Travel

In the Oxford dictionary luxury is defined as  ‘A state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense’. It is a fascinating topic as throughout history it always characterised specific levels of societies all around the world. It manifested itself with very different degrees of expressions depending on territory and accessibility to materials that would intrinsically define the luxurious nature of the products.

Harry and Meghan are due to marry at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on the 19th of May. Meghan Markle is well known as the beautiful Rachel (coincidentally her actual first name) in the legal TV series Suits. Amusingly enough Harry is reported to have mentioned her role in the series as his ideal woman, well before he even met her.

Calcot is a warm and welcoming 14th century country house in the Cotswolds. A cosy, family friendly, spa hotel. They have 35 bedrooms, two restaurants, a large indoor pool, a spa and an exceptional outdoor hot tub with open wood fire. It is set in 220 acres of gorgeous meadows and the ideal place to luxuriate whilst you visit the surrounding areas.

At the end of our luxury tour in the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider we stopped off for lunch at the brand spanking new Ivy Brasserie in Cobham. We’ve been going to the Ivy in London for 30 years and were wondering how they would adapt to this Surrey village.

In a panic about your Christmas shopping? Feeling uninspired? Read on for some of my favourite picks for the festive season:
Warning! If you know you are on the receiving end of my Christmas List please click away now….or risk spoiling your surprise!
For the gals:
Give it a Rest Wash Bag from Liberty London http://www.libertylondon.com/uk/give-it-a-rest-christmas-wash-bag-2017-0...

It’s either a huge oversight, or a stroke of genius to release an independent British film on the same day as Star Wars, and having worked with the effervescent Gary Sinyor last month, and styled him for the London Premiere of his new film, I am convinced it must be the latter.

International Excellence Luxury Magazine photographed the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider at The Devonshire Club in London. This little beauty in yellow drew many admiring glances during the shoot, and was a delight to drive through London even during rush hour.
Our own Yves de Contades photographed the lovely Zavi (Zavinta Karsokaite) from Profile Models, who was a pleasure to work with and strikingly beautiful from every angle.

Being a die-hard shopper with a sharp eye and super-stamina means that when I'm asked what I would like for Christmas, I can very easily provide a list I have been refining almost all year as I am always discovering amazing and lovely new things. In case you are lacking a little inspiration this year, I have done all the hard work for you and put together a curated selection of the top 10 items on my personal wish list:
Diptique Limited Edition Advent Calendar http://bit.ly/2kdznva

What a buzz to attend the London premiere of the new psychological thriller ‘The Unseen’ last week, let alone style two of the films stars and the director!

Flaine is the Vivian Westwood of ski resorts; so it was away with the expected Alpine style which has become so hackneyed across the Alps that it can be suffocating.  Flaine’s style is certainly challenging; conceived in the 1960s, in the era of ‘Brutalist’ architecture which has been so derided by the general public, but loved by minimalist architects and Guardian readers.  Many Brutalist buildings have now been demolished but there is now an undercurrent of recognition for the best of the era.  Flaine, the original part is called Flaine Forum has embraced the movement and has preservation