The formidable publication is renowned for its zeitgeistical editorials (Steven Meisels tongue-in-cheek 2005 Britney-inspired editorial ‘Hollywood Style’ remains a personal favourite) and pre-emptive scouting of upcoming young designers and artists. Judging by the talent exhibited at the Vogue Italia showcase, this is a precedent that will only continue. Of the event, the director of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani commented: “Believing in young talent, offering support the most of themselves, that is one of the missions of Vogue Italia.”

The showcased designers were broad in their scope and aesthetic appeal, united by a fresh approach to innovative design and the lauding of the heavyweight fashion press (doesn’t get much better than a stamp of approval and dedicated toast from Vogue Italia.)

The design duo Francesco Alagna and Antonio Romano behind the unisex concept label Comeforbreakfast showcased a thoroughly dynamic aesthetic, with an emphasis on masculine, modern contours and structures. Alagna and Romano were inspired by contemporary urban masculinity, underpinned by the classic craftsmanship of traditional bespoke tailors.

Conversely A-Lab Milan showcased a delectable fusion of the creative austerity of 1940s European fashion with the decorative femininity of traditional Japanese dress. Seeking to embrace the juxtaposition between “rigor and sensuality”, woollen cloth is overlaid with couture lace; playful designs printed on gruff textiles.
The personal stand-out pieces for me came courtesy of designer Nicholas Julitta. His latest jewellery collection embraced a series of influences, utilizing organic found objects in his designs, the pieces held a raw and highly individual appeal, embellished with mica and other semi-precious metals.

And so, ladies and gentleman, I give to you the future of young fashion! (With a little help from the experts at Vogue, of course.)

By Alice McConnell

I digress. Personal humiliation and inscrutable icons aside, I headed to 1508 to preview the new collection from up and coming Chelsea-based luxury label HEMYCA (and with Madame Wintour in attendance, you know they’re onto a winner.)

HEMYCA has deftly gone from strength to strength since its creation in 2007. Since training with Ben de Lisi and Roland Mouret designers Helen Clinch and Myra Nigris have since cultivated a widely lauded innovative brand. Last year the label was recently awarded “the brightest and more directional fashion brand in the UK” at Fashion Press Week, and was recently showcased alongside sartorial heavyweights including Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Sonia Rykiel as part of the international Campaign for Wool.

Trailing this success, HEMYCA have returned with a stellar Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, previewed exclusively as part of London Fashion Week.

Using contrasting colours and juxtaposed fabrics and textures, the AW12 collection “A World of Glass” seeks to empower the wearer with elegant delineated silhouettes and structural prowess. The vibrant pieces are inspired by the Art Deco movement, imbued with a thoroughly contemporary and innovative spirit.
The intricacy of each design perfectly reflects the collection’s title. Delicate fabrics are bound by strident structural forms; pretty details always underpinned by an overall strength; delicate chiffon and printed wools are juxtaposed with leather and metal details. HEMYCA has a broad appeal, championing unquestionable quality and design integrity, with a highly innovative attention to detail and aesthetic.

The label is undoubtedly one to watch, championing aesthetic beauty, design integrity and verve. Expect a nod from US Vogue moguls by fall.

HEMYCA, Studio 58 Elizabeth Street SW1W 9PB www.hemyca.com

By Alice McConnell.

Once inside the treatment room, I discussed my skin type and the therapist recommended the Aroma Lift Facial, to rehydrate and reinvigorate my skin.
Each of the Aroma Radiance Lift Facials uses machine technology to omit electric currents onto the face, to allow the natural aromatherapy products to penetrate deeper under the skin.

My facial began with an enzyme peel, which contained passionflower and pineapple. Following the peel, a serum was applied onto my skin as the therapist massaged my face with two metal prongs, which created micro currents to lift the muscles underneath. This may all sound very technical but in fact it was very relaxing. I could feel myself drifting off as my breathing became deeper.

The next stage involved the application of a magnesium skin booster and hydration gel whilst a lymphatic drainage massage was carried out, again using the metal prongs.
By the end, my skin felt instantly replenished and was glowing. And the following day, it still looks fresh.

