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JANE PACKER LAUNCHES HER NEW FRAGRANCE COLLECTION
This October, International Floral Designer Jane Packer launches her new Fragrance Collection, consisting of 5 contrasting fragrances, all inspired by the myriad of flowers she has worked with over the last two decades.
Jane Packer believes that just as we would buy a new outfit or adorn ourselves with a precious accessory, we choose a special fragrance to complete our wardrobe. She also believes that women want their fragrance to reflect their personality.
Jane Packer had dreamed of creating her own fragrance for a long time and as a child, being fascinated by flowers, she would try and produce her own fragrances from the petals collected from her garden. Similarly Jane Packer has spent many hours finding the right blends for all of the five fragrances in her new Fragrance Collection, from the initial inception, to the ultimate fruition, Jane Packer has been instrumental in its development every step of the way.
After one year, the final result being beautiful fragrances that she is proud to wear – a Fragrance Collection that will appeal to all. There are five fragrances, each of which represents different moods, or characters, developed individually and motivated by Jane’s love of flowers. The unique bottle and cap combination make them desirable objects for any dressing table.
The Jane Packer Fragrance Collection consists of a beautifully packaged Fragrance, Body Cream and Bath Milk, which are divided into 5 inspiring scents:
· Red Roses, Black Violet, Cyclamen
· Gardenia, Cedar Wood, Patchouli
· Iris, Jasmine, Sandalwood
· Green Orchid, Vetiver, Lemon Grass
· Fig, Sandalwood, Amber
The Jane Packer Collection will launch exclusively on 1st October at her flagship store in New Cavendish Street and online at http://www.janepacker.com. From 15th October, the range will also be available in leading department stores. An international roll out to New York, Tokyo, Seoul and worldwide will follow thereafter.
VROOM VROOM: CAR BOOT SUCCESS!Lily Allen and Mary Portas recently launched Britain's brightest car boot fair at Westfield London and naturally, Mary's Living & Giving Shop was there - with wheels on! In just six days of trading alongside cars from the likes of Reiss, TopShop and Storm Models, we raised over £4,000 for Save the Children. That's enough money to construct two springs in Ethiopia, providing clean drinking water for 1,000 families.
Mary's team (in particular Richard Danks) did an amazing job of making our car look spectacular with vintage trunks and mannequins piled high on the roof and designer products galore spilling from the boot. '”If your first thought of a car boot sale is rummaging around second-hand boxes full of chipped crockery, searching for one purchasable gem, think again. Our car had vintage Chanel handbags, new Ralph Lauren dresses reduced from £3,000 to £300, Tom Ford sunglasses, wallets and clutches from one of USA’s celebrity favourite accessory brand Hobo International and a selection of amazing items from some of the hottest designers in London including: Monica Vinader, Tatty Devine, Loulou Loves You, Amanda Fatherazi, Rob Ryan and Sarah Hough. Not to mention signed copies of the new book about fashion icon Isabella Blow,' says Mary's Living & Giving Brand Manager, Paul Hunwick.
Special thanks to Westfield London for inviting us to be part of such an extraordinary event, all the kind-hearted designers that donated, Linda Simmons-Mason and her amazing team of volunteers who made sure the event ran smoothly and profitably; and of course, huge thanks to our wonderful customers who make fundraising for Save the Children such a joy.
http://www.livingandgiving.co.uk/
www.westfield.com/london
To donate items prior to or after the event, please visit
Mary’s Living & Giving Shop
177 Westbourne Grove
London, W11 2SB
For more information about the amazing work of Save the Children, please visit: www.savethechildren.org.uk
DONNA KARAN INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES A ONE CLICK, TWO WORLDS NEW MEDIA ECOMMERCE EXPERIENCE FOR DONNA KARAN NEW YORK AND DKNY
Launched September 28, 2010
“Donna Karan New York and DKNY have always embraced the two sides of New York City—a limousine and a taxi, caviar and pizza.This e–commerce site brings you both in one place. More than a place to shop, it’s a complete brand experience, where commerce meets content with the style and energy of New York City.”–Donna Karan
One site, two very engaging New York shopping experiences. Donna Karan International’s new ecommerce website, invites you to shop and explore both Donna Karan New York and DKNY from wherever you are.
A visitor can enter either donnakaran.com or dkny.com, where commerce and new media are seamlessly woven together. The visitor can shop, learn more, or explore the many editorial tie–ins without ever leaving the page. The sites share centralized customer service and a shopping cart.
