Golden Age of Venetian Glassmaking

From late 15th century to mid-17^th century Venetian glassmakers were the undisputed tastemakers and trend-setters. I went to the Wallace Collection to hear its curator, Suzanne Higgott`s lunchtime lecture on the `golden age` of Venetian glass. 

Venice was an important maritime power at that time, and their citizens had access to many geographical areas and pure materials for glassmaking, including special pebbles from a local river that allowed them to develop secret techniques that were envied around the world. Nobody else was able to get these materials and the Venetian Republic`s decision to host glassmakers on Murano island, meant they were not easily observed at work, so their secret techniques were safeguarded, adding to the overall mystique and desirability of their products.

A prominent example of the artistic flair displayed by Venetian glassmakers is this pilgrim flask with the arms of Lichtenstein and Reppoltstein, made in Venice in 1523 – 6.

 

One of the unparalleled discoveries was made by Angelo Barovier, who  learnt to purify glass and make it transparent. This bright, completely transparent crystal glass was known as vetro cristallo or cristallo veneziano.

 

Another break-through was made in 1527 by Filippo Catani who patented zanfirico or retorti filigree, which allowed glassmakers apply fine milky white canes to a transparent cristallo glass and twist them in a spiral pattern.

I adore this vetro a filigrana glass , made in Venice in late 16th century.

 

The glassmakers of Murano were very entrepreneurial and were producing different designs for different markets. At the height of their popularity, they were making amazing artefacts for crowned heads, popes and the leading businessmen of the time.

 

The demand for Venetian glass became so big, that by the end of the 16th century a number of glassmakers began migrating across European cities and slowly but surely, Venice had lost its ability to keep the technical skills secret and as a result lost its exclusivity and monopoly.

Three A/W2015 Trends You Can Wear Right Now

If you are looking for transitional wardrobe staples, to ease you into Autumn/Winter 2015 styles, here are three trends that can be easily adopted straight away:

Monochrome was big on A/W2015 catwalks, being shown by – among others – Emilio Pucci (black and white graphic dresses complemented by monochrome boots) and Louis Vuitton (long-sleeved, belted dresses paired with booties).

Create simple contrasts to achieve a similar look. I am wearing a dress by Versace and a bag from Marc Jacobs.

 

A new take on pretty pink in A/W2015 collections re-positioned the colour by offering strong, modern silhouettes, such as structural suits at Prada, or theatrical, vividly-coloured dresses at Giorgio Armani.

My Mulberry dress and fur gilet are more stylish than saccharine and fully embrace this new trend.

 

The accentuated waist was the undisputed hero of many A/W2015 shows. Roksanda, Versace and Tommy Hilfiger adorned their belts with massive, shiny buckles, while Giles showcased cute bow-belts. Time to restart our exercise regimes as cinched, hourglass figure is back in vogue again.

I am wearing a Michael Kors dress, girded by Escada belt.

Charlotte Olympia`s New Boutique in London

Charlotte Olympia Dellal, a British shoe and accessories designer opened her second stand-alone boutique in London`s Brompton Cross three weeks ago. It is situated across the road from Chanel`s store and just a short walking distance from Slone Square. Harrods is within its vicinity. After making Mayfair her first go-to address, this is just a perfect locale for a fast-growing, and successful brand that counts many celebrities and sophisticates as its aficionados.

The bijou space is stocked up with the brand`s colourful, fun-loving and exquisitely made shoes and accessories.

That includes a special collection designed and sold in the cities the designer had opened her boutiques in. So in London`s store, there are T-bar shoes featuring typically British uniformed guards…..

….. and clutches that depict a red double-decker and a black taxi. Themed-collections are also stocked in other cities like Las Vegas and Miami.

The accessories are complemented by quirky accents that are scattered around the space, such as this hungry beast…..

……and orchids that have Charlotte`s face embossed on each flower – cute and original.

My favourites are bags named after film stars like Bogart, Gable and Newman. The designer thought – quite rightly – that every fashionista needed a super-star on her arm; hence she named the bags after famous actors. Bogart has attachable gloves….

……while Newman sports an unusual handle.

Everything in here is about attention to detail, from little combs hidden in internal pockets of many handbags, to champagne being offered to clients on arrival.

 

The designer`s first footwear collection was presented during London Fashion Week in February 2008. Since then she took the world by storm, creating a desire for idiosyncratic, well-designed and cheerful accessories that make the wearer stand out from the crowd, no matter how grand the gathering is.

Crabwall Manor Hotel and Spa in Chester

Crabwall Manor Hotel and spa is situated on the outskirts of Chester, and is set within 11-acres of mature gardens and attractive grounds. My husband and I arrived there just after midnight and were pleasantly surprised to see a stunning entrance through the Clock Tower.

The manor house was a gift from William the Conqueror to his nephew in 1077. The red brick frontage and turrets have been completed later, in 1600.

There are still some original features to be found and many are complemented by stylish décor including this plush, vividly-coloured carpet.

There is a spa and a swimming pool within the hotel but we only stayed there for a short time – otherwise gallivanting with friends in Chester – so had to postpone having treatments until future visits. Instead, we enjoyed this peaceful courtyard…….

……..and brick-walled interiors.

Our bedroom and even a bathroom were big enough to ride bicycles in, and were tastefully decorated without the clutter of unnecessary trinkets and ornaments I sometimes see in hotels of this calibre.

This Grade II listed building was refurbished 18 months ago, to aid comfortable stay for leisure or for business.