Fabergé Eggs at BonBonniere Club (London)

`Strikingly original` - was my first impression of the Mayfair-based BonBonniere Club. Created by the team behind the Armani Hotel, the club boasts an impressive display of glistening mini Fabergé Eggs alongside one wall. When LED lighting hits the wall, it turns it into a magical show. 

When I visited, we were treated to a multitude of yummy mini-burgers and canapés. But the main attractions here are drinks. Especially an exquisite cocktail, served in a Swarovski encrusted Fabergé Egg replica.

Pared-down loungers flank an imposing DJ booth that is shaped like…… Fabergé Egg….of course.

 

The music is capable of stirring the heart, the décor is as eclectic as it is elegant, the service is first-class and the location is just perfect – what not to like?

Philippa Craddock – the Empress of Elegant Blooms

Five years ago Philippa Craddock had a dream – to stock her stylish creations in Selfridges. At that time, she just moved from London to rural Sussex, left lucrative employment in the City, and gave birth to her first child.

Creating flowers for local weddings and parties at her kitchen table kept her entertained. Soon, she retrained as a florist and her passion for chic and calm floral arrangements fuelled a business venture – Philippa Craddock Flowers - that is now being commissioned by some of the world's most recognised brands and individuals, from Christian Dior to Claridges.

In October 2014 her dream came true. Philippa was appointed Selfridges' only in store florist – a testament to her and her team`s impeccable style, exemplary customer care, and drive to innovate and deliver truly inspiring seasonal displays.

I bumped into Philippa on a prominent spot of Selfridges` ground floor, in the room adjacent to the hall occupied by mighty brands like Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Hermès. Here, Philippa`s flowers attract adoring glances from passers-by and style-savvy fashionistas come to purchase their blooms. Photo depicts Philippa in front of a magnificent display of imitation flowers.

The acclaimed florist caters for weddings and events, offers office and home contracts, and even opened a flower school in a studio in Sussex.

It is refreshing and inspirational to hear such a success story, but no doubt it took hard work, vision and determination to become – in the words of British Vogue - the 'Queen of London florists'.

 

Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair is 30 Years Old

The winter Decorative Fair, hosted between 20 – 25 January 2015, heralded 30^th anniversary for one of London`s leading events.

The Fair is held three times a year and offers antiques, pottery, contemporary ceramics, jewellery, vintage industrial furniture, 18^th century painted French furniture, lighting and all manner of objects to delight even the most discerning interior design connoisseurs and decorators. I am wearing a dress from James Lakeland and a bag by Michael Kors.

The Fair brings almost every period and variety of work of art and many interesting artefacts. From 1960`s onyx and gilt - very heavy! – telephone that was selling for £350…..

….through curiosities like these badgers for £300……

……..Moschino earrings from 1980s……..

.......and this magnificent piece of Italian pottery – a pair of eagles from 1930-40s, selling by A&L Antiques for £4,300.

Some dealers styled their settings very beautifully - I could happily move into this dining room.

My favourite finds included a gorgeous crocodile skin and silver mounted cigar case from 1912 for £180……

……a pair of French gilt metal and leather chairs from 1950s for £890…..

…….a large paining of radish by Mimi Roberts – oil on board – yours for £1200……

……..and a pair of servers c.1920 for £35.



Annual Designer Fabric & Wallpaper Sale (London)

Today, Lindley Hall, part of Royal Horticultural Halls, played host to a hotly-anticipated designer sale of fabrics, wallpaper, and household accessories.

For one day only, we could get our hands on heavily discounted designs from well-known names like Colefax and Fowler, Manuel Canovas, Larsen…..

…… and Jane Churchill, for £20 per metre.  

 

Above are some of the designs that were on offer today.

 

These magnificent wallpapers were selling very quickly.

No surprise – the patterns were exquisite and the price was…… excellent.

I discovered not only furnishings, but also a few pieces of furniture – these chairs could be yours for as little as £50.

Small items included cutlery, china, vases……

…….and wash bags.

The organisers ensured we had a cafeteria (in the mezzanine) to refuel.

There were experts on hand to help with measurements and to pack everything for you. They provided advice on which weight of fabric should be chosen for curtains, sofas etc.

Lindley Hall is a great venue – very airy and well appointed. It contains lavatories and a free of charge, fully manned cloakroom – a perfect shopping environment, even on a freezing day in central London.

Singapore turns 50 in 2015

Singapore is a sovereign city-state in the Southeast Asia, located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. This year it celebrates Golden Jubilee with a vast programme of festivities. Sometimes I work and live in Singapore and it is a perfect home from home. So how did this tiny strip of land manage to develop into one of the world's major commercial hubs, a financial centre of great significance, one of the busiest ports, and how did it build up a vibrant economy that is the envy of many larger nations? I am standing in front of Merlion – the iconic half-fish and half-lion, with Marina Bay Sands in the background.

