2013 Gift Guide
It can be a chore we know, Christmas shopping is a bore at the best of times, unless you are working to a one for me one for you program. This year we hope to simplify with a little guidance from the team on what works.
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Marbella’s Gastronomic Sweetspots, Old and New
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The Greatest Outdoors
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The Penthouse by 3SA Estate. Limitless Luxury in Super Chic Marbella
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La Plage du Martinez: A Culinary Gem by Jean Imbert
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Sensational Saint Lucia
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Bentley Beyond, The Collection. For the journey.
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THE REVIEW
THE CILLIAN MURPHY EDITIONLATEST FEATURES
The Lancaster Hotel
Do you remember 1966? Can you tell me one thing that happened that year that doesn’t involve words, football or Germany? Labour won the election, that’s about all I can remember and I wasn’t even born. I’m pretty sure my mother was still an infant. That’s less a comment about how young I am, you understand, and more about how young my dear mother was when she brought me into this world. Words by Peter J Robinson It is also the year that TP Bennett Architects completed an eighteen-story office block opposite Hyde Park. There is nothing that makes English Heritage want to attach a blue plaque more than precast…
Brussels: The (Fashion) Capital of Europe
Brussels. Home to renowned Belgian chocolate, barrels of beer, and a little thing called European politics. With foreigners making up nearly 70% of its population, Brussels’ cultural and artistic diversity does not go unnoticed; the city embraces its status as a podium for innovative ideas with a heavy emphasis on individuality. With this in mind, Brussels’ fashion scene finds itself pulsing for recognition, ready to pounce on the international stage at any moment with a firm desire to cement itself upon the fashion map. Within this cultural cauldron is some material magic – and it’s been brewing a while. Words – Chiara Thomas Being the capital of the European Union, Brussels…
Debut Contemporary
The Review sits down with Samir Ceric to discuss London’s top art business for talented and emerging artists. Can you explain Debut Contemporary and how it started? Debut Contemporary is a professional development platform designed to assist talented artists to turn their practice into a viable business. It mentors and professionally develops all members, equipping them with the business knowhow, teaching them that knowledge and relationships are worth investing in and will pay off, providing they showcase determination, commitment, resilience and vision. It started when I was approached by two of my collectors with the idea of launching a fashion retail space for designers and jewellers. Before we knew it, my…
’30s Romanticism: Pal Zileri
Suave, sophisticated, wealthy and authoritative: the characteristics of an Alpha male that men strive for and women desire. Such adjectives have been metaphorically sewn into the fabric of Italian fashion house Pal Zileri’s Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 collection. Creative director Yvan Benbanaste’s muse was the character Major Jim Whittaker, an upper middle class male from British romantic comedy Easy Virtue, portrayed by actor Colin Firth. The aura of the 1930s Englishman surrounds this collection with the abundance of tailor fitted, exquisite coats. Portuguese model Ricardo Guedes is the perfect embodiment of the chic era, photographed by Alistair Taylor-Young enjoying the mountainous setting. I cannot help but think of classic villas and 19th…
Winery Finery
Anna von Bertele Move over, Sauvignon. Try New Zealand Riesling Last weekend I was flicking through a second-hand wine encyclopaedia that was published in 1994. My attention was grabbed by the section on New Zealand. I couldn’t believe that all it contained was one map, two pages of text and no differentiation of regions, just a simple description of the country and emphasis on the fact that their main grape of production is Sauvignon Blanc. This made me start thinking about the change that New Zealand has seen in the past ten years. Ever since Cloudy Bay came in to the spotlight, people fell in love with the fresh, crisp,…
A Mouthful of Madrid
I’d been to the Spanish capital before. It was the summer I graduated, I was twenty-one and me and my group of gal pals tagged it on the end of a honey rum-swigging, cheap, paella-munching trip to music festival Benicassim. Madrid was essentially the last stop on a ten-day blow out before we all went back to our parents’ houses with decent degrees but without jobs. Naturally, the city didn’t hold the most brilliant of memories for me. Amy McNichol tells you where to spend your euros in the Spanish capital Six years on and with meaningful employment, I was back. My word, how differently I felt this time around. Myself and…
Highbrow Makeup
Our beauty editor Gemma Phelan discusses semi-permanent make-up. Whether you’re the victim of overzealous plucking, Alopecia, or, like me, you were simply not blessed with Cara Delevingne-esqe brows to mould and shape as you please, semi-permanent make-up may be just the ticket. I have spent the last decade pencilling in my eyebrows and although I had perfected the art, the thought of being free of this daily chore is something that’s excited me for years. Undergoing any kind of permanent make-up procedure is daunting. The result is going to be on your face for 2-5 years, so choosing the right consultant is paramount. Be warned, there are hundreds of shysters…
Elie Saab: Middle Eastern Promise
