelis is the founder of the two-Michelin-starred Spondi and the driving force behind acclaimed restaurants including Hytra, Galazia Hytra and Fuga. His exciting collaboration with Ella Resorts sees him creating and overseeing the menus at both Tsouka and Matsi, a beautiful Italian fusion with local Rhodian food. At Tsouka, be sure to book in for the Breakfast Stories. The huge spread has been designed to welcome guests to Ella Helea's table. Allowing for a leisurely affair that's full of food and laughter.

Enjoy traditional yoghurt, handmade granola, traditional Rhodian sweets and pastries, cold cuts and cheeses, and a variety of salads from Greek Village Salad to Tabouleh. During the day, relax poolside with refreshments from the buzzy Street Food Hub. Serving a wide range of burgers - a highlight being the Chilli Burger - hearty pasta bowls, and the must-try chicken gyro pitta with salad. Guests can grab quick lunches from sandwiches to fish and chips, as well as cooling ice creams and gelato. For adults there's also ice-cold beers and an extensive cocktail list. Speaking of drinks, Ammuda is well worth a trip for some delicious sundowners. Inspired by the Greek word for 'sand', the tranquil beachfront bar is the perfect place to relax after a busy day. Enjoy a whole host of classic cocktails as well as excellent Espresso

Ella Helea, Kallithea, Rhodes, Greece 85100

YOUR TRAVEL

Martini's and Amaretto Sours. Afterwards head to the spacious lobby bar Soroni, which transforms from day-time coffees into an elegant evening meeting point for a wide range of beverages. With all that indulgence, it's good to know that wellness also plays an important role in the Ella Helea experience. The hotel's spa provides a tranquil retreat where signature treatments, thermal experiences and carefully designed relaxation spaces offer welcome respite from the pace of everyday life, while a fully equipped fitness studio and personal training sessions ensure those looking to maintain their routine are equally well catered for. In an unusual but very welcome move, the spa offers treatments for both adults and children aged 4–13. Making it super fun for kids who are normally not allowed in spas, and perfect for adults who hate leaving them behind. The playful ‘Littles Menu’ includes themed experiences such as “princess” and “knight” makeovers. For those looking for some alone time however, next door is adults-only Ella Elissa, the sister property. This means parents can easily slip away for a quiet drink or meal while a grandparent looks after the kids! Other offerings, ensuring everyone is entertained, include a games room, complete with arcade games as well as a pool table, table-tennis tables, an escape room inspired by Greek mythology, on-site cinema nights and even nightly family discos.

ellaresorts.com/rhodes

RHODES

In the water, guests can participate in thrilling water sports, and back on land you can enjoy tennis and paddle training from Ella Helea's official partner, YourTennisCoach and curated bike adventures. It's worth noting too, that all activities can be tailored for all ages and skill levels ensuring no one is left out. Just in front of the resort is the impressive water park where kids of all ages can enjoy slips and slides for refreshing water action fun. Culture vultures should make the most of the close proximity to Rhodes Old Town. A historic UNESCO World Heritage Site, the picturesque town is surrounded by 2.4 miles of medieval walls. Stroll along the narrow cobbled lanes, stopping in charming boutiques and traditional tavernas as you go. Here you can admire the impressive towers and buildings, Byzantine churches, and fountains that are dotted all over this medieval city. Some highlights include the Palace of the Grand Master, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, the Streets of the Knights, and Orfeos and Socratous Streets. Just a short cab ride from Ella Helea, the team are on hand to help with walking tours and recommendations should you wish to explore. If you are looking for an all-inclusive destination for the whole family to enjoy with convenient transport links and the option to explore and enjoy the local culture, there are few other destinations that can offer such a trip in one, luxuriously designed package. Ella Helea offers up the opportunity to indulge the entire family on a jam packed trip. Rooms at Ella Helea start at £265 per night in summer. For more information please visit ellaresorts.com. Ella Helea, Kallithea, Rhodes, Greece 85100

YOUR TRAVEL

ellaresorts.com/rhodes

THE FINEST DINING Matt Abé demonstrates the art of dining at his beautifully designed Mayfair restaurant, Bonheur. Delivering a dining experience unlike any other, the quality, precision, and flavours on show here will leave you more than sufficiently satisfied yet desperate to return for more.

YOUR PALATE

THE RIVER RESTAURANT B Y

G O R D O N

Boasting spectacular views across the Victoria Embankment Gardens and the Thames, The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay is a relaxed, all-day dining restaurant in the heart of The Savoy. One of several Ramsay operations in the iconic hotel, The River Restaurant showcases the very best shellfish and seafood the UK has to offer. From fresh oysters, and sumptuous caviar served at the centrepiece raw bar, to an expansive à la carte menu featuring the best of the British coast, there's something for every seafood lover. Start with a glass of something special from the dedicated tableside champagne trolley, before enjoying some fresh Maldon or plump Louët-Feisser oysters. Next, move on to a variety of raw and cured starters like the yellowfin tuna carpaccio with ponzu and lemongrass dressing, coriander and crispy shallots. Other standouts include seared scallops with nduja butter, courgettes and zingy persevered lemon. Mains feature a sharing salmon wellington - a fish twist on Gordon's famed beef wellington (which is also on the menu); Cornish Dover sole; and curried monkfish served with a kohlrabi bhaji and kaffir lime yogurt. Non-seafood fans will enjoy the dry aged fillet of beef with peppercorn sauce; or the tahini roasted cauliflower with red pepper romesco, pickled chilli and crispy chickpeas. Shaped by seasonality and the day’s catch, the menu also boasts a wide range of sides and, if you can manage it, delightfully sweet

