Hot on the Highstreet Week 56

I fell in love with this necklace the instant I saw it advertised in the Sunday Times Style Magazine last weekend. A simple and classic gold chain, with a romantic outline of a star hanging delicately in the centre. Made from sterling silver plated in gold, it is 44 cm long, so that it sits prettily just in the right place on your neck. It is priced at £75.

The necklace is handmade in the Econe studio in Clerkenwell where the design team makes its own collections for shops and works on bespoke orders. The specialists here often make personal pieces and wedding rings to your specifications. They can create modern or vintage designs with white gold, yellow gold and platinum, diamonds, semi and precious stones. They listen to your ideas and requirements to bring your dream item to life.

The Econe website promotes and sells a wide range of independent designers' work, as well as its own jewellery. It is a great place to get an individual piece, that isn’t mass made and sold everywhere. The prices are fair and reflect the quality and design of the piece.

This star necklace reminds me of Rachel from Glee’s star obsession, and her similar star necklace that she wears all the time. Perhaps this will become a new cult item, just like the gold name necklaces after Carrie wore one in ‘Sex and the City’.

Visit the website here.

Brighton Fashion Graduates Show 2011

It’s one thing knowing what you ‘want to be when you grow up’ at the age of five, but eighteen, not so easy. Schooling finishes in a flurry, and suddenly it is time to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life... time to get on the never ending career ladder... the whole thing is terrifying, and of my school friends only two were really ready to embark on adult life and get started on their careers. One of these ambitious friends is Elena Crehan, a creative creature with fiery orange hair and a vitality for life that never ceases to astound me. Having just finished her fashion degree at Brighton, I was invited along to the graduate show to see the final collections and creations.

The show took place in a kooky venue in Angel, called Candid Arts. My friend and I instantly felt painfully out of place, surrounded by hip fashion students wearing outfits that in some cases barely resembled clothes, but instead a drape of material arranged effectively around their body. Our El was barely to be seen, darting all over the place organising the hoards of guests, models and press people. On entering we were greeted with a tall glass of Pimms, and then took our places in the buzzing press area, neighbours of the frantic photographers. Our position meant we were on the receiving end of the model’s piercing stares and glaring poses.

After a brief welcome and introduction the music pumped and the models began striding confidently towards us. Eighteen students were exhibiting, each with about six different looks – so about 108 entrances in 108 unique outfits. Each student’s collection seemed to have a theme, a certain thought that united each of the garments into a team. Along with the clothes many of the models were adorned with fabulous stick on eyebrows and eyelashes, accentuating an androgynous or quirky look.

I was instantly amazed by the sheer quantity each designer had produced, and the incredible attention to detail - obviously each garment had taken a painstaking amount of time to construct. For me, as a keen fashionista, but by no means an expert, I was fascinated and impressed with everyone’s work. Not one collection disappointed. There were a few pieces that I particularly liked, either for the reason that the clothing was so beautiful, an artwork in itself, or because I thought to myself ‘I would really like to wear that.’

First up was Sophia Messina who presented an interesting men’s collection. Experimenting with materials each model came out with unusual straw platform shoes. Rachel Brooks utilised the girl’s slim line figures with slinky long trousers and a fabulously droopy hat, that I would love to borrow for holidays in the sun. I adored Lucy Fisher’s passionately red series, tent-like sporty hooded jackets paired with bright white chunky trainers. Adele Ahrens showed off a very wearable collection of bright floaty tops and a stunning full length gown. John Holt’s gold jumper caused quite a stir, a fluffy sparkling top that he modelled himself on the catwalk!

Eventually it was time for El’s showcase, an arresting collection of texture crazed garments, cleverly named ‘Do You Think Shesaurus?!’ In describing her spring/summer capsule collection El said: “The hand worked Stegasaur pleating technique has been used obsessively throughout to create a geometric silhouette while remaining true to original research in Mexican dolls, corn dolly’s and the proportions of children’s wear as well remaining fresh and above all things fun!”

I particularly loved the potato printed legwear - black Miro-esque shapes mark the white material to create an intricate and funky pattern. All of it was breathtaking and could easily be mistaken for the work of a fully established designer.

I was sad when it was all over, the swarm of models and designers all clapping their way round the catwalk circuit, displaying for one last time the magical designs that had fully occupied these talented graduates for so long. I left knowing there were certainly a few names to watch from the Brighton class of 2011.

Chris Kenny at England & Co Gallery

It is tricky writing about your own father’s work, to avoid bias and try to be objective. My dad has his studio at the bottom of our garden, and so I am always very aware of the presence of his work, but rarely do I get to see pieces before they are exhibited in their finished state.

