THE ART OF FASHION

A special exhibition of illustrations and prints at the pop-up concept store, FashionCapital in Portman Village, W1, will bring fashion and art together this February.

The London Fashion Week exhibition, Art of Fashion, will see original pieces from illustrators, photographers and graphic artists, each depicting the lines, styles and inspirations of fashion. Each work embraces the shapes, movements and emotions of fashion – some of the pieces in the Art of Fashion collection were the starting sketches and drawings that inspired fashion lines that later hit the catwalk.

The exhibition looks at the world of fashion as the art form it often is, and brings the designers, photographers and creative professionals within the world of fashion together under one roof.

Artists and designers exhibiting include Hemyca, fashion designer and illustrator. HEMYCA is a dynamic, emerging British design brand, providing unique high-quality tailoring for the contemporary woman. Greek born graphic designer, Spiros Halaris, works with various techniques using collages, hand drawn as well as digital elements, and has collaborated with the fashion designer Ziad Ghanem. Sardax, a well know underground fetish artist collaborated with fashion designer, Afira on the Dark Daze collection and his resulting imagery will be seen side by side with the Afira designs which inspired them. Also exhibiting in the Art of Fashion exhibition is Chelsea Art School textile design graduate Emma Cowlam, who produces hand stitched and hand drawn original illustrations. Her work is both prize-winning and internationally exhibited. Fresh from London College of Fashion, Sophie Tomlinson’s work focuses on illustrating character, and the energy and attitude associated with individual style.

FashionCapital is a unique concept store in Portman Village that showcases the very best of British fashion design including the likes of Emma Cook, Goat, Jean-Pierre Braganza and PPQ - the impressive list goes on. The boutique not only houses key designers from the London catwalks but up and coming talent too – a rare chance to see so many British designers and London Fashion Week names selling side by side.

Exhibited in the showroom at the pop-up boutique, British Designers @ FashionCapital in Seymour Place, Portman Village, London W1, the Art of Fashion exhibition will run throughout London Fashion Week.

The Art of Fashion, 16-23 February at FashionCapital, 2 Seymour Place, London W1. 0207 7248430 www.fashioncapital.co.uk

Image Credit : Fashion illustration courtesy of Spiros Halaris
http://cargocollective.com/spiroshalaris

SUNDAY BEST WINS ‘BEST FOR WOMEN’S FASHION’ TELEGRAPH MAGAZINE SHOP AWARD

Sunday Best, in Rawtenstall has won 'Best for Women’s Fashion' in the Telegraph Magazine’s ‘Best Small Shops in Britain’ awards 2011.

Last night, Thursday February 10, the winners of the prestigious Telegraph Magazine Shop Awards - this year rebranded ‘Best Small Shops in Britain’ - were announced at an awards event in London, held at Milbank’s Altitude 360.

Now in their fifth year, the awards focused this year on the small, independent retailers on Britain’s high streets. The categories were as follows: women’s fashion, men’s fashion, interiors, health and beauty, food, wine, books, children, gardening and best corner shop or village shop.

For the first time this year, Telegraph readers were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite small shop in ten different categories. The three shops with the most votes in each category were then visited by a team of Telegraph judges who selected the winners.

Mary Portas, ‘Shop!’ columnist for the Telegraph Magazine, said: “We are delighted to present these awards to the very best unique retailers who really give our high streets their special identities. It doesn’t matter what state the economy’s in, people will always respond to brilliant service, genuine expertise and a quality product. The financial climate is making us much more discerning about how we spend our hard-earned cash, which is why, given the opportunities to do so, many of us prefer to spend it in brilliant local shops.”

Tamsin Blanchard, Telegraph Magazine Style Director and a judge in the Telegraph Magazine Shop Awards said: “Sunday Best is a great one-stop fashion shop that offers brilliant service and choice to the lucky locals of Rawtenstall. Clients travel from as far afield as Scotland to stock up on new buys for the season.”