Not only is it one–stop shopping for all things Donna Karan New York and DKNY, the site travels New York City offering exclusive & original content, social initiatives, philanthropic forums and insider privileges. It launches domestically September 20th.
“This website is a powerful tool in the fastest growing segment in luxury”, says Mark Weber, Chairman and CEO of Donna Karan International.
“We are excited about the potential of this site to give customersgreater access to both of our brands and our ability to use it to further expand our businesses. this initiative will provide a platform for direct and distinctive communication with our current customers while expanding interest to new people who want to embrace the brands.”
DONNA KARAN NEW YORK
Clothes, style and content “For A Woman By a Woman.”
CONTENT- DONNA’S SYSTEM OF DRESSING
Donna presents the why and how of her must-haves of the season
WOMEN WHO INSPIRE
A philanthropic forum profiling women from around the world and the charities close to their hearts. Visitors to the site will have the opportunity to learn about different organizations and contribute online directly to those causes.Fans of the page will also be able to nominate their own “Woman Who Inspires”through http://www.facebook.com/donnakarannewyork and ultimately vote
for the most inspiring woman, who will receive a $10,000 donation to her cause.
DONNA’S JOURNAL
Love, Love, Love: Donna Karan’s personal picks for things she can’t live without DK Talk : Donna Karan interviews VIP fans of the brand
DK Travel: Donna’s recent travel adventures and recommendations Ask Donna: Got a question for Donna? This is the place to ask…
CONTESTS
A Launch Celebration “enter-to-win” $10,000 Donna Karan wardrobe DKNY New York style and culture—of–the–moment and up–to–the–minute.
THE DKNY TIMES CONTENT
– The return of DKNY’s classic newspaper format, featuring trends and user-generated NYC street photography
– An exclusive, first-ever project in association with the publishers of New York magazine, including:
• a selection of cultural recommendations throughout the city from nymag.com
• a daily blog updated four times a day
• advice on what to wear after you decide where to go, or vice versa; where-to-go content will be derived from listings on nymag.com
– User-generated content, from essays to photographs
– Live feed—DKNY PR Girl on Twitter (@dkny)
– Facebook link and contests
SITE EXCLUSIVES COMMON TO BOTH BRANDS:
• Art of Design : The story behind the must-have items: inspiration, construction insights or styling tips
• Press Highlights which provides a direct shopping link to a featured product
• Fashion show videos and backstage highlights
• Behind the scenes of advertising campaigns
• Where , Why , What and When : Upcoming Events
PUFFIN PARTNERS WITH GUARDIAN.CO.UK IN EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER CLASSICS CHARITY AUCTION
Puffin is to auction six, numbered, limited edition and signed Designer Classics for charity. Guardian.co.uk will conduct the auction from Thursday 30th September and it will run for 10 days. All the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the Guardian and AMREF’s Ugandan development project, Katine www.guardian.co.uk/katine
The Designer Puffin Classics are six classics chosen and re-imagined by some of today’s best-known cultural figures and designers from the worlds of architecture, fashion, arts and books, celebrating Puffin's 70th anniversary. Retailing at £100 each, the books come packaged in an engraved perspex slipcase. The complete Number 2 set has been signed by the relevant designer. Only 1000 of each were produced and all hand-numbered - they are selling out fast!
The signed books include:
James and the Giant Peach designed by sculptor Antony Gormley
Little Women designed by fashion designer Orla Kiely
Oliver Twist designed by artist Sir Peter Blake
The Secret Garden designed by author and illustrator, Lauren Child
Treasure Island designed by architect and sculptor Frank Gehry
Around the World in Eighty Days designed by architect David Adjaye
The auction will start at 8pm on Thursday 30th September and close at 8pm on Sunday 10th October UK time. Opening bid £300, with a reserve of £1,000.
http://guardian.co.uk/books
MASTERCHEF LIVE RETURNS FOR 2010 WITH CELEBRITY WINNER, LISA FAULKNER
Following the hugely successful debut last year, MasterChef Live returns to London’s Olympia from 12th to 14th November with this year’s Celebrity MasterChef Winner, Lisa Faulkner attending, it was announced recently.
