Lingerie Francaise

You wouldn’t have thought that the evolution of modern woman could be played out so eloquently in lace and Lycra, but that’s exactly what Lingerie Française showcases for the public. Celebrating over 100 years of French lingerie design at the modestly chic London Film Museum, the exhibition reveals revolution not just in society through the ages but in lingerie through the eras. Never has such luxury told such a vivid story of emerging strength and rebirth. To kick off this fabulous event Chartwell were given a personal tour round the exhibition by curator and creator of the collection and the book Lingerie Française, Catherine Ormon. Catherine unravelled the rich history behind French lingerie and walked us through the stunning innovations in design that reflected the time of creation. A particular Chartwell favourite was the Simone Perele ‘Le Petal’, an iconic and timeless piece from the 1970s, tantalisingly sheer in luxuriant aqua. After the exhibition we were lucky enough to speak to Mary Cameron, the Managing Director in the UK of Chantelle who were exhibiting some of their gorgeous archive pieces. The brand dates back to the turn of the century and still continues to be a staple in the discerning lingerie lover’s closet.

When we asked Mary about the return to classic styles in lingerie of late she replied: “I think that the popularity of shows such as Mad Men and movies that go back to those eras, even Downton Abbey can make a difference to the trends in the market.” As the light faded over Covent Garden, press, PR and bloggers alike descended for divine canapés, a glass of bubbly or two and more guided tours of the exhibition as well as a titillating striptease hologram showing French lingerie through the ages. The crowd seemed to fuse immediately; familiar faces chatted animatedly about the beautiful exhibited pieces and the fabulous Catherine who made it all possible. Several empty glasses and bare cocktail sticks later and the event drew to a close, leaving us seriously lusting after classic lingerie.


By Guest Blogger: Maddie Saunders 

Limited Edition Steve Jobs Tribute Macbook

We are short of words with this latest limited edition item - not only because it comes from our beloved Apple brand, but because it is so beautiful to see, how great people can be remembered and for a great cause as well.

This limited edition design comes from a Hong-Kong based artist, who added Steve Jobs silhouette to the apple logo. Uncover made only 3 laptops with an added quote: "You can change things". Truly inspirational.

These Macs are of highest configuration possible and the bidding started at €11,000 and ends October 11, 5 am (UK time). The proceeds go to the charity Get it Done.

The inspirational engraving is worth repeating: 

“When you grow up you, tend to get told that the world is the way it is and your life is just to live your life inside the world, try not to bash into the walls too much, try to have a nice family, have fun, save a little money. That’s a very limited life. Life can be much broader, once you discover one simple fact, and that is that everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you’ll never be the same again.”

– Steve Jobs

Dorchester Collection New Spa and Wellness Offerings

Dorchester Collection properties are unveiling a collection of new spa, wellness and fitness offerings. From acclaimed fitness specialists to luxurious spa treatments to a renovated spa, below are a few highlights in Paris and London

In Paris, the luxurious “Spa Valmont pour Le Meurice” reopened in September after a four-month long revitalization. A haven of tranquility extending over 3,600 square feet, the revamped Spa Valmont will be decorated in soothing shades mixing bronze, celadon green and beige with accents of gold. To celebrate, Spa Manager Sylvaine Declèves created the exclusive and limited edition Bulle Émotionnelle, a revitalizing facial protocol that focuses on restoring the skin's natural glow through massage and Valmont's Renewing Pack. Also in Paris, Hôtel Plaza Athénée’ s Dior Institut au Plaza Athénée features “Dior Prestige Facial Ritual,” a luxurious treatment using new and exclusive products including Prestige Souveraine. Designed as an exceptional step-by-step experience and ultimate indulgence for the most delicate skin, the treatment begins with a deep back massage and a gentle full make-up removal. This is followed by an application of Essence Initiale Dior Prestige, a careful exfoliation, and a facial massage smoothing and applying firm pressure from the contour of the ears to the neck and shoulders. A gentle eye contour treatment is also included.

London’s 45 Park Lane and UK fitness expert Matt Roberts have partnered to create an in room workout fitness program for the hotel’s guests. The new in-room fitness TV channel offers guests a selection of professionally led workouts designed and narrated by Roberts, all within the comfort and privacy of the guest room. For those that are feeling inspired, a complimentary ‘Exercise Matt at 45 Park Lane Fitness Pack’, a step-by-step training technique program, is available for guests to take home.

Also in London, The Dorchester launched a series of new, luxurious treatments by Carol Joy London at The Dorchester Spa. New treatments include the innovative ‘Diamond Facial with Oxygen’ that helps leave a firm, clear and glowing complexion.