R A M S A Y

desserts such as the classic sticky toffee pudding and Fior di Latte ice cream. The complementing wine list is extensive as you would expect, but be sure to enjoy a beautifully mixed martini to finish. Relaxed, elegant and beautifully lit, the restaurant enjoys a quietly luxurious atmosphere that creates a special location for catch ups, celebrations and business meetings alike.

The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay, Savoy Hotel, Strand, London WC2R 0EU | gordonramsayrestaurants.com

YOUR PALATE

Lilibet's Mayfair Created by Ross Shonhan - the acclaimed restaurateur behind Bone Daddies and former Executive Chef at Nobu - Lilibet's is the latest must-try seafood restaurant to hit Mayfair. Located at 17 Bruton Street, famously the birthplace of Queen Elizabeth II, the heritage address is now home to one of the most highly anticipated independent openings in London. With innovative flavours inspired by the global travels of a princess who was never intended to be queen, the menu at Lilibet's celebrates the treasures of the sea. Decadently presented, often on silver platters, each dish is created with seasonality, sustainability and provenance always in mind. There's a huge selection of caviar and oysters served with red wine shallots and house made hot sauce. As well as huge seafood platters such as the show-stopping Fishes Royale with oysters, lobster, langoustines, prawns, crab, octopus, sea bass, sea bream, scallop, wild red prawn, bluefin tuna loin, toro and gilda. Enjoy the likes of red prawn carpaccio with chilli and lime or sea bream and oscietra caviar from the Raw Bar. Elsewhere enjoy fried crab thermidor; lobster spaghetti; grilled wild tiger prawns; and whole Dover sole with a cafe de Paris vinaigrette. If fish isn't your thing, then theres also a meat section offering bone-in ribeye with chimichurri; lamb chops and Iberico pork t-bone with chilli and honey chutney. Enjoy alongside sides such as creamy Lilibet's mash with lobster bisque; English peas with roast turbot butter and marjoram, and green beans with XO sauce. As well as an impressive wine and cocktail list. Designed to pique the imagination of what could of been at No.17 Bruton, had it remained a private home that hosted glamorous society parties and events, plush velvet banquettes, bold wallpapers and gold accents create an inviting atmosphere. Lilibet's, No. 17 Bruton Street, London W1J 6QB | lilibetsrestaurant.com

CHAMPAGNE

I N T E R N AT I O N A L C H A M P A G N E D AY A G U I D E T O C H A M PA G N E , PA I R I N G S & TA B L E S C A P I N G

Taking place on the fourth Friday of October (23 October), this year’s International Champagne Day comes as entertaining continues to evolve beyond the menu alone. Increasingly, hosts are placing equal emphasis on the overall dining experience, from seasonal tablescapes and presentation to carefully chosen food and wine pairings. With its diversity of styles and exceptional versatility, Champagne remains a natural centrepiece, lending itself effortlessly to every stage of the occasion. With this in mind, The Champagne Bureau UK has created a guide to celebrating International Champagne Day in style, offering inspiration for everything from tablescaping and entertaining to food and Champagne pairings.

Champagne as the Starting Point While tablescaping has become a fixture of social media feeds and dinner parties alike, the most successful tables are often built around the menu and wine selection rather than aesthetics

alone. Champagne offers an ideal starting point as the category encompasses a diverse range of styles, each bringing different characteristics to the table and influencing everything from the dishes served to the overall tone of the occasion.

Matching Style to Season Autumn entertaining is particularly well suited to Champagne, with the season’s flavours highlighting the versatility of different styles. A Blanc de Blancs, crafted exclusively from white grape varieties, brings freshness and elegance that pairs beautifully with shellfish, seafood and lighter starters. For heartier autumn dishes, Blanc de Noirs, which are exclusively made of dark grape varieties, offers a bit more roundness and berry notes, complementing roasted meats, wild mushrooms and richer flavours. Rosé Champagne remains one of the most adaptable styles, effortlessly accompanying everything from smoked salmon to fruit-forward desserts, ensuring a harmonious pairing throughout the meal.

To find out more about Champagne visit champagne.fr or enrol at champagne-mooc.com

YOUR PALATE Rethinking the Table The rise of tablescaping reflects a broader shift towards more considered dining experiences. Rather than elaborate centrepieces or highly formal settings, current trends favour natural materials, seasonal foliage and a restrained colour palette that allows the food and wine to remain the focal point. Champagne’s elegance lends itself particularly well to this approach, bringing a sense of occasion without requiring excessive embellishment.