Lisa will make her first MasterChef Live appearance. Judge Gregg Wallace said: “If you’ve been enjoying watching Celebrity MasterChef, you’ll love to see Lisa cook in front of a live audience – she’s a fantastic cook and she is a must see for any MasterChef fan. Cooking live doesn’t get tougher than this!”
The show is a must-visit for all foodies and fans of MasterChef. The focus for MasterChef Live will be on entertainment, great food and experiences including the unique opportunity to have-a-go in interactive workshops and the iconic Invention Test. Visitors will be able to watch theatre sessions hosted by John Torode and Gregg Wallace and pick up tips from demonstrations by past winners or dine at the MasterChef Pop Up Restaurant to savour some of the infamous MasterChef dishes.
On top of the amazing line up of MasterChef content there is a vast choice of delicious food and drink to taste and try and wealth of expertise on offer. TV’s Rick Stein and James Martin will be cooking live at the show in the Chefs’ Theatre sponsored by Sainsbury’s. Rick will be focusing on some of his favourite cuisine from Malaysia and James will be giving top tips on creating great dishes for winter entertaining.
Once again MasterChef Live will be home to London’s finest indoor farmers’ market – showcasing over 120 producers from all over the UK. Slow Food, Great Taste and foodies favourite Foodloversbritain.com will all have a collection of the very best producers of artisan food and drink.
New this year, MasterChef Live runs alongside The Wine Show where you can learn how to pick out the perfect wines in tasting sessions at the Drinks Tasting Theatre sponsored by Liebherr with celebrity experts including Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin.
John Torode said: “This is the most exciting food event in London, not just for MasterChef fans – although they’ll love it – but for anyone who loves food and cooking. You can meet producers, go shopping for the food, watch demonstrations and then go home and try out new recipes yourself.”
Key features at MasterChef Live include:
The Invention Test sponsored by Plenty - where aspiring MasterChefs can have a go in a live version of the test, preparing a dish from a list of given ingredients to see if they’ve got what it takes to be a MasterChef. Previous MasterChef finalists and winners will help guide visitors along the way and recommend the most impressive dishes that John and Gregg should taste and judge.
MasterChef Cook-offs see champions from previous series compete head-to-head in the Chefs’ Theatre sponsored by Sainsbury’s. James Nathan, Dhruv Baker and Mat Follas will all be there across the three days competing against each other.
MasterChef Appearances and Demos in the Chefs’ Theatre are your chance to see the legendary Michel Roux Jr prepare his classic dish from Le Gavroche – Omelette Rothschild, while John Torode and Gregg Wallace will be teaching you how to make the perfect three-course lunch – crab omelette, the perfect steak with béarnaise sauce with a sticky toffee pudding to complete the menu.
The Restaurant Experience sponsored by Hardys will house the MasterChef Pop-Up Restaurant alongside some of London’s top eateries (including, Roast, Blue Elephant and Theo Randall at the Intercontinental.) The MasterChef Pop-Up is a new addition to the immensely popular Restaurant Experience and will be serving a dish from each of the four 2010 series winners.
The Great Taste Awards have their fabulous Tasting Theatre where Nigel Bardon and Bob Farrand from the Guild of Fine Food present a range of products, teaching you how to taste the standard required to obtain a gold standard accolade. Gold star producers will be alongside them so you can purchase your favourite gold star produce.
Slow Food UK returns to the show for 2010 - the inspirational organisation that believes food is a common language and that good, clean, environmentally respectful and fair food is a universal right.
Foodloversbritain.com Fair is where you will find the best of local and regional food and drink producers.
To buy tickets for MasterChef Live which also includes entry to The Wine Show, call 0844 581 1361 or visit www.mastercheflive.com
Tickets prices cost from £20.50 with special packages including tickets with Theatre seats costing from £26.50; from £52.00 for the Perfect Dining and Shopping Experience; £68.50 for the Invention Test package; and £90 for the Ultimate VIP Package.
BELGRAVIA CELEBRATES ELIZABETH STREET UNVEILING
29 September 2010 Elizabeth Street’s transformation was unveiled last night by His Grace, the Duke of Westminster, with a truly spectacular tea party. The celebration marked the re-opening of this beautiful street after several months of intensive construction work. The innovative new street scheme was highlighted during the evening by fashion shows and a vintage taxi parade.
The Duke of Westminster unveiled the remodelled street last night, to around 700 guests, made up of retailers and local residents, at a party to thank them for their patience and support during these improvements. His Grace was joined on stage by Councillor Robert Davis, deputy leader of Westminster City Council, who added his thanks to those involved.
