Weekly News

6th February – 29th July in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

To celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee, Fortnum & Mason is proud to launch the QEST Crafting Excellence Selling exhibition, from February 6th - July 29th 2012.

In 2012, Fortnum & Mason invites The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust to showcase the work of 32 carefully selected scholars. Based on the 1st floor, it will include skills ranging from millinery, glass blowing, sculpture, leather design and many more. The exhibition will filter throughout the store, outreaching to all departments, highlighting and celebrating Fortnum & Mason's on-going commitment to supporting artisans and inspirational craftsmanship.

All scholars are exceptional within their chosen field, instantly evident from the range of beautifully created pieces that will be available to purchase within store. From the enchanting stained glass pictures depicting scenes from Alice in Wonderland to the striking headpieces fashioned from silk and tulle including Fortnum & Mason’s trademark Eau De Nil chocolate box, these pieces are truly inspiring works of art. For those that are looking to make a statement in the home, however large or small, there is something for all, from the life-size boar expertly crafted from wicker, to tea caddies embossed using traditional gun engraving technique, the spectrum of choice is wonderfully diverse.

In addition to the selling exhibition, Fortnum's calendar will present a range of engaging demonstrations and events and will include a Valentine’s special, where calligrapher Davina Chapman will create your personalised handwritten messages for loved ones, afternoon tea featuring James Hamill’s gourmet honey during Honey Week and a talk by the scholar on his passion of beekeeping since the age of 5, and plans to relieve symptoms for of hay fever with his honey based food products. Come summertime, and an evening entitled ‘A Quest for a Hat’ the milliner scholars will leave you inspired just in time for summer weddings and Royal Ascot season.

Fortnum & Mason also plans to host two very special commission evenings, where customers will have the incredible opportunity to meet with the scholars, and order one off bespoke pieces, crafted specifically to tailored personal requests. With so many different style crafts to choose from, it will be a one of its kind event, where customers can purchase a completely unique gift, or investment piece for their home.

With Fortnum & Mason’s established reputation for supporting and nurturing producers who respect time, tradition and create with care and incredible attention to detail, it is honoured to collaborate with QEST in its aims to further British craftsmanship. In this very Royal year, Fortnum & Mason will be supporting QEST's Diamond Jubilee Fundraising Appeal - which hopes to raise sufficient funds to double the rate of scholarships they award each year, through donations from ticket sales to the various Fortnum & Mason QEST breakfast and evening events throughout the exhibition period.
www.qest.org.uk

MARMALADE DREAMS: GET IN THE MOOD FOR NATIONAL MARMALADE WEEK.
Thursday 19 January at 2pm
Join us for the first in our Marvellous Marmalade season of events. This workshop – in the Demonstration Kitchen, First Floor – concentrates on
making marvellous marmalade with Jane Hasell-McCosh, founder of the World Original Marmalade Competition and Festival and Jane Maggs from Wild & Fruitful. They will demonstrate the art and craft of marmalade making, in plenty of time for you to enter the competition. If you win, Fortnum’s chefs will make your marmalade and sell it in the store. Now that’s a sweet prize. If you would rather taste than make, you will have the opportunity to try Fortnum’s very own– and highly delicious - orange and whisky marmalade. To enter please visit www.fortnumandmason.com.

The Times presents Destinations: The Holiday & Travel Show, will celebrate its 18th birthday with even more events, incredible choice of exhibitors, expert advice and exclusive offers. The Show will be held at Earls Court, London from Thursday, February 2 to Sunday, February 5, 2012 and is your chance to find the perfect destination for your next trip.

There will be over 72 hours of entertainment over four days at the Show, so what better way to escape a grey February day in London without actually getting on a plane?

Wander around the Show and find the perfect trip for you by talking to hundreds of leading and independent travel companies, many of which are offering exclusive travel offers only available at the Show. It's simply a great chance to get one-on-one expert advice.