Beyond Celebrations Perhaps one of the biggest changes in recent years has been the growing recognition that Champagne need not be reserved solely for milestone moments. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of occasions and cuisines, encouraging consumers to think beyond traditional celebrations and explore how different styles can accompany everyday dining. As International Champagne Day approaches, the focus is increasingly shifting from saving Champagne for special occasions to exploring how its different styles can enhance the experience of gathering around the table. Whether served alongside a seasonal lunch or an autumn dinner with friends, Champagne remains one of the most food-friendly and adaptable wines available, making it particularly relevant in today’s more thoughtful approach to entertaining.

*The Champagne Bureau UK serves as an extension of the Comité Champagne, the trade association representing houses and growers in Champagne.

YOUR PALATE

T R È S I N D M AY FA I R Trèsind Mayfair is the debut London restaurant from the team behind Three Michelin-starred Trèsind Studio in Dubai. It brings a contemporary vision of Indian fine dining to Hanover Street, translating the ambition of the Dubai-born restaurant group into one of London’s most refined dining districts. Its name combines “très”, meaning “very” in French, with “Ind”, a marker of Indian identity. The experience here is shaped by Group Executive Chef Himanshu Saini and Executive Chef Amit Bagyal, whose menu explores India region by region rather than reducing the cuisine to familiar signatures. Trèsind’s signature eight-course tasting menu moves through Rajasthan, Kashmir, Bengal and Kerala, reworking recognisable flavours with elegance and restraint. Ghewar becomes a savoury chaat layered with avocado, strawberry, pomelo and yogurt ice cream; a mushroom “chai” draws depth from rare morels; and mains include Bengali kosha mangsho with sweet pea kachuri and Alleppey fish curry with coconut and raw mango. Bagyal’s optional “Khichdi of India” captures the restaurant’s

storytelling approach. Built from spices representing India’s states and finished tableside with a live ghee pour that Bagyal calls the most personal course of the evening turning a humble dish into a ceremonial moment. Dessert reworks payesh, Bengal’s traditional rice pudding which is reconstructed entirely without rice and consists of layers of pandan cream and sour milk ice cream. The same philosophy runs through every offering at Trèsind Mayfair, from the signature tasting menu to the weekday lunch menu and a new five-course tasting menu which launched on 10th August. Drinks extend the regional journey. The wine list includes bottles from Maharashtra’s Fratelli Vineyards, offering an Indian counterpart to the menu, while cocktails reinterpret classics through ingredients such as browned-butter ghee, oyster-shell brine and Gondhoraj lime. Below Trèsind lies Tryst - a modern speakeasy style bar dedicated to the regional flavours of India. The 30-cover space opened in July 2026, taking its place among London’s most distinctive new bar openings.

Trèsind Mayfair, 13-14 Hanover Street, London W1S 1YM | tresind.co.uk

CAVIAR P REMIU M S T U RGEON

DEL I VERED T O Y OU R D OO R

ROYAL BAERII, OSCIETRA AND ROYAL BELUGA CAVIAR FROM LONDON’S PREMIUM, FAMILY RUN FISH SUPPLIER. BGFISHSUPPLIES.CO.UK

YOUR PALATE

by Matt Abé The French noun for a state of profound happiness, of perfect harmony between pleasure and purpose, Bonheur by Matt Abé is the two Michelin starred restaurant located in the heart of Mayfair. Stylish, and with a fantastic playlist, the modern restaurant showcases cooking that is ingredient-led, classically rooted, and served with modern flair. Delicately presented, dishes are polished and seasonal, driven by expert craftsmanship and a passion for detail. Each moment is carefully curated and considered in the relentless pursuit of perfection which Bonheur, unlike many others, actually lives up to. With a range of tasting menus, as well as an a la carte, guests can discover harmony in flavour, balance in acidity and texture, and a celebration of natural form thanks to bold yet refined dishes that delight every sense. The Journey menu is priced at £195.00 per person and is a fantastic introduction to Bonheur. Start with the beautifully presented 'Quiche Lorraine' with smoked ham, leek and Gruyère, dotted with edible flowers. Next comes the luxurious Cornish turbot

served with cucumber, delicate coastal herbs and dulse, while the Herdwick Hogget with courgettes, olive and marjoram delivers an indulgent meat course which is followed by a cleansing Charentais melon paired with lime, jalapeño and verbena. To round off the exquisitely crafted menu, a delightfully delicate yet decadent île flottante with summer fruits, sorrel and almond completes the dining experience perfectly. Every aspect of your meal is beautifully curated, from the time spent with each course and often more importantly, between each course and with an option to pair wine with your meal, the opportunity to savour the expert choices the sommelier has to offer makes for an even more hedonistic experience. The attention to detail - whether in the food, the space or the staff and the attentiveness is second to none. Bonheur is setting the benchmark for fine dining in London while managing to create a comfortable, relaxed and calm atmosphere in which anyone can enjoy. The best part is once you have enjoyed the Journey menu, you still have plenty more to explore on the menu drawing you back to indulge again and again.

Bonheur by Matt Abé, 43 Upper Brook Street, London W1K 7QR | bonheurbymattabe.com

ANGELO MUSA

Ile Flottante By Angelo Musa, Head Pastry Chef, Hôtel Plaza Athénée. Meilleur Ouvrier de France and World Pastry Champion.