Tom Aikens Master Classes in Mauritius

Headlining act of the London restaurant scene and the youngest chef ever to be awarded two Michelin stars, Tom Aikens will be cooking up a tropical storm at the prestigious Royal Palm in Mauritius from 25^th  – 27^th  March 2013.

For three days only, Tom will be presenting his innovative and creative style of modern French cookery that has been made famous at his Michelin starred Tom Aikens Restaurant in London. Guests will be able to partake in a series of one-off Master Classes and sit down to private four-course dinners cooked by the celebrity chef, over the three nights.

Dedicated to serving ethically sourced, seasonal ingredients of the highest quality, Tom will be working with the Royal Palm and the island’s local suppliers to re-craft his acclaimed signature dishes and give them a Mauritian-inspired twist.

The exclusive event will conclude with champagne on the beach and a demonstration of Mauritian cuisine hosted by both Tom Aikens and Royal Palm’s award-winning French chef, Michel de Matteis. Here, guests will discover the fusion of flavours that creates Mauritius’ complex gastronomy, a melting pot of Indian, Creole, Chinese, European influences that trace the island’s heritage.

The Tom Aikens Master Classes will take place between 25^th-27^th March and include 2 morning master classes with Tom, champagne on the beach with a joint demonstration of Mauritian cuisine hosted by Tom and Michel, and three Four-Course Dinners cooked by tom each evening

The Tom Aikens Master Class Week is available to book exclusively through Beachcomber Tours.

Naomi Watts with Chopard

American Actress Naomi Watts was wearing a pair of white gold and diamonds earrings from the Haute Joaillerie collection of Chopard at the premiere of The Impossible in Madrid. 

Belvedere Vodka and (RED) new bottle design

Belvedere Vodka, the world’s first super premium vodka, announces the second year of its partnership with (RED) and unveils its new bottle design for the BELVEDERE (PRODUCT)RED Special Edition Bottle to raise proceeds for the Global Fund, among the world’s leading financier of programmes to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa. 

The new 2012 (BELVEDERE)RED Special Edition bottle, developed by Polish design firm Dekorglass, unifies the innovative packaging by Belvedere Vodka and iconic (RED) hue; resulting in an eye-catching semitransparent metallic bottle. 50% of profits from the global sale of the (BELVEDERE)RED Special Edition bottle will contribute to the Global Fund. 

The (BELVEDERE) Special Edition bottle delivers a clear, succinct message: Buy (BELVEDERE)RED, Save Lives - making it this year’s perfect Christmas gift. Consumers will still be able to enjoy the same naturally smooth, unadulterated Belvedere vodka within the bottle but help the fight to eliminate HIV/AIDS through a simple purchase of (BELVEDERE)RED. 

The (BELVEDERE)RED Special Edition bottle will launch on 1 November 2012 and will be available for purchase from Selfridges, Waitrose and all other good supermarkets across the UK. This definitely is the perfect Christmas gift.

Pusher Premiere and after party at Hoxton Pony

Bronson Webb, Agyness Deyn and Richard Coyle

On Thursday 4^th October, the gritty modern remake of Pusher saw the cool hipsters of London flock to The Hackney Picturehouse for the inuagural premiere. Following closely to the script of the 1997 original, the star studded cast gave an incredible performance and made it all feel very real.  Agyness Deyn was particularly good in her debut acting role.  Guests included Agyness Deyn, Richard Coyle, Suki Waterhouse, Bronson Webb, Nicolas Winding Refn, Luis Prieto, and Orbital.

                                                                 

With the guests clearly impressed with the film itself with the new backdrop of London, they then made their way to The Hoxton Pony, where the celebrations could truly begin. Agyness Deyn was clearly enjoying herself, and attendees approached her throughout the night to offer their congratulations. Meanwhile the rest of the cast relaxed and enjoyed the cool atmosphere of the Hoxton Pony which was the perfect setting for the after party, with Hoxton Gin being the drink of choice.  

Suki Waterhouse

Looking stunning in a white Comme Des Garcons dress Agyness Deyn said – “I always had this compelling idea to do acting. I was craving something but I didn't know what it was.  It stemmed from modelling but when I tried acting that was it... I knew this is what I wanted to carry on with”.

Madrid director Luis Prieto  said – “I wanted to make it feel real, so all of the club scenes you see are real. We went out on a Friday night waited for everyone to come and then we just  shot until 5am. They wouldn't turn the music down for us so at times it was quite a challenge, but I think the affect is perfect.  We shot the whole film in 30 days which is an achievement”.   

Danish producer Nicolas Winding Refn and director of the original went onto say- “Zlatko Buric shot all of his scenes in just 3 days.  His character Milo is my dear friend Ryan Gosling’s favourite character and he can’t wait to see the remake”.