luxury

Written in the stars



Personalised Valentine's gifts from Smythson

Just when did astrology get so fashionable? Let’s not question it. If you’re a fan, you’ll be interested to know about these personalisation gift ideas from two of my favourite luxury brands for Valentine’s Day (and beyond).

Smythson Written in the stars astrology signs

A couple of weeks ago I got to meet the fabulous Shelley von Strunckel at Smythson in Bond Street, where she gave a talk about astrology to introduce Smythson’s new collection of zodiac sign motifs. (more…)



Perfect pairing: sweater + sunnies



Perfect pairing Cutler & Gross eyewear and Barrie knitwear

Is it sunglasses weather yet? Well kind of, I mean, hello, Fashion Week! Spring is really not that far off, so I’m going right ahead and busting out my sunnies anyway. Because they protect from wind and rain too, right?

Plus, we all know there’s no such thing as seasons any more, it’s basically summer and winter everywhere, all the time. So in the spirit of winter-to-spring dressing, I’m wearing my new Cutler & Gross 0734 sunnies (I’ve always wanted round sunglasses) with an ultra-cosy Barrie cashmere sweater, accompanied by the warming scent of Nasomatto’s Pardon (tonka bean meets sandalwood meets oud) and just the teeniest smudge of Bobbi Brown Liquid Face Highlighter. (more…)



Oh la la Lesage



inside Lesage couture embroidery studio with Chanel

“There is only one person who knows how to make this piece; this lady has been working here for thirty years.” This, and many other such factoids are the type of geeky nugget one gobbles up on a visit to the Lesage couture embroidery workshops on the outskirts of Paris. On an industrial estate that’s a step up from your average (think sun-dappled and tree-dotted), it’s where the hands of dedicated embroiderers stitch and bead Chanel’s finest couture showpieces. (more…)