The iconic Art Deco restaurant, Le Relais Plaza at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, with its vibrant atmosphere and authentic French dishes, showcases Parisian brasserie culture at its best. Head pastry chef, Angelo Musa offers up a little slice of Parisian artistry with his Ile Flottante for you to recreate at home and impress your guests.

ILE FLOTTANTE (Serves 2 People)

POLIGNAC ALMONDS 13g Flaked Almonds | 3g Sugar | 6g Water Bring water and sugar to the boil. Pour hot syrup over flaked almonds. Strain on contact. Leave the almonds to soak in the syrup for 12 hours. Spread almonds on a silpat. Bake between 2 silpats at 150°C until caramelised. Allow to cool completely before removing the silpats.

CARAMEL FINGER

CARAMELISED ALMONDS

5.5g Caster Sugar | 5.5g Glucose | 8g Liquid Cream 1g Gelatin Mass | 2.6g Soft Butter | Pinch of Fine Salt 1 Madagascar Vanilla Pod

4g Sugar | 1g Water | 6g Raw Almonds 0.2g Half Salt Butter

Heat the cream and infuse the vanilla pod. Heat the glucose, then add the sugar in three stages until caramelized at 170°C. Decook with the hot vanilla cream, then recook the caramel at 112°C. After cooking, add the butter, salt and gelatin. Blend and leave to cool.

Toast the almonds for 15 minutes at 150°C. Bring the water, sugar and butter to the boil. Add the almonds and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring regularly - the almonds should soak up the syrup. Caramelise in the oven at 150°C for about 20 minutes. Remove to baking sheet on greaseproof paper. Store in an airtight tin.

ENGLISH CREAM WHIPPED EGG WHITES

75g Egg Whites | 37g Inulin | Pinch of Fleur de Sel

85g Raw Cream | 85g Raw Milk | 1 Vanilla Pod 43g Egg Yolk | 14g Sugar

Beat egg whites until frothy. Add inulin and fleur de sel all at once. Beat at speed 6 on a scale of 10, until the egg whites are just set. Using a piping bag, poach the egg whites onto the custard and immediately scrape flush with a palette knife.

Cook custard at 80°C. Stop cooking. Continue stirring in the saucepan until the temperature reaches around 81°C and the texture is smooth. Strain and filter on contact. Place in the freezer to cool quickly.

dorchestercollection.com

YOUR PALATE METHOD 210g Custard | 85g Egg Whites | 20g Caramel Finger 6g Whole Pistachios | 20g Caramelised Almonds 10g Polignac Almonds | A Few Raw Hazelnuts (cut in half) Pour 210g vanilla custard into the bottom of a dish. Prepare the egg-white mixture and immediately poach around 85g. Bake on a cold plate at 220°C for 3 minutes - the top of the egg whites should be just golden. Remove immediately to a cold baking sheet. Arrange the caramel finger over the whites, followed by the pistachios, caramelized almonds, polignac almonds and a few hazelnuts.

dorchestercollection.com

YOUR PALATE

M I KO M E I FA I R Set across the ground floor of a Georgian townhouse in Mayfair, below Mimi Mei Fair, Miko Mei Fair is the latest venue for the LSL Capital group. Refined yet relaxed, Miko Mei Fair offers contemporary Thai cuisine with the menu rooted in seasonality, moving from fragrant citrus notes to smoky spice. Guests can expect rich classics, drawing on the depth and diversity of Thai cooking, while also adding a dash of the unexpected, taking inspiration from its international location in London. Enjoy the theatrical nature of the tableside larb made with your choice of minced chicken or beef seasoned with chilli powder, spring onion, shallot, mint, thai parsley, lime juice and fish sauce and served with gem lettuce, chicory, long bean and thai herbs. Other starter highlights include deliciously hot and sour tom yum prawn; homemade Chiang Mai sausage; juicy chicken satay skewers with a homemade cashew sauce; Miko prawn toast; and Thai fish cakes. Moving on to main dishes and there is an array of flavourful curries from green vegetable to yellow crab and Panang duck curry with upstair's neighbour, Mimi's signature apple wood-fired

roasted peking duck and served with roti. Other dishes include native lobster with choo-chee sauce, and whole steamed sea bass with chilli, garlic and lime. To accompany, enjoy crab fried rice; beef tenderloin toasted rice; and delicious stir-fried morning glory fermented soy beans with garlic. Other stir fries and noodles include black pepper beef with green peppercorns and sweet basil, and pad Thai with egg, Chinese chives and cashew nuts with chicken or king prawns. Enjoy with a bottle from the extensive wine list, or even an innovative cocktail such as the hibiscus negroni or Thai chilli martini made with grey goose vodka and pickled chilli. Beautifully decorated with teal and timber panelling, red leather banquettes, and warm brass accents create an intimate dining room that feels quietly rich, with subtle references to Thailand woven throughout. The restaurant features just 50 seats, many in hidden corners, alongside a private dining room for up to 8 guests. Relaxed, welcoming and the perfect date night location, Miko Mei Fair blends the elegance of Mayfair with the warm heart of Thai culture, creating the perfect recipe for an exceptional meal.