Jan Shutt, Managing Director, Sunday Best, said: “In today’s busy environment that sees retailers succumbing to the trend of ‘fast-fashion’, Sunday Best is focussed on providing the modern customer with the very best of old-fashioned service. To be nominated for this prestigious award by our customers, who think we are the best in womenswear fashion, is both flattering and rewarding. We believe this is a reflection of our passion to preserve ‘the customer is king’ mantra that is distilled in the heart of everything we do. We wouldn’t have made it here without the support and love from our customers so a warm thank you to everyone who voted for us: you are our biggest fans.”

For the past 40 years, contemporary fashion boutique Sunday Best has been housing a variety of designer collections with an emphasis on searching out unusual accessories and clothing from around the globe.

http://www.sundaybestonline.co.uk/

The 2011 winners of the Telegraph Magazine Shop Awards are:

Best for women’s fashion – Sunday Best
Best for men’s fashion – Albam
Best Bookshop – The Book Hive
Best for Interiors – Utility
Best for Children – The Elves and the Shoemaker
Best for Food – The Cheese Shop
Best for Gardening – Ted Martin Flowers
Best for Health and Beauty – Lost in Beauty
Best for Wine – Bottle Apostle
Best Corner Shop – Kirdford Village Stores

The winners will also be announced in the Telegraph Magazine and online at The Telegraph/shopawards.

THE VALENTINE’S GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
It is a well known fact that many women love flowers and often feel most appreciated when they receive lots of little gifts, so with Valentine’s Day just around the corner the Horticultural Trades Association is urging men across the country to visit their local garden centre to buy a living rose – the lasting gift that’s destined to bring a smile to your partners face and have her feeling like its Valentines day every time a new rose is plucked.

There is no denying that roses epitomise Valentine’s day and a living rose will be a constant reminder of your love, simultaneously bringing beauty into your loved ones life, making her feel special and earning you brownie points for several months every year. With a huge selection of wonderful bush, climbing, patio and shrub roses available in numerous colours, shapes and sizes you’re bound to find one to suit both her taste and garden.

Iain Wylie, HTA council member and managing director of Grosvenor Garden Centre comments: “Red roses signify passion, pink mean perfect happiness and white roses represent eternal love. We are sure most of us would appreciate any of these choices but instead of presenting a bouquet, why not choose a more enduring token of your affection by giving a living rose instead?”

http://www.the-hta.org.uk/

A PRIVATE VIEW AND THREE COURSE MEAL FOR £35 AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

This Valentine’s Day, The Royal Academy of Arts has teamed up with its newly launched Restaurant at the Royal Academy, run by Peyton and Byrne, to introduce an otherwise unobtainable offer of a private view of Modern British Sculpture followed by dinner at the restaurant for just £35 per person. The gallery will be open exclusively to restaurant diners from 6.30pm until 8.30pm on 14th February allowing couples to wander through the recently opened exhibition before sitting down to a three course dinner in the restaurant which will be open until 11pm.

www.ra-ra.co.uk

SPEND VALENTINE’S DAY IN STYLE: SIP LIMITED EDITION MOET & CHANDON AT THE MAY FAIR BAR

Indulge a loved one this Valentines’ Day at the May Fair Bar, one of London’s most stylish bars and housed within the stunning May Fair Hotel, with a personalised bottle of champagne, from the house of Moët & Chandon.

For one week only, the May Fair Bar is offering limited edition, pink-sleeved bottles of Moët Rosé Champagne, which each come with a gold marker pen so you can personally ‘tag’ your bottle with a message of love!

The uber-cool May Fair Bar, with its menu of over 40 signature drinks, is an essential stop on the London party scene and ‘THE’ place to visit this Valentine’s Day.

This limited edition Moët Rosé Champagne is available at the May Fair Bar, May Fair Hotel now until 18th February 2011, priced at £100.

For more information please visit www.themayfairhotel.co.uk

FORTNUM & MASON LAUNCH BATH AND BODY RANGE
Fortnum & Mason has launched an exclusive bath and body range guaranteed to revitalise and pamper your skin, just in time for summer.