His Grace commented while unveiling the street: “For me, Elizabeth Street is a perfect example of a neighbourhood street. This is not a cosmetic makeover; it has involved a substantial reconstruction of the street, using high quality materials to make a lasting change for the better. It is a long term investment for the whole community – to enhance the appearance and improve the street – and I am confident this completed scheme will set a new standard for urban life in London.”
From fashion shows to a vintage taxi parade, the unveiling offered something for everyone. Visitors were also treated to an eclectic mix of entertainment from the retro performer DJ78 and suitably-old world gramophones, followed by the soothing tones of a string quartet - a perfect soundtrack to the beautiful surroundings. Models on podiums adorned the street highlighting the destinations’ fashion credentials.
The party highlights the end to some months of intense Public Realm work and today Elizabeth Street re-opens to traffic. Grosvenor has carried out the work in partnership with Westminster City Council (WCC), to significantly improve the streetscape. This is the first joint public and private sector venture of this type and has the potential to revolutionise urban renewal, releasing the vast sums of cash needed to make major improvements across central London and elsewhere in the UK.
Cllr Robert Davis, Westminster City Council's Deputy Leader, added: “As the custodians of this city we are constantly striving to balance how we can improve our roads and streets while preserving their historical significance for future generations to enjoy. We share an understanding with Grosvenor that the appearance of streets and spaces in between buildings is fundamental to the long-term success of an area.”
Elizabeth Street runs from Buckingham Palace Road to Eaton Square. The Street is packed with high end niche luxury brands run by specialists in their field, a sophisticated stylish high street a million miles from the usual experience. Retailers on the street include Allegra Hicks, renowned jewellers Erickson Beamon and De Vroomen, and milliner to the stars, Philip Treacy.
Upcoming openings on the street include cupcake maker to the stars, Peggy Porschen, whose regular customers include Gwyneth Paltrow and Stella McCartney. The Peggy Porschen cake school will open at 30 Elizabeth Street later this year. Joanna Wood has just opened a ‘pop up’ at 50 Ebury Street, Lewis & Wood, which will be open until Christmas stocking her own wallpapers and fabrics. More exciting openings are set for 2011.
SOOTHING LAVENDER WHEAT BAGS ARE HERE!
Walk through a field of lavender and you might be tempted to lie down and take a nap right there on the spot. The soft, calming fragrance is simply that relaxing. No wonder Charles VI of France required cushions and pillows throughout his palace be filled with this aromatic flower.
At Balineum, we’re all about relaxation too and that’s why we’re introducing these new wheat heaters filled with a soothing combination of organic wheat grain and dried lavender. Handmade in the forests of Dalarna, Sweden by sisters Karin and Sara Ström, the soft linen pouches help soothe body and soul.
Slip one under your pillow or over your eyes and drift to sleep. Use heated to relieve aches and pains, tense muscles, rheumatic pain, lower back pain, even cold feet! Or chill in the freezer and use as an icepack on sore muscles, sprains or headaches.
We think they’d make an excellent hostess-gift to boot!
£21.00 including VAT
http://www.balineum.co.uk/
JASON ATHERTON POPS UP AT LONDON RESTAURANT FESTIVAL COOKING FOR TWO NIGHTS ONLY ON OCTOBER 4TH AND 5TH
Jason Atherton, considered to be one of the UK’s brightest culinary stars, will be cooking for two nights only at a make shift site on Binney Street, just off Oxford Street, during this year’s London Restaurant Festival. All the proceeds from the two nights will be donated to StreetSmart, the official charity of London Restaurant Festival 2010.
“As I am not opening my new restaurant until January 2011, I really want to use my time to put something back into London and so I had this idea to do a pop-up restaurant and with the help and generosity of The London Restaurant Festival, Grosvenor, Restaurant Associates, PKL Enotria wines and others, who are all generously giving their time, expertise and equipment, its all happening and I’m really excited about it,” said Jason.
A far cry from the expensively designed interiors he is normally accustomed to, Jason’s restaurant will be a truly authentic ‘pop-up’ experience. Inhabiting a previously empty site, the restaurant interior and kitchen will be specially built for two evenings only, and with only forty places available for each evening, promises to be one of the most sought after events of this year’s London Restaurant Festival.
