London

Vogue 100: A Century of Style

During my recent trip to London, I visited the Vogue 100: A century of style exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.

The exhibition is a showcase of some of the amazing photos that have been commissioned ever since Vogue magazine was founded in 1916, with over 280 prints from the Conde Nast archive sourced from all around the world, including Costa Rica, Singapore, France, America and Canada.

The publication has been at the forefront of fashion photography for the past century and has earned its reputation as 'the fashion bible’. Famous pieces from some of the best photographers in the industry are on display, from Cecil Beaton, Tim Walker, Snowdon to David Bailey and Mario Testino.

The exhibition opened on 11th February following a star studded opening with guests such as Jerry Hall, Christopher Bailey, Yasmin Le Bon, Karlie Kloss and Laura Bailey all in attendance.


I visited shortly thereafter on a busy Sunday. A showreel of Cara Delevingne greets you as you walk in and a huge banner of Alexander McQueen cradling a smoking skull sits pride of place on the far wall.

The exhibition runs backwards in time, a reverse chronological journey from now to 1916, with each room showing a decade. There were copies of famous Vogue covers from every year of the magazine’s 100 year history. 

The first issue of Vogue was published in the middle of World War I. The American issues were not available for import due to paper shortages and restrictions on overseas shipping. The publisher decided to create a special edition for us Brits which was to be produced in London.

In autumn 1916 the first copy was printed for sale. It was on display at the exhibition and is a far cry from the glossy thick editions that we read today. 

Probably my favourite aspect of the exhibition was the portrait photography with iconic images of Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Naomi Campbell, Lady Diana Spencer as well as from the famous Nineties supermodel “movement”. There was a fantastic black and white Sixties feature on my favourite model, Jean Shrimpton.

Images from Corinne Day's infamous fashion shoot with Kate Moss in 1993 were shown featuring a waif like 19-year old Kate. The photographs were controversial at the time and caused outrage when they were published by Vogue, with accusations that they promoted drug use, eating disorders and child pornography. Following the uproar, Kate Moss was banned by her agent from working with Day ever again.

Although the exhibition is primarily for those interested in fashion, its main focus is on historical personalities and the photographers who documented them. In more than 2,000 issues, Vogue has acted as a cultural barometer, putting fashion in the context of the larger world in which we live. So there is something for everyone to enjoy, from film and royalty to the world of politics and sports.

All images courtesy of Vogue.

All images courtesy of Vogue.

Vogue100 runs until 22nd May 2016. Tickets are £19.00 and can be purchased via www.npg.org.uk

If you’re unable to visit, there is a stunning book to accompany the exhibition:

You might also enjoy watching this Vogue video:

National Portrait Gallery


St Martin's Place London WC2H 0HE


020 7306 0055
 

Cocktail Saturdays was a guest of The National Portrait Gallery.

Bluebird, Chelsea

Bluebird in Chelsea has become something of a Kings Road institution, set back in an old Art Deco garage which was built for The Bluebird Motor Company in 1923 to house old Bluebird cars. 

It is so much more than just a restaurant. Visitors can also choose from the café, outside courtyard for alfresco dining, bar, bakery, food store, wine cellar or one of the coolest concept stores in London. Bluebird really has everything you could possibly need under one roof.

The Shop, which is owned by Jigsaw, sells luxury fashion, books, homeware and even has its own Blink Brow Bar.

We visited last Saturday and, having been unable to get into the cafe, opted for a cocktail in the upstairs bar. Inside it’s very glamorous with a large metal bar, chandeliers and cherry-blossom sculptures dotted around to welcome the start of Spring. The bar is a destination in its own right, taking centre stage in the middle of the room. There was a steady stream of fashionable Made in Chelsea types sipping on cocktails. 

We chose a ‘Tiffany Rose’ cocktail each, rose petal vodka with fresh strawberries and line, sugar cane syrup served over Moët & Chandon Rosé Champagne. It came served in a ceramic strawberry pot and was delicious. The thing that sets Bluebird apart is the laid back atmosphere. It really is the perfect sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the King’s Road.

If you are planning to visit, it’s worth keeping an eye on the website as there are always seasonal events and pop-ups taking place, like an outside Creperie for pancake day or transforming the outside area with large tennis balls throughout Wimbledon.

350 King's Road, London SW3 5UU

www.bluebird-restaurant.co.uk

London Fashion Weekend

Last week saw the return of London Fashion Weekend to the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. Hot on the heels of London Fashion Week, the exclusive event was a four day spectacle, allowing us mere mortals access to the world of fashion. 

Thanks to the growing influence of the Internet and social media, the industry has opened itself up to allow the public the opportunity to have an authentic fashion-insider experience. Ticket-holders can attend catwalk shows, talks from fashion experts as well as shop from designer collections. There were over 150 brands selling items at insider prices. There was also the opportunity to experience beauty treatments from both Maybelline and Toni & Guy.

Tickets were available in Bronze (£20), Silver (£40), Gold (£60), Luxe (£130) and Luxe Premium (£145), each offering different experiences. We bought Silver tickets which allowed us front row access to a Designer Catwalk show. Each day a different designer gave an exclusive preview of their SS16 collection. When we visited on Saturday, Temperley London featured. 

The clothes were beautiful, all bohemian and feminine with heavy embroidery. Some of the models wore handmade sandals and wide-brimmed Panama hats which gave a Havana feel to the collection.