Miko Mei Fair, 54 Curzon Street, London W1J 8PG | mikomeifair.com

YOUR PALATE

B O C C O N C I N O Having recently celebrated 12 years, Bocconcino is a Mayfair staple. Located on Berkeley Street, the much-loved neighbourhood restaurant showcases regional Italian cooking and warm hospitality. Set across two floors, housing two very distinctive and contrasting dining experiences, Bocconcino has become the go-to restaurant in the prestigious neighbourhood for business lunches, intimate dinners, weekend gatherings, and big family celebrations. Upstairs, a chic glass walkway leads into the heart of the ground floor restaurant. Designed to resemble a warm Italian trattoria, the elegant dining room is perfect for dates and corporate lunches alike. Downstairs is a more lively affair with a wood-fired oven in the open kitchen, sat next to a stacked seafood counter, piled high with fresh catch of the day. The open plan space is filled with large tables and regular live music and DJ sets to create a vibrant setting for everything from milestone birthdays to corporate celebrations. Under the direction of Head Chef Marco Corsica, a Napoli native, Bocconcino’s menu celebrates Italy's regional diversity, taking inspiration from the rich comfort of Rome, the seafood traditions of Sicily, the produce of Tuscany, and the vibrant flavours of Campania. Fresh pasta is rolled in-house every morning, while Roman-style pizzas are complemented by an impressive wine list, offering more than 300 variations from every region imaginable - from Tuscany to Sardinia, as well as lesser-known indigenous varieties. Like most Italian cuisine, there is a huge focus on seasonality,

sharing and regional dishes. Alongside homemade focaccia, highlights include Andria Burrata with baby plum tomatoes and pesto; Deep-Fried Sicilian Pink Prawns; Vitello Tonnato, thinly sliced Veal served with tuna sauce; and Aubergine Parmigiana. Theatre is a big part of the hospitality offering at Bocconcino, many dishes are hand finished at the table adding a touch of Italian flair. The lasagna in particular is not one to miss. Simple and much-loved - it's hearty and delicious. Guests can also choose from fresh seafood such as Salt Baked Sea Bass; Grilled Turbot; Monkfish Tail with Taggiasca Olives and tomatoes; and Seared Octopus with pea puree and roasted vegetables. There's also a wide range of meat including grilled Tomahawk Steak and A5 Wagyu Sirloin. If that wasn't enough, there's an impressive pizza offering, seasonal specials that follow the Italian calendar from Sicilian seafood and citrus in the warmer months to black truffle dishes in the autumn. No Italian meal is complete without a sweet treat, no matter how full you may be. Bocconcino serves up a beautiful selection of Italian classics including tiramisù, vanilla cake with Italian meringue, profiteroles, and double cream Pistachio cake. Twelve years after opening on Berkeley Street, Bocconcino continues to do what it's always done best: welcome people in, wine and dine them, and make them want to come back. But being honest, with a menu this extensive and so well executed, you need to come back to try it all!

Bocconcino Mayfair, 19 Berkeley Street, London W1J 8ED | bocconcinorestaurant.co.uk

YOUR PALATE

CIELO AT LOS MOCHIS Los Mochis London City, just a stone's throw from Liverpool Street Station, has launched an immersive, multi-station brunch paired with a unique trunk show and excellent views across the city. Showcasing their signature Mexican-Japanese cuisine with a curated premium showroom, and live entertainment the new Cielo brunch has been inspired by summers in Saint-Tropez, evenings in Monaco and beach clubs in Mykonos, Miami and Dubai. Boasting a colourful sushi and raw bar, complete with a live sushi station with sashimi and nigiri on ice, a seasonal ikizukuri whole fish display and a maki roll mountain, the brunch also offers guests a generous caviar station, served with blinis, cream, cured egg yolk, shallot, chives, capers and lemon, and a huge Robata and Kushiyaki selection with plant based asparagus and shiitake options, as well as ume miso cod, chicken teriyaki and obi anticucho. Pair this with a resident DJ and roaming band, weaving Afrohouse, Latin rhythms and Riviera-inspired sound through the afternoon, the brunch is the perfect opportunity to make the most of the last chance to dance over the weekend and celebrate any occasion. Built as an experiential dining experience rather than a traditional seated brunch, Cielo is based around a series of theatrical stations serving signature dishes throughout the space, designed to keep guests moving and engaged, creating a high-

energy Sunday brunch like no other. Alongside the stations, including the tiradito selection - beetroot, chutoro, salmon and wagyu tataki, and ceviche live station, there's also a range of tacos served from the kitchen such as bang bang cauliflower, miso black cod and trailer park chicken Finally, guests finish up at the dessert station, with sweet treats including a dulce de leche fountain with churros, dulce de leche cheesecake, ube pannacotta and miso chocolate brownie. The experience is priced from £90 per person for the Classic Experience, with food and soft drinks, tea, coffee and juices or £110 for the No-Alcohol Experience, which includes four zero abv cocktails. The Signature Experience (£135) includes four cocktails from a set list of nine, while the Elite Cocktail Experience (£145) allows guests to choose any four cocktails from the full menu. Two Champagne packages are also available: the Henriot Experience (£130) and the Ruinart Experience (£190), each including food plus a half-bottle per person. Alongside the brunch, Los Mochis London City, guests are able to browse a rotating edit of premium clothing, handbags, beauty and jewellery in a dedicated area before or after brunch. The trunk shows spotlight a rotating selection of brands, with future, current or past season stock made available exclusively for the brunch, bringing together retail and hospitality for an elevated Sunday experience.