The Arab world’s most successful designer showcased his Autumn/Winter 2013-2014 Paris Haute Couture collection’s sartorial elegance – every little girl’s dream. Undoubtedly, the 49-year-old Elie Saab has emblazoned his mark on the fashion industry with celebrity clients including Katy Perry, Mila Kunis, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai. Impressively, Saab had dressed 102 international celebrities by 2010. Additionally, he is an established designer amongst royalty with habitué, including Queen Rania of Jordan, Princess Madeleine of Sweden and Princess Beatrice of York. By – Arnelle Paterson This collection would not have been made possible without his atelier of 500 seamstresses. The models graced the stage with perfectly sleeked hair and…
In Memoriam
If you were to compile some of the most famous interviews of the 20th Century, no doubt John Lennon interviewed by Jann S Wenner, Marlon Brando by Truman Capote and Malcolm X by Alex Haley would all feature high in the list. But none have made an impact on the collective psyche as much as Sir David Frost’s interview with President Richard Nixon. In honour of the passing of Sir David Paradine Frost, OBE, we bring you one of Sir David’s last interviews – with Peter J Robinson in 2012. Some two years ago, I decided that a new magazine that we were preparing to launch needed a big name,…
Gaucho Tower Bridge
I think that, sadly, it might be time to get off my soapbox. I have pontificated over the health benefits of red meat for some months now and perhaps my electoral candidate sermonising is becoming tiresome to our weary readership. Well, tough I say to the honourable gentleman (waves countryside alliance membership card in the air). Firstly, let’s clear something up: I do not have membership to the CA, not because I don’t support what they stand for, but because I don’t live in the countryside. Having returned some months ago from a central London restaurant review, I decided to do the unthinkable; I posted some snaps of my meal…
Austin Healey 3000
My understanding of the classic car world could be described as entry level at best. It begins with the classing system. I assume that if it comes with colour-coordinated driving gloves and requires a checklist to start it, you can class it as a classic. Apparently not. Antique means it was built somewhere between 1880 and 1930. The pre-war, war and post-war classifications speak for themselves. Then we have classic from the late-50s to mid-80s. Having probably given one era too many years, I fully expect the Bristol owners club to organise a very slow picket outside my apartment, ending with a drive for scones somewhere. Ok, let’s give the…
Italian Downtime
There has to be a bucket list written by the gods somewhere, listing the world’s ultimate holiday destinations. If such an ethereal summation of Earth’s most breathtaking places does exist, then surely Italy’s midriff would feature highly. Tuscany, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, gave way to Chianti, Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano and many more. Sensing that my status as a functioning alcoholic might come into question, I suggest we move on. Tuscany would indeed be our first destination in central Italy. VILLA IRIS Having little experience with luxury villa holidays, I tend to stay ski-centric, so enlisted the help of the Abercrombie & Kent team. You’d be hard pressed…
Hennessy Heritage Festival 2013
“A horse gallops with his lungs, Perseveres with his heart, And wins with his character.” – Tesio The first recorded racing at Newbury took place in 1805 with ‘Newbury Races’, an annual two day race meeting at Enborne Heath. The meeting lasted until 1811 when it transferred to Woodhay Heath until 1815. Newbury Racecourse didn’t come into existence for another 90 years when Kingsclere trainer, John Porter proposed a new racecourse at Newbury. The Jockey Club had laid down strict qualifications for new racecourses and after Porter’s plans were rejected several times, a chance meeting with King Edward VII brought about a further application which with the King’s support was…
Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster
I sat there, motionless, in my own deplorable car, watching the 2013 V8 Vantage get smaller and smaller in my rear view mirror. Perhaps if I careered into a post or a wall the team at Aston Martin might take pity on me and drive me to the hospital in it, giving me few more fleeting minutes of motoring nirvana. How do you go back to anything other than an Aston Martin? I should have been given some counselling by a tenured therapist on how to cope with my grief. Since its launch in 2006, the Vantage has had a number of tweaks and minor remodels. In 2009 we saw…
THE REVIEW
THE ALICIA AGNESON EDITIONTRAVEL
Into the Wild: Alladale Wilderness Retreat
“This isn’t an estate. I despise the word ‘estate’. This is a wilderness reserve”. Paul Lister, the rather eccentric and very present custodian of Alladale Wilderness Reserve – a vast stretch of flawless heathery glen in the Scottish Highlands – defines much of Alladale and his place in it through what it and he is not. It isn’t a traditional Highlands retreat, as there is no deer stalking, grouse shooting, salmon fishing or hunting of any kind. He most certainly is not an entrepreneur, as he often tells me, but rather a passionate conservationist and ‘something of a tree hugger’. The reserve doesn’t feel the need to set strict –…
Langdale Chase Hotel
Steeped in amazing untold stories, the house was designed by J.L Ball, JT Lee and Pattinson of Manchester and built as a private house in the late 19th century for Edna Howarth
Marbella’s Gastronomic Sweetspots, Old and New
Nestled on the sun-drenched shores of the Costa del Sol, Marbella is an irresistible blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unparalleled luxury. Renowned for its breath-taking beaches and glamorous lifestyle, it is also a culinary haven that tantalises even the most discerning visitor.