Jason who left Maze restaurant in May will cook a menu which will give a taste of things to come at his new restaurant on Pollen Street, Mayfair which is due to open in January 2011. Guests can sample exclusive preview dishes such as Orkney Langoustine, lemon peel puree, oyster leaf and brandy head dressing and 35 day aged Spey-side beef fillet and braised cheek with organic carrots, garlic snails and creamed Lincolnshire potatoes. For both fans of Jason Atherton and supporters of StreetSmart, the Jason Atherton pop-up is destined to the hottest ticket in town on the nights of October 4th and 5th.
Tickets will be priced at £150 and can be purchased by calling 020 7280 0700
RICHARD BERTINET’S AWARD-WINNING BREAD TO BE STOCKED IN SELFRIDGES, LONDON AND RIVERFORD ORGANIC DELIVERY BOXES
The Bertinet Bakery (http://www.bertinet.com) is delighted to announce the launch of its new organic bread range in September 2010. The initial range comprises more than a dozen breads which will be available in London’s Selfridges Food Hall and in Riverford Organic delivery boxes in franchises in much of the south west and across Wales. Bread will also be supplied to restaurants such as Angela Hartnett at the York & Albany, Tom Norrington Davies at Great Queen Street and many other restaurants and delicatessens in London, Cardiff and the south west.
Michelin starred chef, Angela Hartnett, says: “Richard understands dough better than anyone else and that's why his bread not only tastes incredible but also feels so light. Heaven for me is a slice of Bertinet bread with some butter; it doesn't need anything else - the bread speaks for itself”.
The range has been carefully considered to include something for every bread-lover; from the beautiful 1.2kg sourdough loaf to an Italian ciabatta and a rustic rye bread - as well as simple white and brown loaves. A regularly changing speciality loaf will also showcase the best ingredients of the season, such as Provençal olive & lavender or Prune, cardamom & rum. All loaves are organic and certified by The Soil Association. The Bertinet Bakery’s sourdough was the winner of the Soil Association Organic Food Awards 2010 (Baked Goods category) whose expert panel described the sourdough as having “all the subtlety of great bread, fabulous flavours” and “every inch a great rustic loaf”. The sourdough along with the ciabatta and spelt were also Gold Award winners at the Great Taste Awards 2010.
“I grew up in a culture where wonderful bread was something everyone would buy from their local bakery every day and spent the past seven years seeing the extraordinary response to my books and bread classes from people discovering the satisfaction of creating their own bread. Now I am on a mission to make great bread available to everyone – bread you can trust as much as something you have baked yourself, bread so good you will eat your crusts and use every last crumb.”
Richard Bertinet is an award-winning baker, chef and author. His two books on baking, Dough and Crust, have become modern baking bibles. Bertinet left school at the age of 14 to become a baker’s apprentice in his native Brittany. With almost 30 years experience as a baker and chef he now attracts people from all over the world to participate in his renowned bread making classes at The Bertinet Kitchen cookery school in Bath. He has taught his baking skills to the brigades at a number of leading restaurants including Racine, The Providores and Soho House Group and also works as a consultant for major manufacturers developing speciality bakery products throughout the industry.
The Bertinet Bakery, 12 St Andrew's Terrace, Bath, BA1 2QR
http://www.bertinet.com
AUSTIN REED LAUNCHES THE Q CLUB; A PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB WITH CLUBHOUSE, PERSONAL SHOPPING, CONCIERGE, BESPOKE TAILORING HIREWEAR AND MUCH MORE
Austin Reed will celebrate 110 years of ‘Dressing for Success’ later this year. To mark this historic landmark, it will officially launch the Austin Reed Q Club; a private members club with a clubhouse in the Regent Street flagship store.
The Q Club will be open to customers throughout the country with a dedicated clubhouse within the Austin Reed Flagship on Regent Street. A club like no other, it will be designed specifically towards dressing the modern man in a unique and relaxed environment focused on contemporary style.
Four celebrity ambassadors will be the face of the Austin Reed Q Club. As the best of British in their respective fields; Andrew Strauss, England Cricket Captain, Alastair Cook, England Cricket Vice Captain, Lewis Moody, Bath’s England Rugby Captain and Courtney Lawes, British Rugby’s newest star, will launch the Austin Reed Q Club.
Launching in October 2010, depicting quintessential British design and heritage, the Q Club offering will extend beyond private membership to Q Bespoke, Austin Reed’s new made to measure service, Q Hirewear, which will provide a premium formal hire service and Q Corporate, Austin Reed’s corporate arm.