A few days ago, friends, family and art enthusiasts gathered at England & Co Gallery on Westbourne Grove for the private view of Chris Kenny’s most recent work. It is always intriguing to watch an artist’s work evolve, and this show illustrates Kenny’s progression perhaps more than ever before.

He studied Art History at the prestigious Courtauld Institute, and started his creative career very much as a painter, with a symbolic interest in chairs and trees, and patterns and symmetry in natural things. His work began to move into more museological territory and soon he was carefully constructing boxes of precisely selected and arranged things. Seemingly random items that Kenny recognised a special quality in, artifacts to which Kenny attached labels according to his imaginative associations.

In the current show pieces of this kind predominate, stunning clean white boxes house swarms of cut out faces from photographs, or phrases from books, or segments of maps - things plucked from their familiar environment and made into something new. A collection of dissections, sentences with lost meanings and portraits of forgotten people are given a new lease of life in Kenny’s unusual creations. Clean measured pictures that are mesmerising aesthetically but also hold so many strands of meaning. The story boxes are a perfect example of this, odd phrases are assembled in a brilliantly funny order to form a short narrative, every time you look you can discover something new, visual or intellectual. And that’s the point, you can take away from it what you like, a new perspective, a funny anecdote, a quote full of wisdom, or just the pleasure of looking at something so still and beautiful.

Interestingly, Kenny begins to hark back to his painting days with a group of new works, of cut bright paper, out of which a statement is cut. They are still carefully considered but have a more painterly quality, a striking balance of colour and design. They are gloriously refreshing, and would add a touch of wacky beauty to any room. Declarations read “Hazard” or “Are You Awake?” - they are stylish, and, dare I say it, even a little bit pop-arty.

And then there are the sheds, adorable little buildings constructed from found wood, each with its own character and charm. Again letters are cut out, incisions reveal a quote “Nulla in Mundo Pax” (There is no peace in this world), but it seems there is peace in the refuge of these tiny shelters. They sit neat in line across the back wall of the gallery, immaculately hung - an unforgettable presence in the exhibition.

This collection of Chris Kenny’s works is more daring, and more thrilling than has been seen previously. With Kenny’s unique pieces increasingly being shipped off to be exhibited internationally, this is a rare opportunity to see his newest collection in its full glory. A display that will simultaneously sooth and scream at you.

Exhibition continues until 9 July, see more information here.

Hotel Review: MalMaison London, Clerkenwell

Last weekend was hideously grey and rainy in London so it was a welcome relief to arrive as a guest at the Malmaison hotel. Situated near Smithfields market in a leafy corner of Clerkenwell, amongst the quaint pubs and bars, this boutique hotel is just two minutes walk from Barbican and Farringdon stations.

The charming Victorian red brick facade of the Malmaison stood out even through the drizzle with an alluring but understated elegance. The reception area was alarmingly quiet, decorated luxuriously with dark velvet, an interesting contrast to the lighter exterior. We were quickly and efficiently checked in and taken to our allocated room.

Our room was gloriously light, large windows overlooking the street, a chaise longue adding a discreet sophistication. Clean, spacious and very comfortable, with all the necessities and more: a large plasma screen TV, well equipped mini bar, generous toiletries, and a huge cosy bed. After a busy weekend I was happy to slump down and watch ‘Stuart Little’ which happened to be on TV!

At 7pm we wandered down to the Brasserie to have a cocktail before supper. Low moody lighting offers a calm ambience and it would be an easy place to socialise. A smiling waiter immediately approached us with complimentary salty pistachios, and olives to nibble while we chose our cocktails from the vast list. I wouldn’t expect expert mixologists at a hotel, but Malmaison has it covered, a delicious and unique menu of concoctions, it was impossible to choose just one. Eventually we decided on Bajan Mojito (Bacardi, passoa, vanilla gomme, fresh passion fruit, lime juice and mint leaves) and Garden of Eden (bloom gin, lychee liqueur, elderflower cordial, apple juice and cucumber) - both were divine, carefully mixed flavours to create refreshing, appetizing drinks.

The restaurant at Malmaison London is modern and inviting, we opted for one of the better lit tables as I prefer to eat in brighter lighting. The dinner menu, though not very adventurous, has a varied choice of British dishes, including a particularly enticing ‘Grill’ section. All the meat here is supplied by Donald Russell - grass fed and naturally reared beef. Impressed by the standards we chose the Mal Burger and the 35 day old Rump Steak frites, as our mains.

