Review of Victoria Beckham`s first boutique (London)

The fact that Victoria Beckham was just heralded as most successful entrepreneur of 2014 in the UK by business magazine Management Today, prompted me to take a trip to her brand's first bricks-and-mortar store.  She doesn`t have the experience of Miuccia Prada, or the life-changing vision of Coco Chanel – I thought while heading towards London`s Dover Street – so I didn`t expect to be inspired by what I was just about to see. How wrong…darlings….how wrong was I!

The boutique has been designed by Farshid Moussavi, and it is simply striking. There is no window display. Instead, the façade consists of a very heavy sliding door (I hear it weights 340 kilograms) and a glass frontage, which allows the passers-by to view the collection.

The door slides effortlessly as soon as you step in front of it, bringing you into something which can be described as a modern-day jewellery box. Immediately, you will notice a broad rectangular staircase in front of you, and a mirrored wall, as well as a ceiling, which is also clad in mirror. I am wearing a dress by James Lakeland, and fox collar from the Soho Furrier, sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana. Bag is from Victoria Beckham collection and I bought my shoes in Singapore.

A row of shelves seem to be floating in front of the mirrored wall, packed with delightful collection of handbags in black, blush, red and raspberry.

The bag I am sporting on the photo has an intricate locking system, and an added security, in form of an additional bolt, which also serves as ornamental detail. I`ve never seen anything like this before, and – as a result - I started warming up to Victoria Beckham`s designs.

The clothes are hanging on zig-zag rails, allowing each item to be spaced evenly, and be fully accessible to a customer. There is also a light-reflecting column of shelves, which hosts a selection of sunglasses. By now I was rather taken by this amazing space, which in reality is long and not terribly vast, but with clever design, it feels very spacious, and - dare I say – luxurious.

More pleasant surprises waited upstairs, including large mirrored walls and a concrete ceiling with triangular geometric pattern. This boutique plays host to several Victoria Beckham collections: Victoria Beckham, Victoria Victoria Beckham, denim, optical and accessories.

White walls provide neutral background for sublime palette of clothes, which are very well made. Long, metal chains allow the display to be moved, to vary the height, and position of clothing.

I love a subtle detailing on this coat.

Adore the amusing element on this dress.

Am bowled over by almost architectural design of this top.

 

Kudos to Victoria Beckham and her team for designing such a fabulous collection!

Back on the ground floor, I discovered expansive changing rooms clad in a dark green laminated glass, and being furnished with a set of sculptural benches, which can be re-positioned to create a different look, if desired. Damien Hirst`s artwork hangs in the lower-ground area, which can be seen from the ground floor, giving illusion that the whole space is bigger than it actually is.

Attention to minute detail is the driver here and they even have a wrapping paper with images of the latest fashion show – how thoughtful!

 

This whole place is cool and exciting and everyone working here is fun to be around. I love the fact I could come close to and easily inspect every item displayed in the store, thanks to the innovative zig-zag hanging rail. I appreciate that the assistants were knowledgeable about the collection as well as the store`s design. And they eagerly played the role of my photographers – thank you!

 

I embarked on this visit as a sceptic but after seeing the designs closely, and experiencing this space, I – unexpectedly - turned into Victoria Beckham`s aficionado. Mrs Beckham, this shopaholic will be back. This is not a threat, this is a promise.

www.victoriabeckham.com/shop

 

Lancôme Makeup – 5 Must-Have Essentials

Lancôme has several products that are indispensable for anyone who wants high-quality, easy-to-use products, that constantly evolve. The company is keen on research and development and often brings new additions or improved versions of `old friends`. My full make up in this photo is from Lancôme cosmetics. I am wearing a dress by Michael Kors, my handbag is from Anya Hindmarch, and sunglasses from Dolce and Gabbana. Shoes – on subsequent photo – are by Michael Kors.

 

Here are my current Lancôme favourites:

Grandiôse mascara – has the blackest black colour I have experienced so far – the pigment in it is just sooo intense. Also, its `swan-like-neck` wand helps it dive close to the roots, and creates a fan-like look. Don`t forget to `wiggle` the wand at the roots, to build up enough coverage. This mascara is enriched with Lancôme’s special ingredient: Native Rose-Cell Extract to nourish the lashes.