There will be two theatres playing host to travel personalities, celebrities and experts, who will share their travel experiences with you. You will no doubt be hearing inspiring travel stories from around the world and meet some of the most fascinating personalities, who you usually just see on TV.

Speakers include distinguished broadcaster and journalist Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, Marine Biologist and TV presenter Monty Halls, broadcaster and journalist Kate Humble, Bang Goes the Theory's Liz Bonnin, Historians and Father & Son TV presenter duo Peter & Dan Snow, Architectural Historian and TV presenter Dan Cruickshank and world-record breaking adventurer Dave Cornthwaite There will also be expert panel sessions with a host of industry experts on Travel Writing, Responsible Travel, Career Breaks, Going Solo and Gap Year Breaks.

For the first time, there will also be a new feature for all photo enthusiasts – the Amateur Photographer Travel Photography Theatre, which will cover all aspects of travel photography. Join the experts for free masterclasses including “Top tips to improve your travel photography”, “Inspiration for making your pictures 'different'”, and advice on essential equipment and accessories that should definitely be in your hand luggage.

Once you have learned a few new tricks, get more inspiration in the Wanderlust Travel Photo of the Year Competition Gallery. Admire the shortlisted photos – winners will be announced at the Show.

Don't forget to visit the World Entertainment Stage, where you can enjoy some spectacular entertainment from around the globe.

• You can not only SEE some fantastic performances, but also join in. Learn to dance like a Ballroom star, play a range of cultural instruments or learn the steps to a famous Bollywood number. Be inspired by Indonesian dance, Japanese Taiko drums or Argentine Tango. • You can also TOUCH and create some traditional African jewellery, learn about the art of Henna from India and mask making from Peru, giving you valuable insights into traditional crafts and learning skills from the experts. There will also be a new Made in UK arts and crafts section.

• What would the Show be without a chance to actually TASTE some of the delicacies and drinks from the seven continents though? Watch the entertaining entrepreneur and celebrity chef Levi Roots demonstrate his passionate Caribbean cookery skills, enjoy wine from local vineyards and taste the East with mouth watering Thai food.

If that's not enough, we have a special area for all animal lovers – Tropical Inc Ltd., the UK's largest educational animal company will be exhibiting a wide range of exotic animals from snakes and creepy crawlies to parrots and meerkats.

Our official Show charity, Stuff your Rucksack (www.stuffyourrucksack.com) is a UK based charitable website conceptualised by broadcaster and journalist Kate Humble. It helps responsible travellers to make a practical difference to the lives of under-privileged people in developing countries and there will be a feature wall where you can find out what small things you can take on your 2012 travels to do your part.

And if you would like to do more for charity, please bring your old mobile phone to Destinations and volunteer organisation, Camara, will recycle it and raise money to promote education in African communities. So you are not just doing something good, but you will also have a chance to win a holiday, courtesy of On the Go Tours.

Times of the talks can be found on http://www.destinationsshow.com/london/meet-the-experts-theatre/ - booking is not required

For further information on the Show, please visit www.destinationsshow.com Follow the Show on Twitter - @Destinationshow

Location: Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London SW5 9TA Fair Hours: Thursday 2 February 10am - 5:30pm. Friday 3, Saturday 4, Sunday 5 February 10am – 5:30pm
Admission Prices / Tickets: Tickets are for sale on the door for £12. Please note: Children under 12 go free.

Uniting the passion and eccentricity of the Year of the Dragon personality with the innovation and quality of Cross, the new special edition Year of the Dragon Pen Collection breathes new fire into the world of writing instruments.

Cross has been designing exquisite pens for over 160 years and the Year of the Dragon Collection is no exception, designed to be used and displayed with pride. The pens are decorated with a beautiful dragon design, deeply etched into 23ct gold plated high gloss lacquer, hand polished in Red or Black – Chinese culture says that red represents good luck and gold good fortune, the most popular combination of colours for celebration and happiness. Each pen is presented is a luxurious gift box with removable display cradle.