The fortunes of an insignificant fishing village turned around when in 1819 Sir Stamford Raffles started transforming it into a trading post of the East India Company. The waters around Singapore are really deep and therefore were and still are ideal for bringing in super-ships. I am standing in front of a statue dedicated to Sir Stamford Raffles.

In 1963 Singapore joined other former British territories to form the Federation of Malaysia. However, after a discontent that fuelled race riots in 1964, Singapore become independent as the Republic of Singapore in 1965. There are many fantastic museums that chart the history of the country; one of them is the Asian Civilisations Museum.  

Today, Singaporean economy is known as one of the most innovative, competitive but business-friendly and fastest growing. The population who is clearly behind its stratospheric success is diverse, with nearly 75% of Chinese origin, with significant minorities of Malays, Indians, and Eurasians. The culture is rich and fascinating. Above, a talented Water Drum Dancer entertained us at one of many events associated with the Lunar New Year.

Singapore is definitely a success story and an example of how much one can achieve with hard work and dedication.  The country's territory has consistently expanded through land reclamation and the above beach on Sentosa island it man-made.

Happy birthday, Singapore!

Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost Chair is 13 Years Old

Philippe Starck created one of the most recognisable chairs in the history of interior design when he joined forces with the Kartell in 2002 and brought us the Louis Ghost chair.  It`s winning formula rests on combining a centuries old design, the classic Louis XVI chair, with new material - strong, injection-moulded polycarbonate.

Kartell started manufacturing plastic car accessories in 1940′s Italy, and later moved into making plastic lab equipment, household goods and furniture, in collaboration with artists, like a Paris-born, innovative designer Philippe Starck.

The Louis Ghost is a contemporary chair that references 18th century France, and since the very first model come onto the market, it become a `must-have` accessory if you wanted to add a modern, yet elegant touch to your home or office.

Unfortunately, it quite quickly become so much in vogue, that it lost its uniqueness. I didn`t want to own the same piece of furniture as my neighbours and my friends but I wished to enjoy having it at home.

 

So I went to the Conran Shop which stocks the Louis Ghost original design, and acquired two miniature ones. Made for children, they have the same design aesthetic but because the scale is smaller they look cute, especially when positioned alongside a full-size coffee table. The photo depicts them in the Conran Shop, not in my home.

I am thrilled to own a slice of design history. They are truly beautiful objects!

 

Anja Niemi`s Amazing Exhibition `Darlene and Me`

Today, The Little Black Gallery in London hosted a book signing by one of the most iconic photographers of our times, Norwegian artist Anja Niemi. Her unique concept is based on playing the part of a subject, photographer, stylist and director in all of the images. Above is my favourite, entitled The Backyard, from the current exhibition, Darlene and Me.

The women portrayed by Anja are glamorous, and have coiffed hair and amazing dresses. But looking closer it is clear they display all sort of human traits, often not very desirable like jealousy, or murderous inclinations, like these two, caught up in a heated argument in The Terrace.

The artist explained it takes a combination of several shots to arrive at the final image. And sometimes, her original vision takes an unexpected turn when she discovers an unintentional but particularly effective idea. This photograph was originally planned to include one of the characters floating on the water but took a different turn when Anja realised that the character coming out of the swimming pool (on the right) was more dynamic, and suited the story better.  

We had a chance to see images from three series: Darlene and Me (current) and previously exhibited Starlets (from 2013) and Do Not Disturb. The Secretary – seen above – belongs to a sequence entitled Starlets.

Anja Niemi elegantly captures a woman`s complex relationship with herself, and tells visually inspiring and sometimes somewhat disturbing, but always memorable stories. Today, she signed a limited edition softcover book published by The Little Black Gallery. It features images from her three collections.

Darlene and Me is showing at The Little Black Gallery until 10 March 2015.

 

Alexa Chung for AG Jeans launch at Selfridges

Tonight people came amass to witness the launch of Alexa Chung`s fashion line for AG Jeans at Selfridges` third floor Denim Studio in London. I am wearing a cashmere sweater from Crumpet.

Fresh-faced and relaxed Alexa played a mini-basketball game with fans and answered questions on her favourite S/S15 trend – denim (of course); and her fash haunts – vintage stores in her New York neighbourhood, and – of course – Selfridges.

I didn`t know what to expect from her first British fashion line, which contains 20 pieces, but have to say, was pleasantly surprised. Well-made, sophisticated in their simplicity designs set the tone for the collection. I like this A-line skirt, yours for £180.

And how about a laid-back grey sweatshirt with a slogan? It retails for £150.

My favourite – however – is this soft and fluid dress – yes, denim can be flexible. Love the detailing around the neck – a great juxtaposition of tough-by-nature cloth made into ruffles. Cost - £195. Easy glamour at its best.