Liner Design calligraphy gel eyeliner – comes in six colours and would enhance the natural colour of your eyes. I have mine in Purple Jewels colour and it really brings out the green in my eyes.

 

Beauty Christmas Crackers 2014 – priced at £54 for 6, they are packed with fab goodies: Hypnose Volume Mascara in black, Le Crayon Khol Eyeliner in black, Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate, Lip Lover, L'absolue lipstick and Bi-Facil Eye Make Up Remover. The packaging is beautiful and it would add that extra sparkle to any Christmas table. I am buying it for a pre-Christmas celebration with my bestest girlfriend.

Lancôme lipsticks – a truly wide variety of colours to choose from. I hear they are supplemented with ceramide, to add to natural hydration, and ensure a smooth texture.

 

So called, Cils Booster XL – which I can`t be without (!) It is a primer for eyelashes. It comes in white, and you use it under your usual mascara to coat the lashes in micro-fibres and make them look fuller and longer, as well as enhancing the intensity of your mascara.

Well, these are my little beauty secrets from Lancôme`s stable – all tested and approved by this happy customer. And no, I have not been paid to endorse these. I just like them and trust you may find them useful as well.

 

More info on: http://www.selfridges.com/en/lancome/beauty/?pn=1

 

 

Shoreditch House - Private Members` Club

Located on Ebor Street, London E1, Shoreditch House is a members’ club with accommodation. I went to check it out, as one of my friends said she really liked this converted East London warehouse, for its relaxed atmosphere and groovy vibe. Seating in a bright and airy room full of miss-matched furniture, I contemplated my contemporary surroundings - I am wearing a dress by Ralph Lauren, my bag is from Anya Hindmarch, and fur jacket from Paulie.

 

Everything was open space – there were very few walls here. The place was full of London`s artisans, business people and intellectuals, who – when I visited – were either engrossed in conversations, or reading broadsheets or were working on their laptops and tablets.

Large windows bring in light which is reflected in copper and iron lamps. Even the toilets were furnished with industrial-style lamps.

 

The fire was roaring in a fireplace, even on a very warm October day. Low-hanging chandeliers were flaring their nostrils. Lounge, leather armchairs complemented sofas and chairs clad in muted shades of sand, grey, blue and green. Large, distressed clocks heralded return to simplicity and essentiality.

Food offered complex and intriguing jumble of influences.

 

You could clearly see that the designers behind this scheme succeeded in fusing shabby-chic communal living room with the sophistication of elevated urban apartment. The black exterior, outdoor roof deck, use of wood and concrete (which added the element of authenticity) and cast-iron stools made this place rooted to East London tradition but also relevant to modern living.

 

I am glad the club is popular. No wonder, as this rarefied brand caters perfectly to its patrons` taste – the taste of a new, post-recessionary client.

 

https://www.shoreditchhouse.com/

Karl Lagerfeld's Shupette Makeup at Shu Uemura

Did you know that Shupette, Karl Lagerfeld's beloved cat inspired a brand new cosmetics line at Shu Uemura? The collection just landed – exclusively - in Selfridges.

I was treated to a makeover with these products, and can attest that the lipstick was fabulously soft and nourishing, the eye shadows vivid and long-lasting and the rouge sculpted my cheekbones into `model-like` definition. I am wearing a dress from Versus, and my favourite shoes with fur pom-poms, which I bought in Singapore. Note feline ears I am sporting.

Retailing at £129, the most expensive item is this Shupette Has-It-All Eye & Lip Palette but – as I mentioned in the above paragraph - I did rate this beauty collection highly. Well, we shouldn`t expect anything less - after all - makeup gurus at Shu Uemura are behind this compendium.

 

There are also eye colour trios, lip glosses, a pencil, underbase radiance mousse, brush set, glitter face powder, cleansing oil, cheek duo, and a Shupette-branded eyelash curler for you to get your paws…I mean… hands on.