I was advised not to enter the steam room following the facial but I did take a peek into the relaxation room before walking past the inviting Vitality pool. Pure bliss.
And as I stepped back onto the busy streets of Knightsbridge, I felt a slight warm feeling on my skin and the vague hope of spring in sight. I can’t think of a better way to leave winter behind.

Our little borough has one of the highest concentrations of design and furniture companies on the planet and so I think it is time to look close to home and celebrate the riches in front of us. Where else in the world can you see such a selection in such a small area? West Hollywood in LA, the Brera in Milan? I think we compare very favourably.

We all have our favourite enclaves but today I am taking you to the Kings Road, no…not the Peter Jones end. Way, way down past Lots Road is a stretch that began its commercial life as a real concentration of accessible antique shops, the antithesis of St James, a far more democratic and eclectic selection chosen by some visionary early (1960’s) traders, the foremost of whom was Genevieve Weaver, who created Guinevere Antiques.

One of the early settlers, she and her fellow traders created a market for antiques incorporating a much more decorative feel, not stand alone pieces of specified provenance but a more relaxed attitude with rare and unexpected objects and furniture, juxtaposed in unconventional groups. We take this for granted nowadays but 40 odd years ago this must have been nothing short of revolutionary. (Of course, I don’t remember…I was a baby…)

These emporia were adopted very quickly by the foremost designers of the day, and this continues to be the case. I have known Guinevere Antiques, now well into its second generation, for many years, and I encourage you to start your wanderings here. I regard it as the lynchpin of the whole area, its heart, and you must ring the bell. The stock obviously changes very often but there are always a series of beautiful rooms to walk through filled with unexpected and desirable objects and ideas. It is a blurring of antiques and design, with some wonderful bespoke pieces that you will never see anywhere else. A recent collaboration with a Belgium based sculptor, Paula Swinnen, has resulted in some extraordinary bronze pieces, witty with a nod to nature, and are the antiques of the future.

Down the road, past many established specialists…Rupert Cavendish (Beidermeier), I & L Brown (English country) is Channels, another favourite of mine.

Again, a fixture of the area for many years and the antithesis of Guinevere in its utter restraint, Channels continues to win design awards year after year, the latest this year for the Gillespie side table, designed by founder Samuel Chan. Orientally inspired, this is furniture you never get tired of, and I have often sent clients there on a Saturday afternoon to explain to them that good design has clarity and should never be confusing. Once there, they understand.

Next time you have an hour to spare, take yourself down there, and see what takes your fancy. There is no excuse now: for many years this was a desert for a cup of coffee, but now there is Megan’s…fantastic food…ex antique dealer of course. Also, do not miss Talisman round the corner on Parsons Green, a newer addition but well worth a look. Go, you will see what I mean.

See? All on our doorstep, and let’s face it, the Royal Borough of West Hollywood just doesn’t have the same ring.

Perhaps it is the understated and professional service, or then again, perhaps it is the Whisky Sour in my right hand, and the nibbles (spiced popcorn, marinated olives and hickory smoked almonds) in my left….

The barman, just back from winning a cocktail mixologists competition   (this is a real word, I checked) asked me what sort of mood I was in, what spirit I most liked, and came up with the aforementioned cocktail. Gorgeous, it struck exactly the right note and I would never have thought of choosing it myself. This is far more fun than going to the doctor. (He diagnosed a glass of Ruinart champagne for my companion.)

I could easily have stayed here all evening but duty called, and you know how conscientious I am…we were escorted into a gentleman’s library, lined with bookcases and more leather chairs. We had already made our selection from the menu (I needed to keep my mind off the popcorn) but were immediately diverted by warmed bread, flavoured with green chillies (all popcorn now forgotten) I was in classic mode, smoked salmon with baby capers, shallots and crème fraiche followed by a fillet steak served with big crispy chips, herb roasted Portobello mushroom and vine tomato. My companion began with the goats cheese and beetroot salad with basil dressing, then the venison with spiced red cabbage, chestnut and potato croquette, and a redcurrant jus.