The signature fragrance blends the sparkling effervescence of Champagne with an elegant, floral heart of Rose touched by the woody sweetness of Juniper Berry. The decadent new collection perfectly balances and encapsulates traditional glamour and contemporary influences.

Made exclusively in England, the collection of gorgeous scented soaps, silky hand and body lotions and refreshing hand and body washes embody the glamour and heritage of Fortnum’s past and present. Presented beautifully with chandelier motifs on the packaging, it is guaranteed to sit perfectly on any dressing table.

• Cleanse your hands with the luxurious hand wash, which will leave your skin feeling delightfully soft and refreshed.
• Our hand lotion promises to hydrate your hands with its sweet almond oils, guaranteed to soothe and protect.
• Revive yourself with the sumptuous body wash containing aloe vera extracts, leaving your skin feeling supple, smooth and moisturised.
• Indulge with Fortnum’s rich creamy body lotion which moisturises and smoothes skin, enveloping you with its luxurious aroma.
• Our cleansing and nourishing plant oils soaps produce an abundant, creamy lather enriched with a beautiful and uplifting scent.

The new collection of sumptuous bath and body treats is available on the second floor. Lotions and hand washes are £18 for 300ml, a set of three 100g soaps are £20 and a set of six 50g soaps are £22.

http://www.fortnumandmason.com/

WEDDING & HONEYMOON TIPS, TRIPS & TRENDS: FEBRUARY 2011

Get ready for The Honeymoon Sale Book between 14 & 28 February for amazing deals exclusive to Turquoise

Turquoise Holidays is continuing its annual tradition of holding a Honeymoon Sale from 14th February for two weeks with unbeatable offers and deals for 2011 honeymoons, all of which have been exclusively negotiated by Turquoise with their favourite resorts.

James Bell from Turquoise says: “As the sun sets on the romance of Valentine’s Day, newly-engaged couples will immediately turn their thought to the thrill of the honeymoon. The Turquoise Honeymoon Sale starts on 14th February to open up dream destinations and experiences that would otherwise fall out of the budget range for many. It is always the busiest fortnight of the year for Turquoise.”

Below is just a short selection of the some of the best ‘steals’ in the Honeymoon Sale which will give couples the inspiration, thrill and most importantly the ability to book the honeymoon and even the wedding of their dreams. All bookings must be made between 14 and 28 February to be eligible.

To accompany these fantastic deals, Turquoise also have a choice of wonderful value added extras to choose from, including a free Heidi Klein Bikini or one piece, free lounge passes at Heathrow, Agent Provacateur Voucher worth £50, £50 onto your Turquoise gift list or a free half case of New Zealand wine, amongst others.

Indian Ocean:

Maldives – affordable luxury this summer

The Maldives continues to become an even more affordable option in 2011 for honeymooners, with properties such as the Huvafen Fushi, available for great value prices through Turquoise Holidays. The Huvafen Fushi is chic, hip and happening, often setting the trends by mixing modern and contemporary with traditional Maldivian charm. Located on the North Male Atoll, the resort has previously been named the best beach resort in the world.

Guests who travel between 1st May and 30th September 2011 can enjoy free nights, free dinners and free transfers as a 7 night package starts from just £2,399 per person including breakfast and dinner, speedboat transfers and flights from London. Packages must be booked between 14th – 28th February to qualify.

Mauritius: The Bride stays free
After the frenetic excitement of the wedding, some couples want to fly and flop without so much as lifting a finger to unpack the suitcases. At The Residence Mauritius all guests have a personal butler throughout the honeymoon to allow the couple to truly relax and enjoy the hotels renowned gourmet delights, range of water sports available and The Sanctuary, a Zen-inspired spa. Further more, the bride enjoys free accommodation on this special deal! Seven nights in a Colonial Garden View Room at The Residence including half board, private transfers and Air Mauritius flights from £1,250 per person (based on two sharing) a saving of £945 per couple. Valid for travel until 19th December 2011 and packages must be booked between 14th – 28th February to qualify.