The Greatest Outdoors
In honesty, “freshly back from the French Alps for a YogiSki festival”, is a phrase quite enjoyable to leave hanging in the air. Set between Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, my recent foray to the mountains offered plentiful serene moments of reflection and emotional expansion, with ample time to enjoy the last of the white stuff as the ‘23-’24 ski season came to a close. The opportunity to enjoy a plethora of outdoor pursuits means rather scopious packing, and with that, I share my edited picks for a trip of multiple purposes. For the workout Offering elevated workout wear that is just as in place at a leisurely brunch as it…
The Penthouse by 3SA Estate. Limitless Luxury in Super Chic Marbella
I am revisiting Marbella after decades to take a fresh look, as I’ve heard more than a few murmurings that this locale is experiencing a new era of redefined luxury. Indeed, Marbella is said to be undergoing a renaissance created by attracting an entirely new highly sophisticated and professional global jet-set, one that is thriving on a new limitless lifestyle whilst honouring its pedigree and provenance.
Sensational Saint Lucia
The mango-shaped island, only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, was born from volcanic origin and is fringed with soft sandy beaches, golden in the north and dark silver in the southwest.
THE ALPINE EDITION
22-23 SeasonBEAUTY
The Greatest Outdoors
In honesty, “freshly back from the French Alps for a YogiSki festival”, is a phrase quite enjoyable to leave hanging in the air. Set between Les Menuires and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, my recent foray to the mountains offered plentiful serene moments of reflection and emotional expansion, with ample time to enjoy the last of the white stuff as the ‘23-’24 ski season came to a close. The opportunity to enjoy a plethora of outdoor pursuits means rather scopious packing, and with that, I share my edited picks for a trip of multiple purposes. For the workout Offering elevated workout wear that is just as in place at a leisurely brunch as it…
Bentley Beyond, The Collection. For the journey.
An invitation to Bentley’s newest fragrance launch was a joy that ran deeper than expected. Driving a car you love is so much more than the ‘a’ to ‘b’. It’s the feel of the steering wheel moving from under your palm, the resistance of the accelerator beneath your sole or the slick movement of the gearbox. Sometimes it’s the thrill you get when the mechanic tells you that against all odds, your pernickety classic car flew through its MOT. It’s the bond you feel and the memories you create together over the miles. It’s the smell of crisp winter air streaming through the window as you drive through the open…
Where the Hot Springs Flow: Diving into The Well, Oslo
It is perhaps one of the great tragedies of my life that I don’t spend every weekend in a beautifully crafted replica of a Kyoto bathhouse, surrounded on all sides by thirty or more totally naked Norwegians, each glistening with perspiration and a curated array of essential oils. However, my trip to the spectacular Oslo wellness resort The Well ensured – within an hour of arrival, in fact – that my existence would no longer be completely lacking this experience. If the beginning of this wellness resort review sounds like the stuff of teenage fantasy crossed with a Nordic fever dream, I could only apologise. Except, as you probably expect,…
THE REVIEW
THE BEN WILLIAMS EDITIONFILM
Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae LP780-4
I slip my slightly clammy hand gingerly into the slot, ease some pressure and pull gently skyward. That scissor-door entry is nothing less than muted pornography. So effortless in its execution, it’s part of the recipe that makes the Aventador just that little bit more special.
Aesthetic Harmonics – The Casio PX-S7000
Quality, innovation and – by god, in this case – style. Casio’s reputation precedes it when it comes to its product development and, crucially, its product refinement. Their first electronic keyboard, The Casiotone CT-201, was birthed by Toshio Kashio and his team in January 1980.
Ferrari F8 Spider
Fresh from four days in Scotland driving the simply astonishing Ferrari F8 Spider, there are times in one’s life where you have to sit back, take some time, and genuinely let an experience wash over you. You need to take it in. Revel in it. The smells, the sights, the sheer visceral nature of it.
Alpina – Startimer Pilot Chronograph
Like many Swiss watchmaking dynasties, Alpina can trace its founding back to the turn of the nineteenth century – 1883 to be precise – by Gottlieb Hauser, a watchmaker in Winterthur, who also established the Swiss Watchmakers Corporation (Union Horlogère Suisse).
Stacia Suttles
It wasn’t until Stacia Suttles turned 19 and stepped into a boxing ring for the first time, that the amateur fighter realised she was exceptionally gifted in the combat sport.
Twisted 21
I scanned the horizon of the Finnish race circuit but Charlie was possibly doing a few laps in the 500hp V8 110. “Let me see if I can find him Tony”. “Cool man”. This was the first of a handful of semi awkward exchanges I would have with Tony Hawk that week as we crossed from Finland into Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Austria and Monaco.