Sounds delicious, doesn’t it, but it is only half the story. The menu is extensive, at the moment there is a whole game selection, and it changes seasonally. The food we had was very, very good. The dressing on the goats cheese salad was the smoothest pesto I have ever tasted, the beetroot wafer thin. It was an exceptional dish. My steak had a basil hollandaise which really made me sit up. Normally, I ignore hollandaise in favour of mustard, but this was sensational for chip dipping. The presentation was beautiful, and wines, a Pinot Grigio followed by a Bordeaux, were a perfect match.
Desserts retained this standard, warm figs, honey ice cream, caramelised walnuts and honeycomb. I could have mopped the plate with a piece of green chilli bread.

This restaurant has the feel of Soho or St James’ and I am deeply excited that it is local to us. My only concern is a nagging fear that the spiced popcorn may not be in season when I make my first return visit.

Aubrey at The Kensington Hotel

www.doylecollection.com

109-113 Queen’s Gate, South Kensington
London SW7 5LR
Tel: +44 (0)207 589 6300/Email: kensington@doylecollection.com

Let me tell you, there is nothing quite like happening upon a living scene and feeling as if you have arrived just as said King, Duke or Duchess of old has left the room. The trick to getting this right, is in the delicate balance of restoring past pieces to their former glory. A lot of hotels get this wrong and go too far the other way – timeworn does not automatically mean Victorian. Well, it can do but not in a good way.

The Limewood Group need not attend this lecture though. They made the decision to completely overhaul their country pile, situated in the heart of the New Forest, and took their time getting it right. When I inquired as to which parts of the building were original I was directed to the very first salon on the left upon entering the building. That’s one room, folks.

The rest of the main house is a series of social spaces in turn witty, then warm, then wide open. Each has its own décor and central theme but all adhere to a strong sense of contemporary comfort and luxury. A central atrium makes way for The Scullery, a casual brasserie and also the scene of a rather delicious daily breakfast, and beyond that, The Dining Room, an altogether more glamorous affair. I must mention that upon my visit to Limewood I was pregnant, and the chefs here took every care to make sure that my menu never felt in the least bit limited or lacking in flavor and design, all the while working within the strict confines of my diet. The food was divine.

The suites surrounding the main house are set across two floors, decadent bedrooms upstairs and ample living areas downstairs, complete with working fireplaces (my advice is to have one of the onsite experts lights these for you) and trusted board games within arms reach should the weather take a turn for the worse. All suites make for total seclusion and privacy should you prefer it, and each offers superb views overlooking the grounds and forest.

For the gym bunnies among us there are state-of-the-art facilities available for use from early until late. Before booking a treatment, making use of the sauna, steam rooms and hydrotherapy pool is a must. These all still feel brand new, which is vital if spas wish to offer a sense of hygiene and cleanliness to their guests, especially with these sorts of amenities.

Couples treatments are fantastic here. A cool and spacious room big enough to hold two guests and their therapists without feeling the least bit crowded. We indulged in a two hour treatment; facial, signature massage and body scrub, which was rounded off with infused tea, fresh pineapple and a curtain pulled back to reveal panoramic views of a blustery forest, set to the dulcet tones of a shimmery relaxation track. It was all quite mesmerizing.

Don’t forget that romantic strolls are encouraged; Hunter boots in all sizes and hues are available on request. And if you want to bring a third party, your four legged friends are made thoroughly welcome. A separate and extremely comfortable bed was laid out for ours… well, it is my job to try everything.

By Bibi Cambridge

Lime Wood
Beaulieu Rd, Lyndhurst
Hampshire SO43 7FZ
T: 023 8028 7177  / www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

The design brief is simple – the car you end up driving must feel like a Jensen, though this rule aside, each one is still individually tailored to suit its owner’s needs. You can choose to have every instrument or accessory you can think of – and that doesn’t only apply to colour and style of interior (leather cross-hatch ceiling, double stitching or light-sensor headlights to your preference). But even without these individual extras, the car is completely unique.

Being hand-built doesn’t allow for mass production so only a maximum of 18 cars a year pass through these specialist’s workshop doors. You can’t ask for more when everything is built-to-order.

The current versions of these 429bhp grand tourers are favoured with high flyers all over the world, and ironically, with the Germans who can’t help but be bowled over with their classically British, air. Praise indeed when they have a wealth of their own home-grown super-machines to choose from. What bequeaths them their unique selling point is their charisma which the Jenson exudes tonnes of. They have been nicknamed the original naughty boy. The one who sits docile at his desk as these four-wheeled beauties happily imitate at traffic lights, not trying to tear away all too quickly, but give them a tickle on the accelerator and outside of the playground they’ll set the tarmac on fire. The engine’s roar is seductive. The feel eclectic. This is original high performance driving at its unapologetic best.

