You can indulge in luxury knowing that your ecological conscience is clear and wallet reasonably untouched: the motto for ITC hotels is ‘Responsible Luxury’. Ordinarily, luxury of the level provided by ITC is such that there is bound to be an elaborate cost, for both the guest and the environment. But at the Maurya in […]
Pip Howeson, London Entrepreneur Tailored To Perfection
London tailor, Pip Howeson, has announced funding from ex Dragon’s Den star Doug Richard, and media entrepreneur Chris Ingram, to build on her fast-growing reputation for bespoke high-end tailoring, using ethically sourced British fabrics. Setting out a vision to make made-to-measure fashion more accessible to women everywhere, Howeson, a graduate of the first class of ‘School […]
Ducasse Delights In Princely Playground
Monte Carlo, by helicopter. It’s the only form of suitable transport in the Principality of Monaco. Untouched by the world’s economic hardship, Monaco is keeping step with its reputation for elegant decadence, it’s business of course, what pleasure could one actually have in Monte Carlo? With direct flights from Nice airport running very thirty minutes […]
The Italian, The Austrian And The Brits
This month we feature three rock-steady design teams, Italian luxury brand ‘Jexika’ led by Jessica Rampezzotti, tailor-made excellence by Austrian-born Oscar Usedi, and the chic informality of ‘Allium B’ the London-based sister act, Clare and Mary Burgess. Allium B’s perfectly cut Autumn-Winter collection starts with versatile dresses blending the chic of original vintage pieces reworked […]
Castle Leslie Estate and Spa, A Great Giddy-Up!
It had been a while since I’d donned my equestrian refinery. Rummaging for my riding boots I began to feel a little apprehensive about the journey that lay ahead, but tailored in tip-top gear and I’m looking more accomplished than ever I’ll be, writes Sarah-Jayne Smith. Tally-ho! Castle Leslie Estate beckoned. The seat of the Leslie […]
James Lakeland, The Business of Design
James Lakeland’s design passion began at his father’s luxury suede and leather business. Specialising in the creation of men’s and women’s wear, it was here that he learnt the importance of quality, great design, the value of detail, and personal service. His “grass roots” experience and love of fashion encouraged Lakeland to start his own […]
Its Word Is Its Bond. Threadneedles, London
A short walk from the Bank of England’s iconic building, ‘The Old Lady of Threedneedle Street’ is a haven from the turmoil of financial markets. Refined in Victorian grandeur, and restored from its days as a bustling banking hall, this splendid boutique hotel nestles in the avenues of London’s financial district like the smooth lining […]
Megeve, All Season Alpine Pleasure
On the short drive from Geneva airport to the Alpine village of Megève, I couldn’t help but wonder how this quaint farming community could possibly be the hedonistic haven of many a tale recalled by the likes of Bridget Bardot and Sacha Distel. It was created by Baroness Rothschild in 1921 as a red flag […]
Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin – A Place of Distinction
The Time slows. The pace changes. Dublin’s Four Seasons hotel is the calm in the city and the warmth of an open fire. Situated in the Ballsbridge district, on the south side Dublin, this affluent, leafy suburb draws its name from a bridge built in 1791; this is a place of distinction, of heritage, and […]
The Q&A – Designers Claire and Mary Burgess, Allium B
The brand, Allium B, is all about beautiful, wearable dresses, the kind which take you effortlessly from day to night. Sisters, Clare and Mary Burgess, previously worked in lead corporate roles as Buyer and Merchandiser at Topshop. Their frustration with the way High Street brands were catering for a younger and younger audience was magnified […]