My favourite looks were a Black and Ivory Lettie Tuva waistcoat and trousers and a £10,000 showstopper, a long mirror ball ruffle dress.

The gorgeous George Lamb presented the show, we met him afterwards and he was utterly charming. After the catwalk event we went to a talk with model and presenter, Daisy Lowe. 

The Talks on offer during the four day event were fantastic. Charlotte Dellal, the designer behind Charlotte Olympia, spoke about her brand. Fashion designer and stylist William Baker spoke about music and fashion. Sunday’s talk was by respected photographer, Rankin, famed for snapping everyone from the Queen to Kate Moss. 

We listened to Daisy discussing growing up in the modelling industry. She gave a frank and honest insight into the campaigns she has featured in and the prominent photographers she has worked with. It was a great talk and she was really lovely when we met her afterwards. During her talk she hinted that she has some exciting projects in the pipeline. When we spoke I asked her if she would consider launching her own range of vintage clothing like her mum, Pearl Lowe. Although she didn’t confirm or deny she looked quite coy so keep an eye out…

The event ran from 25th – 28th February but it is due to return to the Saatchi Gallery again in September 2016. You can sign up at www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk/newsletter to be notified of when tickets go on sale.

If you do attend in September, make sure that you take the opportunity to dress up in your most stylish attire, most of the visitors at the event looked like they had just stepped off the catwalk!

In the meantime, here's a glimpse of what to expect...

Watch highlights from London Fashion Weekend including trend catwalk shows, shopping highlights & industry talks. Find out more at www.londonfashionweekend.co.uk

The Monocle Café, London

While on trips away I prefer not to have breakfast at the hotel, choosing instead to explore smaller, less formal, eateries nearby.

On a recent trip to London I had a chance to visit The Monocle Café situated just across from Chiltern Firehouse on Chiltern Street, London W1.

Brought to you by the people behind Monocle Magazine - the global affairs, business, culture and design bible - and the Monocle 24 radio station (click here to listen), the café opened in mid-2013.

This is Monocle's second café - the first being in Tokyo, Japan - and it is clear, both in design and from the variety of food offered, that there is a strong influence from the original.

We sat at a table in the basement and watched the food being carefully prepared in the small but busy kitchen. Service is polite and quietly efficient.

I had the Avocado Halloumi sandwich, and my friend had the Japanese breakfast. Both dishes were well presented, tasty, and represented good value for money - especially when compared to some hotel breakfast prices.

The café is a cosy setting, with many nice design features, including a private 'lounge' area for subscribers to the magazine. 

I would have liked to have spent more time here but we were in a rush to catch a morning train at London Euston. We had just enough time to grab the latest edition of Monocle magazine and an Allpress Espresso for our journey home.

The Monocle Café is well worth a visit. 

 

The Monocle Café


18 Chiltern Street, London, W1U 7QA


020 7135 2040

You may enjoy this interview between Monocle’s editor in chief Tyler Brûlé, founder of Monocle, and previously founder of Wallpaper* magazine, and the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld:

All images are courtesy of Monocle.

Mondrian London at Sea Containers

In mid-September of last year I travelled to London for a weekend away. I wanted a hotel with easy access to many of the main visitor attractions. 

The Mondrian London could hardly be better located. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, the hotel offers easy access to the Thames Path river-side walkway and is within walking distance of landmarks such as Tate Modern, St Paul's Cathedral, Royal Festival Hall, the National and Globe theatres, as well as Borough Market, the London Eye and the Tower of London.

The art deco-inspired interior is beautiful. A big play has been made of a luxury cruise-liner theme, with a beaten copper hull welcoming you as you enter the lobby. Model boats are dotted around the hotel, and a large interlocked blue chain statue adorns the reception.

£100 refundable deposit lodged at reception, we were shown up to our room. We opted for a River View Deluxe Room. At 32sqm the room is compact but has plenty of nice little touches, including a Tom Dixon fortune cookie, bespoke designed furniture, mood lighting and a somewhat ‘individual’ splattered wall painting.

Yet it’s the view across the Thames to the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral which steals the show. I confess to having spent a good 20 minutes just staring out at the view, watching the tourist boats busily cruise up and down the Thames.

Though I didn’t get to use it on this occasion, the Agua Bathhouse & Spa looks stunning. The Spa has six private treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite and a private thermal suite. There are separate male and female steam rooms with rain showers, a spa lounge and curated boutique. Surely the most visually striking location in the capital in which to be preened and pampered.

Service at the hotel is faultless. I can highly recommend a trip to the hotels rooftop bar, the Rumpus Room, which features panoramic views across London. The dress code is smart casual, but I would suggest you dress to impress!

A highlight for me was a visit to the award-winning Dandelyan cocktail bar, which offers perfectly crafted potent cocktails. My personal recommendations: The Koji Hardshake (Mr Lyan scotch, Dewar's 12yo scotch, lemon juice, koji, cream sugar, liquorice bitters), or The Dandelyan Sour (Beefeater London Garden Gin, Lemon, Lime, Dandelion Capillaire and Garden Bitters).

Images courtesy of Morgans Hotel Group

Images courtesy of Morgans Hotel Group

The Mondrian’s interior is beautifully quirky. A perfect mix of style and glamour.

With its convenient location, spectacular rooftop bar, private cinema and fabulous spa, this hotel offers an excellent option for a leisure trip!