Hot on the heels of the growing trend for revivalism, the art of handwriting is returning as we reminisce and revive nostalgic styles and traditions, so there is a real calling for accessories with longevity and style – enter the Cross Year of the Dragon Collection.

As with all Cross writing instruments, the Year of the Dragon Collection comes with a lifetime mechanical guarantee. The Collection is available in ball point (£200 RRP), rolling ball (£250 RRP) and fountain pen with solid 18ct gold nib (£300 RRP) in Red and Black lacquer finishes.

The Cross Year of the Dragon Collection is available from www.cross-pens.eu or at all good stores including Selfridges, Harrods, Goldsmiths and The Pen Shop. For stockist information please call 01582 422793 or visit www.cross-pens.eu

QVC CARES THIS CHRISTMAS
QVC cares is an entire day that QVC donates to high profile brands to help them drive awareness of, and raise vital funds, for their chosen charity partners.

QVC will dedicate special airtime for brands to promote important information about their charities and help raise much needed money through product sales and donations. Luxury brands including Elemis, Lola Rose, Prai, Kipling, Invicta and Lulu Guinness will all donate a percentage of their net profits to charity.

Tune in to QVC cares on Tuesday 20th December 2011 and help raise money for worthwhile causes while treating yourself to special gifts from your favourite brands. There may even be a few celebrities dropping by the QVC studios to show their support...

Online at: www.qvcuk.com
Direct orders: 0800 50 40 30

Breakthrough Breast Cancer has launched an exciting digital Christmas campaign encouraging everybody to turn a snowflake pink for someone they love.

This year the leading breast cancer charity is giving everybody - mums, dads, friends and colleagues -the chance to be part of a new and exciting pink snowstorm by taking to Facebook, to Send a Snowflake.

In the midst of Christmas shopping, decorating the tree and buying the turkey we all find time to log in and check up on our friends’ recent activity. Once you’ve tagged photos, commented on status updates and ticked a few likes, you can visit Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s snowdrift and send one of the unique snowflakes to someone special this Christmas.

It’s free to do and the snowflakes can be sent to anyone - whether it’s a friend living in Australia, the world’s best mum or even a beloved pet, you can show your love this Christmas and turn the season pink. It may simply be a gift to brighten up someone’s day or a chance to share a sentimental message - a personal note can be included when sending the snowflake, which once sent will turn from white to pink.
It’s free to do and Breakthrough Breast Cancer is urging everybody to sprinkle a few flakes and show their support, if you’d like to send a snowflake and get the big pink snowball rolling visit http://pinksnowflake.breakthrough.org.uk

PIROUETTE INTO CHRISTMAS WITH REPETTO AT THE GRAND HOTEL DE BORDEAUX & SPA

The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa, Bordeaux’s luxury Palace hotel, will be celebrating the upcoming festive season with a unique collaboration with Repetto, France’s original ballet brand and favourite flat to the stars, to design a magical Christmas Tree.

Reflecting the same values of elegance and synonymous with impeccable style and cultural heritage, The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa are delighted to announce their Repetto Christmas Tree this 2011. Repetto will dress the Christmas Tree in the lobby, at the heart of the hotel, with a beautiful ballet theme to create an enchanting centrepiece for hotel guests and local Bordelais clientele to enjoy.

An ode to the art and décor of ballet, the impressive Christmas Tree will be sprinkled with enchanting Repetto touches and fairy-tale trinkets including pink and black satin ballet shoes, golden medals and Repetto-wrapped presents! Situated in La Place de La Comédie square overlooking Le Grand Théâtre, The Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa was designed by Victor Louis in the 18th century, the same architect who created the renowned opera house three years earlier. Their neo-classical facades offer a mirror effect across the square. Repetto’s Bordeaux boutique is located a stone’s throw from the hotel on the Cours de L'Intendance.

Madame Rose Repetto first created her ballet shoe in 1947 for her son in a tiny workshop near to the National Opera of Paris, and her ballet slippers have gone on to be worn by dancing greats from Kirov to Cendrillon, and have become much-loved by glamorous leading ladies, including Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and Kate Moss. Repetto ballet shoes are displayed in the Selfridges’ shoe galleries.