The Clubhouse
What do you get if you mix 110 years of retail with a modern man’s clothing requirements? The Q Club
A sanctuary where the clothes are brought to you, not vice versa.A relaxed club atmosphere with sofas and bar, Sky Sports on the latest high definition TVs, wireless internet and a concierge to make sure your every whim is catered for.
With far reaching views over Regent Street, Austin Reed has designed a unique members club on its 3rd floor. Similar to a first class airport lounge, the club will have a bar and lounge area which can be enjoyed by members and non members. Personal shoppers will be available to care for your every whim. Q Bespoke will measure you for that all important suit and Q Hirewear will cater for any formal hire requirements you have. Once purchases have been made, Austin Reed can then deliver your clothes to your office or home.
Hours – Open normal store hours with the exception of special evening events held at The Q Club such as wine tastings and speakers evenings.
The Q Club will be the first clothing club of its kind within the UK and will offer exclusive membership to customers in an environment where they can buy clothes at exclusive prices across any of Austin Reed’s nationwide locations.
Nick Hollingworth CEO Austin Reed says “Austin Reed has enjoyed 110 years of dressing for success. The Q Club enables Austin Reed to reach new levels of service, providing unparalleled benefits to our customers.”
Membership
Membership Fee to be £275 per annum and by invitation or referral only. Each applicant will be reviewed by a Q Club committee.
What will a Member receive?
An exclusive 20% off all Austin Reed product to include Q Hire Wear, Q Bespoke and Q Club bar at Regent Street
A Q Bespoke suit at half the normal retail price on joining (available for 1 year from join date).
Individual membership key-fob with key finding service
Personal shopping service – simply sit with your feet up at the Q Club Bar and let a Q Club shopper find what you need
Access to a concierge service within the Regent Street store
A complimentary haircut or wet shave at Austin Reed’s flagship store
Free subscription to a selection of publications
Who are the Ambassadors?
Four high profile sporting celebrities have been signed as the faces of Austin Reed
Lewis Moody – Bath’s England Rugby Captain
Andrew Strauss – England Cricket Captain
Alastair Cook – England Cricket Vice Captain
Courtney Lawes – Northampton’s England Rugby Player
MAY FAIR IS THE FILM HOTEL FOR LONDON
The May Fair Hotel http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/, London, has cemented its pivotal role in the film industry with a series of announcements in the run-up to October’s 54th BFI London Film Festival http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/bfi, in partnership with American Express.
An agreement with the BFI http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/bfi sees the hotel playing host to the 16-day festival for the next two years after a successful inaugural event last year. One of the world’s leading independent film festivals – Raindance – is also to be based at the hotel in September. Finally the hotel has announced that it has created the post of Film Maker in Residence supporting independents to create a suite of films about life in London as well as a series of shorts based around celebrity guests at the iconic hotel.
“The May Fair Hotel has become increasingly synonymous with the film and entertainment industry, it was therefore an obvious choice to extend the partnership this year,” said Sandra Hebron, Artistic Director of the BFI Festivals. “Once again we will have excellent venues for our parties, first class suites and rooms for our VIPs and access to one of London’s largest and best-equipped private cinemas.”
The May Fair Hotel’s history has been based around the film industry for over half a century. In the 1950s it was owned by the American Danziger brothers, film impresarios who founded the New Elstree Studios and made a succession of smash hit films. Then as now the May Fair was the preferred haunt of celebrities, film and rock stars when they stayed in London.
The Raindance Film Festival was founded in 1993 and described by Spike Lee as “exactly what Independent Films need.” Notable launches include films such as Pulp Fiction, the Blair Witch Project and Ghost World. Raindance also founded the prestigious British Independent Film Awards and runs a major film training programme. It runs from September 29th until October 10th. The 54th BFI London Film Festival http://www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/lff, in partnership with American Express runs from October 13th – 28th.
Speaking of the new agreement with the hotel, owner and creator of the festival Elliot Grove said, “We are thrilled to be working with the May Fair, a natural home for the film industry. Our Filmaker in Residence will also be from the Raindance stable and we envisage some entertaining and stand out shorts from his tenure.”
