Design

On my radar: Fara Homidi Beauty



Fara Homidi Beauty by Zoe Ghertner

Proof that today’s beauty is nothing without branding, this new ‘slow beauty’ make-up launch caught my eye. It’s rare that I’m tempted to buy stuff on Instagram, but this one just hit the spot. Fara Homidi is an NYC make-up artist whose brand Fara Homidi Beauty sits in the Westman Atelier and La Bouche Rouge bracket of ‘clean’ products, superior textures, classic ‘suits-all’ colours and luxe packaging with an anti-hype feel. (more…)



The watch that thinks it’s a necklace



Hermes Kelly sautoir - rose gold - black alligator

‘Secret’ watches are my thing. The Hermès Medor is my favourite, but the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso* is the gold standard.

The story goes that a 1930s businessman and watch collector was tasked with creating a watch for polo players to wear that would withstand the rough and tumble of the game. The result was the sleek JLC Reverso whose case was engineered to flip over to protect the watch face – and back again after the game. 90 years later, there’s a market for mind-bendingly intricate paintings on that smaller-than-postage-stamp caseback, with limited editions models selling for €80,000. (more…)



Shop the post: summer beauty update



Audrey Hepburn Cartier lipstick

I finally made the pilgrimage to Sephora UK! It was good but not as epic as I’d built it up to be. I really like the self-service element – it feels like the only truly self-service beauty store where the advisors aren’t poised to ambush you. And the brand curation is well executed – a good combo of Gen Z buzzy new brands and proven classics. There was a queue, but with literally less than five people in it. (more…)



What to buy from the Grenson summer pop-up



Grenson loafers - Epsom style in yellow

Summer is officially here and with it, loafer and sandal season. My summer uniform is a rotation of dark Levi’s, slim khaki chinos and pleat-front linen trousers – all ankle-cropped and loafer-friendly. For me, loafers have to show some bare ankle or sock; I don’t rate loafers worn with super-long trousers (however trendy they are atm). But loafers with dresses and skirts, with or without socks are a firm yes.

Grenson has a summer pop-up in its east London store and the two-tone Epsom penny loafers are a major highlight. (more…)