The Repetto Christmas Tree was unveiled on 18 November 2011.
Rates for a superior room at The Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa start from €464, including daily breakfast. BA flies from London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester to Bordeaux daily.

“CHRISTMAS IN WONDERLAND” AT HOTEL MÉTROPOLE MONTE-CARLO

In celebration of the upcoming festive season, Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo will be transformed into the playful world of Alice in Wonderland, from 25 November 2011 until 6 January 2012.

“Miss Rose”, Hotel Métropole’s highly talented in-house stylist and florist, will create a “Christmas in Wonderland” theme inside the hotel, inspired by the famous Lewis Carroll tale. With both a twist of modernity and tradition, Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo will welcome guests for Christmas, New Year’s Eve and festive weekend breaks in the Principality, with this magical theme.

A huge Christmas tree will be designed with a dual colour theme of powder pink and lime green, and embellished with golden touches, rock candies, giant biscuits and pocket watches, setting the scene from the moment guests’ step inside the lobby. The imaginary world of Alice in Wonderland will be subtly and elegantly created in all the public areas, including The Bar, the Restaurant Joël Robuchon Monte-Carlo, and Yoshi, Joël Robuchon’s first Japanese restaurant.

“Tea Time in Wonderland”, the Mad Hatter’s favourite hour of the day, will be a true treat for children and adults alike, served in an enchanting atmosphere. Delicacies of cakes, pastries and sweets created by Head Pastry Chef Patrick Mesiano will be showcased on a colourfully decorated trolley, and served with a choice of the finest Ronnefeldt teas. Furthermore, candyfloss will adorn the lobby, as well as a oversized chair where children are invited to pose for souvenir photographs, a symbol from the classic novel.

For an aperitif or epicure moment, Head Barman Eddy Montana will create a selection of Christmas in Wonderland-inspired cocktails for both adult and younger guests. Adults will be able to savour the “Wonderland” cocktail, priced at €24, made from fresh lychees, vodka and a strawberry foam, while children can enjoy their own “Tiger Lily” mocktail, priced at €18, with a Tagada strawberry base, apple juice and lychee infusion, home-made lemonade, decorated with popular French animated character Barbapapa.

An Alice in Wonderland-inspired playroom where younger guests can delve into a world of card games, croquet and storytellers, as well as video games, an electric train circuit and reading area will complete their Hotel Métropole experience, allowing parents to take advantage of the hotel’s superb facilities.“Stay in Wonderland” at Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo A “Stay in Wonderland” includes:

•Joël Robuchon breakfast • Bottle of house Champagne on arrival • VIP “Christmas in Wonderland” welcome • Children’s treats, including an Alice in Wonderland story-book, teddy-bear, marshmallows and fresh
juices • Priority access to the Alice in Wonderland-inspired playroom •Afternoon tea in the lobby lounge

http://www.metropole.com/en/home

Looking for Christmas Inspiration? Here in plenty of time for Christmas shopping, is our Christmas Issue. We have selected some fabulous companies from our Directory, to include in this issue to help you with your choices. We have exciting new companies joining us all the time. Everyone who is listed with us is normally featured in our magazines throughout the year, so also take time to browse the Directory if your favourite isn’t in this issue. As well as suggestions for gifts, we also feature some delightful books in this issue, either to read, or to give to others. We also have in our main site a collection of special discount offers for Christmas. If you are looking to do something different in 2012, we have inspiring interviews with people who have changed career, or have taken a new direction. As this is our last online magazine for 2011 we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to both the magazine and to our newsletters, to our loyal clients for supporting us and to you our readers, who continue to give us such positive feedback. There will be newsletters right up to Christmas, but in advance we wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and happy 2012! Kaye, Louise & the whole Hot Brands, Cool Places Team xxx www.hotbrandscoolplaces.com Click here or on the image to access the magazine

LE CAPRICE CELEBRATES 30 ICONIC YEARS
As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, Le Caprice has partnered with leading music personalities to create an exclusive collector’s edition music book. The collection of sheet music features classic songs for the piano, the centre piece of Le Caprice.