Global Marketing Director Linda Plant who put the partnership together said: “Extending our relationship with the BFI to become a Gala Sponsor and hosting one of the 54th BFI London Film Festival’s prestigious film premieres, coupled with the new-found relationship with Raindance, is very exciting and paths a future for the hotel as THE film hotel in London. We want to be seen by the industry as a natural partner for new works, film launches, press junkets, screenings and general entertainment. We also have the technical abilities to screen including 3D and look forward to announcing some Premieres in the near future.”
AIR FRANCE PARTNERS WITH TONI&GUY TO PROMOTE STYLISH TRAVEL
AIR FRANCE is partnering with TONI&GUY, the UK’s most powerful hairdressing brand, to promote stylish travel to its international hub in Paris and beyond.
Launching as Haute Couture Week kicks off in Paris, the campaign will see 152 salons across the UK and Ireland distributing fashionable ‘Wish You Were Here?’ style prize-draw postcards. By entering, customers will be in with the chance of winning a taste of the fashion high life with a stylish weekend in Paris. The competition will also be promoted via glossy tent cards distributed across salons.
Activity will run for two weeks and provides AIR FRANCE with the opportunity to target consumers within easy reach of its ten departure points. It also enables them to highlight the ease of travelling worldwide from the AIR FRANCE hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle.
Verane Brissaud, Marketing Communications Manager at AIR FRANCE KLM in the UK and Ireland, said: “AIR FRANCE has long been associated with high fashion, but we wanted to reaffirm our position as the most stylish and convenient way to travel and encourage consumers to rediscover the brand and product.
“As such, we are expanding our marketing activity to encompass a premium tie-up with the UK’s most powerful hairdressing brand. TONI&GUY salons provide us with access to more than 500,000 style conscious ABC1 female – a primary target audience for AIR FRANCE. As the official sponsor of London Fashion Week, and exclusive haircare line at the Giles Deacon Show in Paris with label.m, they certainly know a thing or two about cutting-edge trends.”
Marketing activity will continue into the New Year with an exclusive ‘Air Hair’ guide hosted on http://www.airfrance.co.uk and http://www.airfrance.ie. Co-authored by TONI&GUY’s Global Creative Director, Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck, the guide will offer tips and advice on looking good when travelling and feature news on the latest hair trends.
TONI&GUY Reward Card holders will also be able to take advantage of an exclusive discount when booking flights online. Details of the guide and discount will be promoted via an advertorial in the March edition of TONI&GUY magazine.
Brissaud concluded: “Our ultimate goal is simple, to generate word of mouth and excitement around the brand and encourage TONI&GUY’s stylish client base to discover what AIR FRANCE has to offer. Our activity, both in and out of salons, will ensure this happens.”
SWAP TO SWISH THIS SEASON
As winter settles in there’s no better time to update wardrobes - so why not do so for FREE? Don’t take time sorting summer clothes, simply trade them in for something new. Online clothes swapping site, Big Wardrobe (http://www.bigwardrobe.com/) allows fashion lovers to do just that. Trade in once loved summer pieces for someone else’s winter essentials or swap that no - longer - cherished handbag for a warm winter scarf.
Not only does clothes swapping – or ‘swishing’ - save money, but it is also an innovative way of going green. Rather than dumping last seasons favourites and adding to the billions of tons of landfill - SWAP them! Swishing is the newest craze that has hit the UK and it’s spreading quickly. Simply visit BigWardrobe.com today to sign on for a free trial to find out just how great this site is and join the millions of fashion loving Swishers.
UDESIGN ROLLS OUT BESPOKE DESIGNER WALLPAPER......PROMISING A SUPERIOR INTERIOR
This season, brand new wallpaper company Udesign launches a luxury wallpaper service that offers you total personalisation of your wallpaper.
With customised home furnishing currently more on-trend than ever, Udesign allows you to follow in the footsteps of Sex and the City set designers, Matthew Williamson and Christian Lacroix, all of whom have set the wallpapering standard.
The Udesign wallpaper customisation tool is easy even for those without any particular design flair. Anyone can create their own original designs or simply use one of the 3000+ professional design templates to get you going, from ‘Stargazing’ to ‘Supernova’.
The wallpapers on the site are created by top USA designers and an ever-increasing range of European designs, so you’ll be sure to create a bespoke space to be proud of. That said, if there’s still uncertainty in your chosen design, the visualisation tool will help you put together your intended room online and see exactly how the final room will look! There’s also a tool to add text or photos to your wallpaper, for those who may prefer a minimalist wallpaper colour with a bold statement or photograph added.