 

My pick was this set of false eyelashes. And the best part is they are marketed as Shupette natural lashes. Naturally, these bold jewels will fit perfectly into my life!

Selfridges` rooftop restaurant Le Chalet

As the winter approaches, Le Chalet – a themed rooftop pop-up restaurant that opened today at Selfridges – seems a perfect place to warm us up with a hot chocolate cocktail or indulge our taste buds with comforting spit roast suckling pig.

On arrival via a dedicated lift, which is positioned on the ground floor, opposite Chanel perfumes` counter, you will be greeted with throws made out of snug-looking pelts.

A row of festive lights will put you in the mood for a candle-lit alpine chalet.

Inside, there are plenty of timber branches……

…….homely tables with wintry ferns …….

……..and cosy blankets galore – one for each chair in the restaurant.

The best table – in my opinion – is position by a fireplace.

And for those who love outdoors, there is a terrace equipped with heaters, to make al fresco dining comfortable even on cold days.

The food is Alpine-inspired and includes oxtail and winter root broth with herb dumplings, air dried beef, and smoked Highland venison. Those with sweet tooth will enjoy eggnog snow egg, or steamed chocolate and toffee sponge.

And after enjoying your après-shop at Selfridges, don`t forget to ask for mulled wine to get into festive spirit. After all, Christmas is just nine weeks away.

 

Barbour International Biker Chic Rocks

Today I jumped at a chance to become a different character while donning some clothes and accessories from Barbour International, and using their pop-up photo-booth to record the session. Anyone can take part in this styling event until 22 October and the most coveted look will win a limited edition jacket and jeans....cross fingers! How do you do `biker chic`? Simply by matching you gloves to the colour of your lipstick.

Many people think of country jackets when they hear the name Barbour, but motorcycling heritage is also a big part of the brand`s allure.

In 1936 Duncan Barbour developed a one piece wax cotton suit, called the Barbour International, for the British motorcycling team, and it gained huge popularity very quickly.

 

Today, Barbour International collections for men and women replicate the biker look in contemporary fabrics, bringing new audiences to this iconic style.

Longchamp Celebrates 20 Years of Le Pliage

How do you mark 20^th birthday of the famous `must have for mesdames` handbag? By joining forces with Vogue, and inviting tiny-waisted fashion eds, unapologetically glam Londoners, and glitter-tastic youngsters to party the night away. And so, on Thursday night, the newly refurbished Longchamp boutique on New Bond Street, opened its doors to us for an exclusive get-together.

We were encouraged to take part in a photoshoot with our favourite Longchamp bag. I am wearing a dress from Michael Kors, and because I pack limited number of clothes and accessories for any journey, I chose this version, as my perfect travelling companion.

It was in 1993 when Philippe Cassegrain created what is now wildly recognised as Longchamp`s signature bag – Le Pliage. 

Initially made of nylon, with trapezoid shape, two handles, and a flap, it quickly become a fashion staple in many countries across the globe.

It has a massive following in Asia Pacific and I vividly remember stocking up on Le Pliages at Heathrow airport while waiting for my Singapore Airline flights; yes, in Singapore I could face each day with confidence knowing I was fashionable while carrying Longchamp bag, as it seems to be a handbag of choice for many Singaporeans.

Throughout the night, a talented DJ entertained us with cool tunes……

…….fashion illustrator, Megan-Ruth St Clair Morgan, was showcasing her beautiful sketches….  

….and Vogue contributing retail editor amused us with announcements of prize winners of small leather goods, and – at the final call – a gorgeous red handbag.

I didn`t win anything, but got besotted with this model, which looks like it is made from a water-snake skin. It is made of nylon, with leather handles and a flap and evokes limited edition Le Pliage pieces like those made by Jeremy Scott or Mary Katrantzou.

To date, Le Pliage has been made in more than 150 colours, and the construction of this particular design requires 50 different steps, to ensure it can be easily folded when needed.  

As more and more champagne glasses become empty, it was time to leave……

…….but not before we grabbed a goody bag, which consisted – among other treats – this limited edition book on the history of Le Pliage.