Fresh warm bread was delivered to our table, with a bottle of the house white. We were then promptly brought our starters: Pea, mint and goat’s cheese salad, and an Asparagus salad. Both were neatly presented and made with the freshest ingredients. My pea salad felt healthy and was an ideal choice before my rich and filling main. The burger was fantastic, every component cooked to perfection and full of flavour. I am a very picky chip eater and am pleased to report that these too were far above average - thin, crispy and lightly salted, I couldn’t help greedily finishing them off. Every sauce and relish you could ever desire was delivered to us without request from our very thoughtful waiter. Pudding came too soon, and I only managed to taste a mouthful of each of the plates we’d ordered: Malmaison Vanilla Creme Brulee and Rhubarb and Ginger Parfait. The parfait married tart and sweet, a lovely juxtaposition of tastes; but it was the brulee that really excelled, a lusciously creamy dessert tinged with real vanilla and accompanied by the most perfect warm madeleine cake. We declined the kind offer of coffee, and stumbled upstairs to rest after the feast. It was lovely to come back to our homely room. I used the complimentary Arron Aromatics bath oil to run myself a lavish bubbly bath before slipping into a deep sleep in the lovely bed.

After a refreshing night’s rest and a power shower we went back down to the Brasserie, but not before grabbing the free Telegraph newspaper left outside our door. Breakfast was perhaps the highlight of the stay for me: an array of delicious fresh pastries, fruit, yoghurt, cereal, everything you could ever wish for, along with a menu of smartly designed hot breakfasts. I couldn’t resist indulging (despite still feeling rather full from supper the night before!) I noticed that many businessmen (not staying in the hotel) were also breakfasting here, obviously the reputation of the Brasserie alone is growing, and rightly so. I’d certainly prefer this banquet over the Pret down the road.

Speaking to a friendly member of the staff about our stay, we discussed the other Malmaison venues, he explained that each hotel very much has its own character...for instance the Oxford Mal is an 'enchanting' old converted prison and the Belfast branch used to be a seed warehouse. The London hotel boasts its own character and appeal - ideal for those staying in the city who wish to avoid the chaotic rush and rip off prices of Central London, and instead relax in a luxurious haven.

Malmaison, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6AH (020 7012 3700; www.malmaison-london.com)

Butley at The Duchess Theatre

English actor Dominic West is best known for his role in HBO series The Wire, in which he played detective Jimmy McNulty from 2002 to 2008. He returns to the London stage to take on the title role in Simon Gray’s hilarious play ‘Butley’. Celebrity actors and critics turned up to support the play on press night last week.

The play takes place on a single day; University professor Ben Butley is having a tough time, his personal and professional lives are collapsing simultaneously. He is suffering the final breakdown of his marriage, while his friendship with best friend Joey is also on the rocks. At work he is accused of poaching a student from another lecturer, and is hassled constantly by his melodramatic colleagues. Butley deals with his woes by annoying his friends as much as possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed Lindsay Posner’s production of this humorous piece. Effective direction enables the actors to make the most of Gray’s hilarious script. The action is set in a campus office, dusty books balancing precariously on the bookselves, with Ben’s desk and surrounding floor littered with the day’s debris - a visual depiction of the turmoil wrecking Ben’s life.

Dominic West gives a witty and intelligent portrayal of the play’s selfish protagonist. Butley is a charismatic and clever man, but is also sulky and solitary in a juvenile way that reminded me of Hugh Laurie as Dr House (another British actor in a successful American show). Butley seems overtly interested in his gay friend’s relationship, so much so that it suggests he may be bi-sexual, though this remains ambiguous. He is totally preoccupied with rhyming verse and regularly pesters those around him with relentlessly silly rhetoric. It is wonderful to watch West tackle this fast paced dialogue with such ease and panache.

The rest of the cast support West well, despite having rather small roles by comparison, Martin Hutson is the pathetically timid Joey and Paul McGann his unbearably petty Yorkshire bred lover, Reg Nuttall. I enjoyed Emma Hiddleston as wide eyed student Miss Heasman, she takes on the role of this overly sensitive student, innocent and unaware as Butley bullies her.

Simon Gray wrote Butley forty years ago and yet in this well adjusted and amusing production I felt it was undated and fresh as ever.

Butley continues until 27 August, book here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 55

No-one believed she could do it when Lily Allen opened her very own vintage boutique, ‘Lucy in Disguise’ with half sister Sarah Owen. Eight months later, not only is the shop a resounding triumph but the sisters are now launching their debut 18-piece fashion range, a collection of unique vintage style garments.

The new capsule collection is named ‘Treasure Chest’ and features outfits from different eras including Sixties influenced maxi dresses, Seventies jumpsuits and an Eighties ra-ra skirt. I particularly like the long floaty floral dresses and the fun nautical swimsuit. It seems Lily is on a roll – she says the pair are currently working on their fourth collection... she has certainly come a long way since her early pop star hi-top trainers and prom dress days. She chose Delphine Manivet to design her wedding dress.