Los Mochis City, Broadgate Circle, 100 Liverpool Street, London EC2M 2AT | losmochis.co.uk

Take the Bull by the horns... As a prestige vehicle and asset broker, we can offer you greater choice and ﬂexibility • Finance solutions tailored to suit your requirements • Prestige, Executive, Sports, Classics and Supercars • • • • • •

Professional and personable service Interest rates from 3.9% subject to status Loans from £15,000 to £3,000,000 Wide range of products Private, High Net Worth Individuals and Business users Most assets considered

Call today for your tailored quote 01245 245678

info@forzaﬁnance.co.uk

www.ForzaFinance.co.uk

your

L U X U RY S T Y L E D S I N G E R Delivering the ultimate fashion-house styled four-wheeled machine, Singer have collaborated with Louis Vuitton to create art on wheels. Leather work of the highest order is paired with Singer's notoriously luxurious finish in this masterpiece duo.

SINGER

There are few luxury houses for which travel is as fundamental as it is for Louis Vuitton. Since 1854, the House has transformed the practical necessities of movement into objects of enduring beauty, from its earliest trunks to bespoke luggage created for the evolving forms of modern transportation. Now, that philosophy has taken an extraordinary automotive form. In an unprecedented collaboration with Californian automotive atelier Singer, Louis Vuitton has created two highly individual Porsche 911s Reimagined by Singer, each conceived as an expression of the House’s celebrated Art of Travel philosophy. One is a saffron and cobalt blue coupé inspired by the Classic service; the other is a Calcaire Lutétien white Classic Turbo cabriolet conceived under the creative direction of Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director of Women’s Collections. Neither is simply a luxury automobile. Each represents an attempt to translate the language of Louis Vuitton into the architecture, materials and experience of a high-performance sports car, while retaining the engineering integrity for which Singer is renowned. The project began with something deceptively small: a dashboard clock. Initially, the two companies explored creating a Tambour-inspired mechanical timepiece for a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer. Developed by La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton in Switzerland, the detachable clock could also function as a desk clock. Yet the exercise soon revealed the potential for something far more ambitious. If Louis Vuitton’s watchmaking expertise could influence the dashboard, why should it stop there? The answer was an automotive collaboration in which virtually every functional and decorative element could be reconsidered. The resulting cars represent a historic first for both companies: Louis Vuitton’s first co-branded object and an unprecedented collaboration for Singer. Finished in saffron and cobalt blue, the Classic immediately communicates the idea of travel. Its specially developed roof rack can carry a trunk, surfboard or skis, suggesting that the car is designed not simply to arrive somewhere but to make the journey itself an event. The colour scheme draws deeply on Louis Vuitton history. Saffron has appeared in the House’s archives for more than 150 years, while cobalt blue recalls details used in historic Louis Vuitton travel trunks. Yellow stitching echoes the saddle-stitching associated with the House’s leather goods, while distinctive cobalt blue tyre sidewalls reference the handles and ribbons of Louis Vuitton packaging. At the rear, a geometric motif formed from the initials L and V is subtly integrated into the engine air-intake grille. Bruce McLaren-style overt heritage is absent; instead, the details invite closer inspection. The interior takes the concept further. Natural-hued leather inspired by VVT leather covers the cabin, with Singer artisans executing the leatherwork. Edge-dyeing techniques associated with Louis Vuitton leather goods are applied to the door handles, while yellow stitching and diamond-patterned embossing echo the malletage pattern traditionally found inside Louis Vuitton trunks. Monogram flowers appear on the ventilation eyelets, sun visors and headrests. Conventional plastic fittings have been replaced by individually finished metal components, predominantly rhodium-plated, with polishing, satin-finishing, anodising and electroplating techniques contributing to their appearance and tactile quality. At the heart of the dashboard sits the Tambour-inspired clock, around which the instrument display has been redesigned. Speedometer, rev counter and gauges adopt a horological language, with vivid cobalt blue contrasted against orange lettering. Beneath the craftsmanship lies serious engineering: a Type 964 coupé chassis, lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork, a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated air-cooled flat-six, six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive and carbon-ceramic brakes. A speed-activated rear wing completes the configuration. singervehicledesign.com