On the road the independent rear suspension, developed specifically to fit the ‘R’ means you can steer it into corners and the car will respond magnetically, yet you’ll still get the addictive feel of knowing you’re driving a classic. The AP 6-pot braking system complements the additional engine power with appropriate control and the purpose built exhaust system ensures this V8 animal has a brand-new, appropriately styled and super sounding mouthpiece.

Upgrades can be found on the gearbox too. Amazingly, the original was only a 3 speed manual. Now you’ll find them as a 4 speed automatic (unless you choose otherwise, of course). But no matter the system, once you get behind the original spec of the steering wheel (note no airbags), the tangible experience of driving this powerful engine will be nothing short of thrilling. Blood pumps excitedly through your veins as you weave in and out of traffic. But it’s not about how you look from the outside, albeit heart stoppingly hip. In a Jensen it’s how you feel when you drive – exhilarated and alive.

You’ll be on the edge of your seat. To truly add meaning to the term – putting pedal to the metal, we urge you to try the supercharger!

By Sophie MClean

Jensen International Automotive Ltd
The Sanderum Centre
30a Upper High St
Thame
Oxfordshire
OX9 3EX

0845 519 5265
www.jensen-sales.com

The path to self-purification seemed obscured, most probably by the champagne fuelled party from the night before.

My destination was Parkhotel Igls which sits nestled in the picturesque Tyrolean village of Igls. Built in 1905 and originally named Hotel-Sanatorium Igls, this health retreat was initially described as a “bourgeois family hotel with doctors, treatments, baths and special dietary cuisine.” Today, the central premise still applies with developments in its dietary approach, physical structure and technology maintaining Parkhotel Igls’ status as the pioneer of Modern Mayr Medicine.

The first stage of my detox programme involved a doctor’s check-up to determine my treatments and dietary requirements. The diet selected for me was stage 4 out of 8: 0 representing a fasting diet (which is rarely carried out) and 7 being the vital Mayr diet. The criteria for 4 involved food combining, which required carbohydrates and protein to never be mixed together. Portions were measured carefully and we were taught about the importance of chewing: digestion begins in the mouth. Each meal was well-prepared and the quality was outstanding.

Daily treatments started with the consumption of bitterwasser to purge the body of unwanted toxins. Massages included reflexology, lymphatic drainage and circulatory stimulation. The continuous shower involved lying in an oblong machine and being massaged with water whilst my liver received help from a water bed cocoon which I lay wrapped up in. The sensation of kneipp was invigorating and the stats of my bio-impedance measurement, eye-opening.

My allergy tests highlighted my various food intolerances and my acupuncture and neural therapies helped my aching back, exacerbated by lazy home working practices. In between treatments, I enjoyed the indoor swimming pool, spa facilities and the outdoor walks with the Austrian Alps in the background.

But six days seemed too short and I wanted to stay an extra week or two like the other people I had met. Some were at a turning point in their lives; others just wanted time out to focus on themselves. No one seemed in a rush to return to their families and lives.

Before leaving, I visited the adjoining beauty center for an Akari facial that involved deep cleansing, peeling and lymphatic drainage and I learnt about the other cosmetic treatments which worked in harmony with the Mayr programme.

Few experiences have a profound effect and Parkhotel Igls has simply changed my life: from my eating habits to allowing my body to switch off regularly. It all sounds so simple but it is also easy to forget – as we charge through our daily tasks before dropping into bed, exhausted.

Parkhotel Igls defines itself through its medical approach. Health is integral to this retreat and the process of wellbeing is achieved scientifically, holistically as well as through pampering. I arrived, feeling like a train wreck and left with energy that I forgot existed.

By Mina Zaher

Guide price per person: 1week Mayr -Classic programme incl accommodation in single standard room Euros 1955
nearest airports: Innsbruck 20 mins; Salzburg or Munich 90 mins

www.parkhotel-igls.at
for info & reservations: info@parkhotel-igls.at
tel +43 512 377 305

Today, I am early, sitting at the bar, waiting for my spa appointment in striped tights, sans make-up and sans energy for my life. It’s winter, my day started with rushing to the Vets and finished dashing from work – I am the urban broken and I need a treat, badly and some youth. And so I sloped into the Dorchester Spa, for a Carol Joy signature facial, like a slow avalanche of lost cause.

