Car Talk September 18, 2012 Smart Forstars coupé concept goes on display Smart is introducing this electrically-driven Smart Forstars coupé concept at next week’s Paris motor show. The car seats two passengers, has a glass roof above – hence the name – and has a video projector in the bonnet, which is certain never to make production. What is interesting [...]
The locks lowdown September 17, 2012 FASHION moves so fast it is often hard to keep up. Gone are the days of the mods and rockers, collections being shown in the spring and the spring/summer 2013 collections having been broadcast across London only in the last few days, it all becomes very confusing. Should we be wearing autumn styles now or [...]
Business as usual at London Fashion Week September 17, 2012 British designers have achieved the balance between creative flair and commercial nous London Fashion Week has been another creative success – British designers know they have nothing left to prove on that front. But its success over the past few seasons is increasingly owed to its shrewd business acumen. Traditionally, the capital has been criticised [...]
Elba: the majestic Little Tuscany September 16, 2012 IN THE summer, the British head for Tuscany, lured by the classic Italian combination of sun, scenery, fine food and wine. But the Italians themselves head for sleepy Elba, “Tuscany’s island”, with its 150 spotless beaches, romantic villages and breathtaking mountains. Although is a National Park of outstanding natural beauty, tiny Elba is perhaps best [...]
The Lexus Ultimate Yacht Experience September 16, 2012 YOU MAY ask yourself why Lexus is taking people on a yacht to the Isle of Wight. Well, because there is more to the Lexus brand than making cars. Its “Experiences” packages, which are available to anyone, not just those who own a Lexus, range from chocolate tasting to shooting trips. I’m always one to [...]
Rocha: the man of every moment September 13, 2012 There is only one day to go before John Rocha shows his spring/summer 2013 collection to a full house of the industry’s most prominent editors and buyers – and he’s calm. So calm, in fact, that his relaxed demeanour is in stark contract to the chaos around him, as models rush in from various castings [...]
What to expect at the shows: September 13, 2012 With New York Fashion Week ending yesterday and London beginning today, fashion month is officially in full swing and there’s a lot to look forward to over the next five days. Preen returns to the show schedule after six successful years showing in New York and to celebrate the opening of its first European store, [...]
Oi, Love, yer nicked for this cop flop September 13, 2012 FILM THE SWEENEY 15 | * Nick Love’s adaptation of classic 70s cop series The Sweeney opens with an aerial shot of the London skyline. These aerial shots recur throughout, and combined with the frequent mobile phone conversations and scenes inside cars, the whole thing is a bit like an episode of the apprentice, only [...]
Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones salvage this tale of marital woe September 13, 2012 FILM HOPE SPRINGS 12A | *** HOPE PRINGS can be viewed as an inverted romantic comedy. Instead of a young couple haplessly trying to get it together, we have a middle-aged one haplessly trying not to break up. Like your average rom-com, schmaltz levels are high, but three winning performances from Steve Carell, Meryl Streep [...]
Choir Boy is an adept and moving take on cultural tensions September 13, 2012 THEATRE CHOIR BOY Royal Court Theatre | **** WHEN YOU hear the name Choir Boy for a theatrical production what springs to mind? If you’re anything like me, its the idea of an excuse for a good old sing along, followed by a tale of the protagonist’s use of music to conquer all. Okay, so [...]