Unspoilt Seychelles: 50% discount for the Bride and a complimentary upgrade
The dream of a honeymoon with the turtles, birdlife and flora and fauna of the Seychelles can now be a reality at Denis Island. Unspoiled Seychelles at its very best, Denis Island is family owned and offers the ultimate in seclusion and service - and if couples can tear themselves away from the their private beach retreat, it has the best diving, snorkelling and deep sea fishing in the Seychelles,.

Seven nights in a deluxe cottage including full board, domestic flights to Denis Island and Air Seychelles International flights starts from just £2,659 per person – a saving of £1,140. Valid for travel until 31st October 2011 and must be booked between 14 – 28th February 2011.

Caribbean:

Antigua: 20% discount at Sugar Ridge on accommodation and meals

The Caribbean remains a popular honeymoon choice with the direct flights and ease of getting there a great draw for some couples. Sugar Ridge is the latest addition to Antigua’s luxury boutique hotels, offering stunning views of the island. The resort is great for foodie lovers, combining international fusion and the fresh catch of the day and Sugar Ridges’ Aveda Spa is the first of its kind in the Caribbean.

Seven nights in a deluxe room with a plunge pool including breakfast, private transfers and British Airways flights starts from £1,230 per person – a saving of £265 per couple. Valid for travel until 22nd December 2011 and must be booked between 14th – 28th February.
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Special Non-Sale offers – book anytime

Tahiti, the ultimate honeymoon and wedding destination - 10 nights for the price of five

Tahiti and her Islands are the Turquoise destination of choice for weddings and honeymoons in 2011, as couples look to discover something a little different for their own special day and trip. With exclusive experiences for the happy couple, the dedicated Turquoise Honeymoons and Weddings Abroad team will tailor make the dream wedding in Bora Bora or Moorea followed by a honeymoon on one of the lesser known islands to enjoy their idyllic honeymoon, perhaps staying at Huahine or Tuamotu Archipelago. The couple looking for a magical and undiscovered destination should look no further. Prices start from £2495 per person, based on 2 sharing, for five nights each in Moorea and Huahine in overwater bungalows including flights and transfers – an incredible saving of £1145 per person.

The Cayman Islands: Take advantage of fantastically reduced rates at this surprising undeveloped Caribbean country, with discounts of 30% or more from late April through to December. The five star Caribbean Club on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach is an all-suite boutique resort perfect for small family weddings – book a luxurious three double bedroom en-suite apartment overlooking the Caribbean Sea from £490 per night and – once the celebrations are over, the happy couple can take the 40 minute flight to the idyllic island of Little Cayman – pop. just 100 - for their honeymoon. Be inspired – visit www.caribbeanclubweddings.com

Africa: New to Zanzibar is The Residence Zanzibar, which will be offering the elegance and experience you would expect from The Residence properties. Book now to be one of the first lucky couples to enjoy this very special new resort. Seven nights for the price of six at The Residence Zanzibar in a luxury garden pool villa on a half board basis, at just £1989 per person including international return flights from London and return transfers by private car. This includes a 25% discount for honeymooners, fresh fruit bowl on arrival, beach bag and pareo (sarong), a dhow cruise and a pre-dinner drink on the jetty with a bottle of Champagne.

Australia: Art lovers must ensure they add the wilderness island of Tasmania on to their itinerary, and especially now that the Museum of Old and New Art has just opened near Hobart with its $200 million art collection and uber-funky MONA Pavilions, stunning private accommodation on the banks on the River Derwent, served by a glorious pool, restaurant, winery and micro-brewery. What more could worldly couples ask for. Check out Turquoise Holidays range of Tasmanian beach houses and villas for more sexy places to stay in one of the world’s most mysterious yet sophisticated destinations, also reputed for its wildlife, food and wine.