YOUR DRIVE

The Art of The Journey

singervehicledesign.com

101

SINGER

singervehicledesign.com

YOUR DRIVE The accompanying travel collection extends the concept beyond the car itself. A racing jacket, driving gloves, specialised footwear and bespoke helmet share the vehicle’s visual language, while Bisten, Keepall and specially shaped luggage pieces are designed to fit precisely within it. A bespoke Louis Vuitton surfboard, handcrafted in Angers with blond oak and walnut Monogram marquetry, and a set of custom skis complete the ensemble. The approach has a historical precedent. In 1897, Georges Vuitton was already creating trunks specifically for automobiles, designed to be secured to roofs or rear sections and shaped to maximise available space. More than a century later, the principle remains unchanged: travel equipment should be designed around the journey. The second car takes that philosophy in a markedly different direction. Conceived by Nicolas Ghesquière, the Classic Turbo is a cabriolet finished in Calcaire Lutétien white, inspired by the limestone that defines much of Paris and the architecture surrounding Louis Vuitton’s historic headquarters at Pont Neuf. Ghesquière’s vision was to create a car open to nature and the elements: elegant, modern and assertive, yet sensual. The nautical influence becomes immediately apparent at the rear, where a wooden deck beneath the large turbo-inspired spoiler evokes the world of classic motorboats. Wood is used throughout the car, including the bumpers, luggage compartments and engine areas. Behind the seats, a wooden technical shell supports the leather upholstery, while the luggage area adopts techniques associated with traditional boat decks. The specification is suitably potent: a Type 964 cabriolet chassis, lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork, a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six with air-to-water intercooling, six-speed manual transmission with selectable drive modes, rear-wheel drive and carbon-ceramic brakes. The Tambour-inspired clock again occupies centre stage, positioned centrally within the dashboard. Its dial matches the exterior bodywork, while golden gauges and a matching ignition key establish a connection between the interior and exterior. Elsewhere, the gearshift trim recalls the silhouette of the Noé bag through its natural leather drawstring, while a leather patch on the steering wheel references one of Ghesquière’s recurring design signatures. Bespoke Louis Vuitton cases occupy the luggage compartment, complemented by a three-piece trunk in the front boot. The collaboration succeeds because it goes beyond simply placing Louis Vuitton motifs onto an existing automobile. Instead, it brings together two distinct but complementary philosophies of craftsmanship. Louis Vuitton contributes expertise spanning trunk making, leatherwork, fashion, footwear and watchmaking. Singer contributes decades of automotive engineering and restoration knowledge. The result is a meeting of disciplines in which both retain their identities while creating something neither could have produced alone. The two cars remain recognisably rooted in the Porsche 911, yet their personalities are entirely distinct. The coupé is an expression of colour, movement and adventure; the cabriolet is more sensual, architectural and nautical. What unites them is an understanding that true luxury is found in the details: a mechanical clock that can leave the dashboard, a hand-finished metal switch, a Monogram flower concealed within a ventilation eyelet, a trunk shaped precisely for a front boot or a surfboard whose craftsmanship echoes the car surrounding it. Nothing feels incidental. Every element contributes to the experience. And that is perhaps the most compelling achievement of the Louis Vuitton and Singer collaboration. It transforms the automobile from a machine for transportation into something more evocative: a vehicle for the art of travel itself.

singervehicledesign.com

P I C K U P T H E L A T E S T P R I N T E D I T I O N N O W

Get every edition direct to your digital or physical mailbox with a subscription

Your Media London

yourmedia.london

your

N VALUE ADDED DESIGN Don't compromise on substance when looking to improve your home. If you focus on the foundations of your property, the style will speak for itself. Let your home do the work for you to enjoy or reap the benefits when come to sell.

SAVILLS

CAUTION PERSISTS BUT DEMAND CONTINUE S ACROS S P RIME P ROP ERTY MARK ETS

with Frances McDonald, Director, Residential Research, Savills Prime housing markets tend to like certainty - but so far in 2026, this has been in short supply. Against a backdrop of domestic political change and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, buyers and sellers at the top end of the market have become more cautious, which has translated into further price falls across prime London and the wider regional markets. Activity has held up better than sentiment might suggest, however.

Confidence has weakened, but deals are still being done Our latest survey of Savills agents shows the extent to which sentiment has softened. In London, 88% of agents said sellers felt less confident, while 82% reported reduced buyer confidence. In the country market, those figures were 94% and 72% respectively. That said, there is still momentum among prime home movers. Data from TwentyCI shows that across Q2, net agreed sales were within 95% of last year’s levels for the whole market. For homes above £1 million, activity was at 94% of last year’s level, while the £2 million-plus market was at 91%. That points to a market where buyers are still engaged, but only where sellers are aligned on realistic pricing.

Prime central London remains under pressure Prime central London has been particularly exposed to increased uncertainty. A quarterly fall of 1.7% (Q2 2026) mirrors the pace of adjustment seen in the run-up to last year’s Budget, with values now more than a quarter below their 2014 peak. The tax environment also continues to weigh on international demand, with nearly half of Savills agents reporting that overseas buyer demand in London has reduced. However, performance varies by location and property type. In needs-based family house markets such as Notting Hill, annual price falls have remained below 4%, compared with falls of around 7% in more fringe, central London neighbourhoods such as Westminster and Pimlico.

106

Savills Victoria Park | 020 3222 5555 | savills.co.uk

YOUR LIVING Domestic London markets are proving more resilient Outer prime London has continued to outperform. Here, prices fell by 1.1% overall in the quarter, while houses were slightly more resilient, recording a fall of only 0.7% compared with a weaker performance for flats. Values across the west and south-west of London have held up more strongly over the past year, with values down by just 1.2% and 1.5% respectively. Best-in-class properties in areas such as Barnes, Clapham, Hackney and Victoria Park still command a premium, particularly where homes rarely come to market.