Along with an introduction from Jools Holland, artists including Sir Paul McCartney, Gary Barlow, Coldplay and Skin have each chosen a favourite classic song that has been scored for the piano to add to the music book. Their song and personal commentary will be printed in the limited edition book, only 200 copies of which will be printed and sold at Le Caprice for £200 each. Proceeds will go to War Child, a charity long associated with the music industry.

“In my life I have been very fortunate as music has fascinated and brought me more joy than almost anything. I hope this book may do the same for you... play what you love, love what you play and love the people you’re playing it to.” – Jools Holland.

To celebrate the success of the restaurant over the last three decades, Le Caprice has undergone a design refresh. The update honours the restaurant’s signature style with a black marble floor, new windows and pristine, re-imagined bar. The timeless monochrome interior has been maintained, along with such elements as the timeless David Bailey photographs adorning the walls. Additionally, a terrace has been added for guests to enjoy alfresco dining in the bustling centre of St James’s.
Jesus Adorno, Director of Le Caprice, comments: “I’ve been at Le Caprice for 30 years, starting out as a waiter. The restaurant seems to evoke passion amongst both its staff and customers. I’ve witnessed first dates to marriage proposals to golden wedding anniversaries. The first 30 years have been remarkable – here’s to the next 30!”

LE CAPRICE
Arlington House, Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RJ
www.le-caprice.co.uk
Reservations: 020 7629 2239

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LONDON CALLING - LA - THE LONDON EMERGING ART SCENE HITS ORANGE COUNTY CENTER FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
December 21, 2011 – January 12, 2012

This December, an intrepid group of emerging Contemporary British Artists from London’s Debut Contemporary exhibit in LA at The Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA) - known to present cutting-edge artwork since 1980.

The roster of artists reads like a who’s who of the young, UK art scene with involvement from Rosie Emerson, Tahnee Lonsdale and Agnetha Sjogren, amongst others. The incredibly talented artists have a wide number of achievements amongst them including Nicola Anthony who has received exhibition sponsorship from Tate Britain, had pieces shown at Tate Modern; Tinsel Edwards who has both Saatchi and Banksy as collectors of her work; and Rosie Emerson who recently exhibited at The Southbank Centre as part of The Women of The World Festival, Somerset House, as well as being featured in Vogue.

Selected by OCCCA Executive Directors and Curators, the flavour is undeniably British. It centres around the culture and vibrancy of the London and LA scenes, with works such as 'Benji' by Victoria Heald which references a pose taken from Antonioni's iconic 1966 film 'Blow-Up' - the epitome of 1960s 'Swinging London'.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about this collective is that in our climate of limited art funding, the artists have taken it upon themselves to promote and raise the profile of the London Art scene overseas. They are working collaboratively to come up with creative solutions, opposing the diminution of diversity in art, and extending the reach of UK arts: Fundraising to get as many of the talented artists to LA as possible, to be true ambassadors of the London art scene. They are empowering themselves to create their own opportunities. Find out more on their fundraising platform and Etsy art shop.

The Debut Contemporary artists were invited to show at OCCCA - having been discovered by their Head of Outreach, Joella March at a unique alternative LA Art Fair which they were showcased at during September 2011, alongside some of LA’s leading artists, curators and art industry heavyweights. During September, the artists attracted attention from the likes of LACE of Hollywood Boulevard and MOCA amongst other galleries from the buzzing Los Angeles art scene.
Samir Ceric, Director of London’s Debut Contemporary notes passionately, “I feel this is just the beginning of a very exciting project which has come out of this unique way of collaborating between Debut Artists and art professionals in the industry... One of Debut's very important roles is to serve as conduits of information and opportunities between the Debut collective and community and the art world at large.”

Indiegogo Fundraising platform
Find more of their work in the fundraising Etsy art shop