Fashion week is far from pointless February 25, 2010 ANOTHER fashion week has finished and London has gone back to its (slightly) less glamorous self. The international circus of celebrity will return to wherever it came from for the six-month hiatus before the next round, and Somerset House will once again be a genteel government office complex and art gallery. Every time fashion week [...]
Putting a spin on humble sneakers February 25, 2010 THEY’RE a funny thing, trainers. They are as much a part of a man’s functional wardrobe as jeans, but unlike jeans, they are also very expressive. Hip Camden Converse wearers are a different tribe to those who prance about in Usain Bolt’s yam-coloured Pumas, while those who spend evenings enjoying the box-fresh smell of their [...]
NO KILLER HEELS FOR ME February 25, 2010 SKY-high heels were everywhere at Fashion Week, elongating the models even more for the catwalk. But what about the rest of us? I’ve been trying to walk around in some of these vertiginous shoes sold on the high street. Many of them look gorgeous in your hand, elegant and exciting with lovely bright colours, patents [...]
A brilliant debut novel that tells of tragedy in the City rings all too true February 24, 2010 THIS BLEEDING CITY BY ALEX PRESTON Faber, £12.99 You’d have thought the time had passed for another book about the City and its pre-crunch pulse of money, aspiration and the personal damnation all that can lead to. Certainly, there have been countless stories about “what really went on” – the strip clubs, the arrogance, the [...]
OUT OF OFFICE February 24, 2010 PRIVATE LIVES TO OPEN AT VAUDEVILLE Noel Coward’s play is sure to be a hit when it opens next week, starring Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall and Spooks’ Matthew McFadyen. It is the story of Elyot and Amanda, who were formerly married. Now both are honeymooning with their new spouses and run into each [...]
Got the cash? Well then it’s lobster ‘n’ caviar all round February 23, 2010 ASTAR Tokyo chef, Shoichi Fujimaki, has delighted wealthy locals by charging £70 for a single serving of his signature ramen noodles, a price commanded by his special blend of broth. A less gourmet version of the staple can be bought for £4 down the road. So if cash-stripped Japan can rustle up dishes so extravagant, [...]
OUT OF OFFICE February 23, 2010 RON ARAD: RESTLESS The first major exhibition of Arad’s work in the UK includes a new reworking of his classic 1989 Well Tempered Chair – re-done in transparent polycarbonate – his ping pong table with a highly-reflective surface that slopes in the middle to slow down the game for visitors to play on, and an [...]
How to get bidding for the first time February 23, 2010 I’m thinking of going to an auction to buy some antiques for my home, but haven’t been before. What should I expect? IT’S not surprising that many of us are a little intimidated by the idea of an auction. If TV depictions are to be believed, the slightest scratch of your nose could see you [...]
New cars to look out for in Geneva February 23, 2010 THIS time next week the Geneva International Motor Show will be underway, with the latest designs, concept cars, fresh innovations and new launches. After the travails the motoring world has suffered over the past year, including the near collapse of General Motors and the calamities recently befalling Toyota, the industry will be hoping that the [...]
Torode offers more sizzle than steak February 22, 2010 The Luxe On hearing the name of John Torode, those in the know are likely to grunt with satisfaction as the image of a large, juicy steak enters their head. Perhaps they’ve even read his book, called Beef. Others will murmer an approving “ah yes” as a great cocktail, smoothie, or debaucherous night out at [...]