It Started in Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo then…..I was wearing a dress and a hat by Manuel Canovas, and clogs by Chanel

Monte Carlo now…..I am wearing a silk top by Versace, and sunglasses by Dolce and Gabbana

It was this time of the year when leisurely days reign over short, balmy nights; when the mercury raises considerably, sending flocks of affluent and beautiful people to Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur; when my twin-sister takes up a well-known-by-now apartment for our fun-filled get-together.

I was packing to join my twin in 2008, when it occurred to me I could select and take with me clothes made by one designer only, thus creating a perfect capsule wardrobe, where each piece corresponds well with another. It would save space in my luggage, as I carefully chose each `look`, instead of throwing any miss-matched garments into my suitcase. It required smaller amount of clothes and accessories, because the overall aesthetic would be so coherent, I could compile multiple ensembles using the same `building blocks`. And I could look `model-like` without even trying… after all, the designer already tested the looks on the runaway.  I was conscious I had to pack `one designer` pieces from current as well as from past collections, to  make it eclectic, and not `fashion-victim-ish`.

Since then, only one designer - with a few accessories from others added to make it `fresh` - joins me on my travels.

State Secrets in the Shadow of Big Ben

My friends and I discovered a gem, uniquely situated on the shores of river Thames, just across the bridge from Big Ben and therefore enjoying one of the best views in London. We attended an interesting networking event – organised by a professional body for its members and guests – in the Library of London County Hall, which is now part of the Marriott Hotel.

Cocooned by a sun-burst settee in Gillray`s bar before the event started (I am wearing a dress and a bag by Michael Kors) I was close enough to see, through large windows,  animated tourists riding the capsules at London Eye, and able to admire the hundred lights shining in the windows of Houses of Parliament as the sun began to set over glistering waterway. Quenching my thirst with a rather large glass of Prosecco – it was still hot outside – I noticed that most of the bar`s patrons were well dressed and crochet-hook-thin.

In the evening, my friends and I went to the elegant Library. Opened in 1922, the building was bombed during the World War II but – thankfully - still retains its historic features:  grand oak bookcases ; a distinctive fireplace, adorned with a carving of A.H. Wilkinson (from 1922); and a number of busts, depicting classical figures such as Plato, Agrippa, Shakespeare and Milton. I would love to be a fly on the wall here in the 1980s to witness political squabbles between Margaret Thatcher`s Conservative government and Ken Livingstone of the Greater London Council.

We left close to midnight, making our way through Westminster Bridge, which was still full of over-excited tourists, white-faced mimes, and eagle-eyed pickpockets.    

Meet Romeo & Juliette

In the heat of central London`s evening, I took part in a soft launch of a cool brand - Romeo & Juliette Champagne. Majority of big champagne houses source their grapes from a number of vineyards, and it is rare for a brand to be associated with one farmer only; this traditional farmer – in case of Romeo & Juliette – is based in Pierry, near Epernay, in the Champagne region of France, and uses a typical blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, to ensure the highest quality, effervescent style, and finesse.

Denis Renty, a charming and well-spoken champagne enthusiast and connoisseur, brought the brand to London as an answer to our ever increasing thirst for this most coveted sparkling wine in the world. Over the years we Brits become more sophisticated and some started even treating the bubbly as an attractive asset worth investing in.

In a moment of private reflection – I am wearing a Patty Shelabarger dress, and a Michael Kors clutch – I concluded that Denis is doing what Tamara Mellon has done, nurturing a premier brand and successfully bringing it to our attention: http://www.romeojuliette.be/

In Vogue`s Spotlight

I was strolling, the other day, alongside Hannover Square, towards Michael Kors boutique in Regent Street when I noticed a brunette woman who was looking at me, while walking in my direction. Dressed in a colourful skirt and a fitted top, her face looked familiar….was she one of my neighbours? A colleague I`ve worked with a decade ago? My distant relative? I couldn`t figure it out when we passed by, her eyes still firmly on me. Only when I reached Michael Kors` emporium, it occurred to me she was Alexandra Shulman of British Vogue.

I bought this dress at Michael`s (a perfect emerald hue!), plus a coffee-coloured purse, and a couple of clutch bags; they are roomy enough to hold my paraphernalia, but sufficiently slim to fit under my arm.

Michael Kors brings glam fever to even the simplest looks and his colours – from cobalt to coral – suit my skin tone. His detailing – a silver plaque here or a leather strap there - coupled with tougher heel, to ground the look, make for a modern and effortlessly in vogue style.

The added bonus of shopping in Regent Street store is the recent arrival of `three musketeers` - a consignment of fun-loving, good looking, barely in their twenties, Italian boys who are personification of the best customer service one can wish for. They are knowledgeable style counsels, cheerful errand runners, and on demand admirers……the only missing part of the jigsaw is that – sadly – they don`t serve champagne to loyal customers……. I shall mention this during my next visit.      

Living it Large in Eaton Square Gardens

David Harber http://www.davidharber.co.uk/ doesn`t do small or insignificant; he presented superbly curated selection of garden statues, sundials and water features at Eaton Square gardens last week.

My all-time favourite is this mirror-polished sculpture, which reflects the greenery and the surrounding town houses. I am wearing a Michael Kors tunic, an H&M cigarette trousers, and a small clutch by Michael Kors; sunglasses by D&G.

A jovial, witty and charismatic character, David entertained us with tales of numerous job incarnations he had in his youth. Champagne was flowing freely when we discussed his latest work. His fascination with the use of shadows and light was clearly evident in a magnificent glob-like structure, made of oxidised steel on the outside and a hand-applied gold leaf on the inside, which give the illusion of thousand candles being lit up inside, when the sun shined through the holes in the outer layer.

David`s designs glamorised the gardens, and their perfection never escaped us, when my friends and I moved to another garden, to view larger-size pieces. The green oasis nurtured our bodies, minds and souls until a laud sound of a Lamborghini speeding through a nearby street brought back the reality of living in central London. Nevertheless we were able to appreciate a moment of calmness then the traffic light haltered a stream of gas-guzzlers for a few precious minutes.

 

Balmy summer evenings are for dreaming and we were happy to congregate around this shiny water feature called the Chalice, which – I understand – was voted the Design and Decoration Best Outdoor Product of 2003. No surprise here, as it offers homage to tranquillity, and is stunningly beautiful in its simplicity.

 

Murray`s Magical Moment

Even the local Morrison`s in Wimbledon re-named itself `Murrison`s for the duration of the tennis tournament, and provided a giant screen in front of the store, for fans to feast their eyes on the long awaited chase of the trophy. And Andy Murray didn`t disappoint, winning the men`s championship in style, as the first GB winner since 1936.

It feels like the Olympic summer once again, with the city basking in hot weather – yesterday was the warmest day of the year - and our sportsmen doing very well. Our optimism was boosted by yesterday`s rugby win of British and Irish Lions against Australia, and – outside the sport`s arena -many are pleased by Halifax report citing house prices moving up by average of 3.7% over the year. Economic upturn adds to the feeling that we can turn the tide around and enjoy more good news stories, in sport and in other fields.