Honeymoon news and top tips:

Dual centre honeymoons are all of the rage and as such, Turquoise are introducing a range of new packages – pick between Beast and Beaches (South Africa and Mauritius), Tree Houses and Gum Trees (Fiji and Australia) or Cocktails and Dreams (Thailand and the Maldives) for example. These offer honeymooners the opportunity to truly enjoy a range of experiences and for couples unsure of what they want, the Turquoise Honeymoon Shop will come up with suggestions for their perfect dual package after a quick online survey www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk/honeymoon

Top Tip from James Bell, marketing director of Turquoise:

“When booking a two centre safari/beach honeymoon, switch from the norm and book the beach first as you will be pretty tired after the wedding. The current thinking is to always finish the honeymoon with the beach holiday, whereas in reality you will be much more relaxed and refreshed and able to enjoy a safari far more after a few days of blissful relaxation..”

For further information, to speak to one of the Weddings and Honeymoons abroad team or book any of the packages above, call Turquoise Holidays on 01494 678400 or visit www.turquoiseholdays.co.uk

LEICA AKADEMIE UPDATES WORKSHOP PROGRAMME FOR SPRING 2011

Leica has just announced its Akademie workshop and training programme for Spring 2011. The company’s London-based training facility at 34 Bruton Place (www.leica-akademie.co.uk) offers a variety of photography workshops for existing and prospective customers, run by experienced Leica photographers.

New to the Akademie, starting on 1 March 2011, is the Introduction to Digital Photography, a one-day workshop designed to provide budding photography enthusiasts with an understanding of the basics of digital photography. With a maximum of five attendees per workshop, participants will learn about camera technology, manual controls, metering, focusing, composition and basic photography techniques. The workshop also includes hands-on creative and practical sessions to enable attendees to become confident enough to move away from their camera’s automatic settings.

In addition, Leica has introduced Let’s Talk Leica, a series of individual one-hour advice sessions with Leica M photographer and expert, Brett. These sessions are designed for photographers to discuss anything from achieving the best results from their camera, to lens requirements, software and processing questions to image critique, project discussion and coaching. Let’s Talk Leica sessions are run on Thursdays and Fridays, by appointment only.

Photographers interested in trying the company’s highly successful M9 rangefinder can take part in the Leica M9 Experience, which runs at the Leica Akademie on Friday mornings. This popular, interactive and hands-on workshop demonstrates the camera’s capabilities, allowing attendees to shoot with the M9 and ask any questions they may have about the camera or associated lenses and accessories. This workshop is complimentary and subject to availability.

Leica film camera owners who would like to know more about their product or learn new photography techniques may be interested in the Leica M Film Owner one-day workshop. Starting at the Leica Akademie, attendees learn photographic theory and core camera techniques, followed by a practical shoot around London’s vibrant West End. Films are processed during the day, and prints are reviewed for instant feedback and group critique. This workshop commences on 15 February 2011.

There are also other workshops available at the Leica Akademie include:

About the Leica Akademie

The Leica Akademie is located at 34 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NR, above the Leica Store Mayfair, and offers a comprehensive range of workshops, providing a destination for photographic inspiration, learning and knowledge.

Leica Akademie workshops operate in small group sizes to allow attendees to get the utmost support from the experts and maximise their learning potential. There is a variety of workshops to suit the needs of every Leica photographer from practical, hands-on and ‘in the field’ workshops, to classroom and workstation-based sessions.

Whether participants are brand new to Leica, more experienced or somewhere in between, Leica Akademie workshops will take their skills and knowledge to the next level.

The team of Akademie tutors and experts includes: Brett, Ian Farrell, Will Cheung, Robin Sinha and Vijay Sebastian, as well as a selection of world-class guest speakers.

Further information on the full programme of workshops can be found at: www.leica-akademie.co.uk

Contact details for customers interested in booking workshops at the Leica Akademie:

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Tel: 07514 539566
Leica Akademie, Leica Store Mayfair, 34 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NR
Web: www.leica-akademie.co.uk

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