David Welch, Executive of Udesign says; “We are delighted to introduce Udesign in direct response to consumer demand for personalising their interiors. With wallpaper becoming increasingly popular amongst celebrities and their A-list hang outs, we’re confident that Udesign will provide beautiful solutions for all enthusiastic home-improvers.”
Udesign is a partner supplier to MyDeco, the interior website which believes that “your home says more about you than your iPod.” So there really is no better time to start!
Whether you’re thinking about a new look for your home in time for Christmas in or simply updating the children’s rooms after the busy summer, visit the Udesign website – you could have a new feature wall within 10 days. And with such a quick turnaround, those super proud homeowners could replace their wallpaper to match each season!
For more details, visit http://www.udesign.vizzondecor.co.uk. Once you’ve wallpapered, don’t forget that Udesign also enables you to customise murals, stickers and canvas art.
INTRODUCING THE LATEST MUST-HAVE ACCESSORY: THE PERSONAL WINE SHOPPER
A three-day working week, an eternally good hair day, and a team of personal shoppers: as much as we’d love these to become a reality, unfortunately for most of us they fall into the ‘never going to happen’ camp…until now. With the launch of London's brand-new Fine Wine Fair on 15 – 17 October 2010, comes the A-list lifestyle you've been looking for: a team of Personal Wine Shoppers at your beck and call to guide both beginners and aficionados through the intricate maze that is tasting and buying fine wine. What's more, this latest must-have accessory will come free-of-charge to all visitors – just make sure you get there early to snap one up!
Most of us are in the dark when it comes to tasting fine wine and looking to purchase wine as a potential investment; which is why ten highly qualified wine experts will be on-hand at the Fine Wine Fair to teach you how to pick out everyday drinking wines, as well as wines for special occasions, to suit your taste and budget. The Fine Wine Fair's team of Personal Wine Shoppers will help visitors to gain the best experience possible from the event and promise to reform your wine repertoire for years to come.
Taking the intimidation out of the wine world and bringing together a host of quality wines, the first ever Fine Wine Fair will be held at Chelsea Old Town Hall this October. This boutique event is the first of its kind to make fine wine accessible to anyone interested in drinking and learning about high end wines. Red, white and sparkling wines will be in abundance accompanied by carefully matched canapés, allowing visitors to taste and buy from hundreds of exceptional wines.
If you're looking for a beyond the ordinary day out, tasting and learning about fine wine and gourmet food, and building up a cellar you can really treasure, then treat yourself to the ultimate bespoke experience at the Fine Wine Fair: your very own Personal Wine Shopper.
Tickets priced from £20: buy now at finewinefair.org for advanced tickets or call
020 7803 2444 for more information
AUTUMN BARGAINS AT PEMBROKESHIRE’S CELTIC HAVEN:
SHORT-BREAK COTTAGES FROM £149 – AND TAKE THE DOG FOR THOSE WALKS!
Autumn leaves may be falling – and so are prices at Celtic Haven, the most complete resort in Wales, where weekend break bargains are adding to the season of mist of mellow fruitfulness.
Until the December 17 this stylish resort of 26 cottages, set within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, is offering three-night weekend or four-night midweek breaks at just £149 per person. Under fives travel free and, with autumn the perfect time for long scenic walks, you can even take the dog for just £20 extra!
The offer (not available October 23-29 inclusive) includes a three-course gourmet Welsh dinner on the night of arrival for those opting for the four-night Monday to Friday break. Those choosing the three-night Friday to Monday option are given a £20 voucher for dinner on Friday night in Celtic Haven’s own Waves Italian-influenced bar and restaurant. All guests are also offered a £30 voucher for use in the resort’s Elemis Premier Spa, the only one in West Wales.
Celtic Haven is close to Tenby in west Wales and is on an historic site, being the former estate of Lord St David. It boasts cottages and houses sleeping from two to 12. Scenic coastal walks through the national park overlook the Atlantic and the nearby monastic island of Caldey.
Free use of all the resort’s leisure facilities, including sauna, gym, indoor swimming pool, all-weather tennis courts and the nine-hole headland golf course, is also included in the cost of the autumn stays.
Children aged over six stay for £99.
For more information on Celtic Haven, please visit www.celtichaven.co.uk or call 01834 870 000.
Please Note
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