Entering the subterranean world of the Dorchester Spa, is the urban grown up’s equivalent of bursting out of the back of the wardrobe and finding a talking beaver proffering up a glass of Ambrosia.

The staff were genuinely charming and as I was lead through to the changing room, I drank in the aesthetic delight of a truly lovely 30’s décor, complete with exuding opulence and old-world glamour.

My Spa visit started with a visit to the aromatic steam room, a proper one, not the one’s offered up by luxury lite establishments. You know, the ones which consist of lacquer peeling, buttock branding, cough inducing By Appointment to Virgil’s steam inferno – This was a pleasure to have the city’s sins aromatically steamed away and then washed away by the immaculate and immaculately designed experience shower.

After an expert consultation with my therapist, the joy began – the Carol Joy. My pores were steamed and the products opened. The scents from each stage of the facial were heavenly – absolutely divine, in a sort of – Gaia comes to tea and brings flowers way. The products, almost dotingly applied, I swear, actually felt efficient, my tired face felt uplifted and the reclining chair so very comfortable. The pure collagen mask, infused with the IV Ever Serum claims to; ‘boost the skin’s own collagen production’ and swears blind, to ‘immediately eliminate signs of fatigue and stress’. I live in a city. I have to take public transport. I am a cynic – but under that endorsing weight of soft magical goo, I felt plump, I felt regenerated and for the first time in months, I felt really, really good. Wonderful facilities, my skin radiant, replete with glow and the effects did actually last for days afterwards.

My experience wasn’t over. A lounge in the relaxing post facial room, impeccably decorated, followed by a robed stroll over to another exquisitely decorated room, where a luscious tea awaited me. I’m going to type the word ‘exquisite’ just one more time – as I think of the; French pastries, pearled chandeliers, homemade jam, scones, coffee, finger sandwiches and champagne. Actually no, I’m typing it again, ‘exquisite’.

The morale of this tale is: You, me, we’re all urban warriors here. We live in crowded lives with pets and kids, people and colleagues, all squeezing the last drops of what youth and glamour we may have salvaged along the way. We work hard and damn it, we need a treat. You need a treat. You need a trip to Narnia – it’s too late for crappy weekend breaks to somewhere too exhausting to reach. You need to be refreshed and have your skin repaired by ingredients too precious for mere mortals to gaze upon. You deserve to see pearled chandeliers and be treated like a Queen. You need to go to the Dorchester Spa and have a facial – with afternoon tea.

By Leander Reeves

www.thedorchester.com / 020 7629 8888

The Dorchester
Park Lane
London
W1K 1QA

Since moving to London, we have literally had the worst luck of all time in choosing flats. We’re not quite ready to buy yet, and I refuse to leave Chelsea, but every apartment that we’ve ever rented has been auctioned, sold, or taken back by the owner- meaning we’ve moved EVERY year.

The process of looking for a flat (trust me, I’ve done it enough times) is literally painful. In my experience, estate agents never listen to your real needs, and just want to get you in an apartment you don’t really like and off their agenda.

Thank goodness a good friend introduced me to Jonty Morris. Jonty, is the director of Jonty Morris and Co, a company that promises to help with every aspect of flat rental, purchase, maintenance and renovation.

While in Los Angeles for the month of January, Jonty found us exactly what we wanted, a three bedroom house in Chelsea with a garden. And the icing on the cake, it was below our budget.

Jonty sent me a ton of pictures, answered every question I had, and made me feel so comfortable that I ended up signing a three-year lease without even seeing the property. He was present for the inventory and simply handed me the keys the day I returned. I didn’t have to go on one awful flat viewing!

Jonty’s services go far beyond my experience. He is an incredibly talented decorator and designer (a number of friends have had him decorate and renovate), and works with a fantastic team of people that can help transform your house into a home!

For more information visit the Jonty Morris and Co website at www.jontymorris.co.uk, email enquiries@jontymorris.co.uk or call 020 3170 8845.