In the rental market Rental growth across the prime markets continued over the second quarter of the year, as landlord expectations for rental growth increased after the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA). Over the three-month period, South West London was the strongestperforming prime London rental market, with rents rising by 1.6%. Strong needs-based demand for both flats and houses in locations such as Battersea, Putney and Wandsworth also supported annual rental growth of 3.6%.

Savills Victoria Park | 020 3222 5555 | savills.co.uk

SAVILLS

Prime central London was more muted by comparison, as rents increased by 0.4% in the quarter. This leaves them a relatively modest 1.5% higher than a year ago. But here there has been a marked difference in rental movements between those properties above and below the £100,000 per annum threshold, which is one of the main factors affecting whether a tenancy falls within the scope of the RRA. As evidenced by South West London, the more domestic outer prime London markets generally fared better. Here, rents increased by 1.2% over the second quarter on average, with annual growth reaching 2.5%. However, that annual rental growth at the end of June varied from 3.2% for properties let at less than £500 per week to 1.2% for those let in excess of £3,000 per week.

What next for the prime markets? Domestic political uncertainty is likely to remain a constraint on market activity. Until buyers have greater clarity around the policy and tax landscape, a degree of caution is expected to persist. As a result, the prime market is likely to remain price sensitive for the rest of the year, with any recovery proving selective rather than uniform. The strongest-performing markets are expected to be those supported by needsdriven demand, limited stock and realistic pricing. For landlords who remain committed to the sector, continued rental growth should help offset some of the pressures arising from increased regulation. Since March 2020, rents have risen by an average of 26% across outer prime London and 28% across the regional markets, with rents forecast to increase by a further 6-13% over the next five years across these regions. Savills Victoria Park | 020 3222 5555 | savills.co.uk

YOUR LIVING

Gore Road, South Hackney London, E9 7HW 5 Bedroom | 3 Bathroom | 2,775 sq ft Architect-designed, this exceptional Victorian home has been beautifully remodelled to combine period character with contemporary industrial detailing and subtle Japanese influences. Currently arranged as an impressive home, the layout also offers the flexibility to create two self-contained dwellings across the lower floors, if required.

Asking Price

£2,500,000 Savills Victoria Park | 020 3222 5555 | savills.co.uk

TIM PHILLIPS

ADD VALUE WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON THE WAY YOU LIVE By Tim Phillips, Quantity Surveyor for the Homebuilding & Renovating Show and founder of www.quantiv.uk

Adding value to your property is more about wise, wellconsidered investment than large expressions because building prices are still high and buyers are more value aware than ever. Improvements that benefit daily living now and subtly increase your property's desirability should you decide to sell in the coming years are the most successful. Value is more than just spending money, in my opinion as a Quantity Surveyor. Enhancing function, efficiency, and desirability in a way that the market acknowledges and rewards is the goal.

Prioritise space and flexibility One of the best value drivers is still more room, but it has to be useful space. As long as they offer spaces that buyers genuinely need, loft conversions, garage conversions, and small rear expansions continue to perform well. Open-plan kitchen dining areas, guest bedrooms, and home offices are always in demand. Being adaptable is essential. A room that can be used as a bedroom tomorrow and an office today will appeal to more buyers. Steer clear of extremely customised design that restrict future use, as these might reduce market attractiveness and reduce value.

Upgrade kitchens and bathrooms intelligently Bathrooms and kitchens sell homes, but overspending is a frequent error. The objective is quality, longevity, and good design rather than luxury for its own sake. The best returns are typically provided by mid-range fittings, moderate finishes, and logical layouts. Replacing doors, countertops, and appliances may frequently provide a new look without the expense of a complete strip out when layouts work. Clean, contemporary, and useful environments are more valuable to buyers than high-end brand names. All images courtesy of The Homebuilding & Renovating Show © Getty Images

YOUR LIVING

Improve energy efficiency and running costs Value and energy performance are now closely connected. Modern heating systems, improved insulation, and upgraded glazing are examples of improvements that save operating costs and increase a home's appeal to potential purchasers. Additionally, these improvements instantly improve comfort by lowering energy costs, drafts, and cold spots. This is an area where prudent investment can preserve long-term value as EPC ratings become more significant in lending and purchasing decisions.

Address maintenance before aesthetics Visible lack of maintenance is the fastest way to diminish value. Prior to any aesthetic changes, roofs, windows, damp problems, and obsolete electrics should be fixed. Even if the actual cost of repairs is low, buyers will frequently make significant discounts for perceived risk. A well-kept house conveys dependability and care, which immediately boosts buyer confidence.

Think like a buyer, not just an owner The best value-adding initiatives strike a balance between broad appeal and individual satisfaction. Think of situations when compromise makes sense if you enjoy unique finishes or really specialised layouts. Good natural light, neutral colour schemes, and useful storage always work well. In the end, homes that are comfortable to live in, affordable to operate, and well-maintained contribute the most value. Both you and a potential buyer will gain if you get the basics right.

To attend the next London Homebuilding & Renovating Show (18-20 Sept, Excel) and have a free one-on-one consultation with Tim Phillips, claim your tickets via: homebuildingshow.co.uk/your-media

homebuildingshow.co.uk/your-media