I’ve visited Lucy in Disguise and completely adore the store. Rails line the walls dripping with the most divine vintage finds. Downstairs there is a vodka bar, a VIP area and a wonderful little retro hair salon and WAH nails area, what more could you need? So even if you can’t afford the perfectly picked vintage gems or the beautiful new range pieces, it is worth going to see the shop and get your nails done.

The collection is available at Harvey Nichols and at Lucy in Disguise from 6 June, with prices starting at £140.

Macbeth at The Royal Opera House

Visits to the Royal Opera House and the ENO in one day is impressive, even for me! When I was offered a ticket to the final Macbeth rehearsal at ROH I had to accept. Going along to Covent Garden at 11am felt a little strange, especially seeing the audience turning up in casual weekend attire, a far cry from the usual ball gowns and pearls.

Once in the auditorium, the rehearsal announcement came loud and clear through the speakers: "this is a working rehearsal, there may be stops, and some singers may mark their part". Of course they have to say this but in fact the performance ran through, faultless and perfected, even the final bows were neat and tidy. To my knowledge the singers were singing full voice, they certainly didn't appear to be holding back. In fact quite the opposite, they were powerful and resonant, some of the best vocal bravado I've heard here for a while.

In my final year at university I was lucky enough to study 'Verdi and Shakespeare,' a course that focused on his three Shakespearean operas. Macbeth was the first, written in 1847 and revised in 1865. This was a period of great productivity in Verdi's life; even so the great composer recognised its worth, "Macbeth I prize above all my other operas".

The curtain lifts to reveal a swarm of menacing witches, they are dressed in striking red and black costumes that look very Japanese inspired. The chorus is gigantic, they spit out the first number, a sinister mass. I immediately noticed Anthony Ward’s bold set, a strong structure that traps the singers very effectively on stage. The soloists in this cast are exceptional, Simon Keenlyside’s clear baritone voice brings warmth to the role of Macbeth, and Liudmyla Monastyrska sings the highly virtuosic part of Lady Macbeth with confidence and true musicianship. Brilliant alone on stage, she fills the theatre with her big voice, but also works extremely well with Keenlyside, a perfectly possessed duo.

The orchestra of the Royal Opera House are masterful as ever, conducted by the strong handed Antonio Pappano, who I think brings a unique flair to this extraordinary score. Pappano is particularly sensitive to the more intense moments of the opera, for instance Lady Macbeth’s sleepwalking scene that is very intimate and moving.

I was fully engaged throughout despite the long running time of three hours. Every aspect of Phyllida Lloyd’s production is brilliantly realised to produce a stunning five star rendition of this wonderfully dark masterpiece.

Macbeth continues until Saturday 18th June, book here.

Beauty and the Beast in Barnsley

A weekend out of town can be very soothing for a manic Londoner like me, so when I was invited to go up north to see a friend starring in Beauty and the Beast at the Barnsley Lamproom Theatre, I grabbed the opportunity. Five of us squeezed in the tiniest of cars, buzzing up the motorway to the beat of latest fave band Everything Everything.

We arrived in good time, 5.25 for a 7.15 start, and wanting to find a suitable bouquet for our performing friend, we went to suss out Barnsley’s best flower boutiques. Turns out there are none, and any shops we did find were shut. I kind woman directed us to Morrisons, where we spent a good twenty minutes picking out the least tacky bunch.

Battling with the ferocious wind, we walked through the town to the theatre. After stopping for a quick platter of snacks, we took our seats. We all studied music together at university so it felt familiar sitting waiting to watch a friend sing. The lights dimmed and a musky smoke began laboriously puffing across the stage.

Hannah came on, auburn hair glowing and dressed in a sweet blue dress, not dissimilar to a John Lewis school uniform, the prettiest Belle in Barnsley. I felt instantly at ease watching her effortlessly perform the familiar Disney melodies but with a renewed charm to the character that far surpassed the animation. To our left a single red rose sat, brooding in its own melancholy. Gradually as the night went on the petals fell, with perfectly ridiculous comic timing much to the audience’s delight. The chorus pranced about, everyone just seemed pleased to be taking part. It wasn’t just Hannah we were there to watch, this production was quite a family affair... her enviously sophisticated mum as the wardrobe and her hunky cousin as the handsome villain, Gaston. Clearly theatrical talent is something this family don’t lack!

A buffet greeted the hungry cast members and guests, exhausted from the day’s events we all left to drive back to Hannah’s house, our gorgeous accommodation for the night. After some much needed gossip we retired to bed, dreaming of talking clocks and dancing candlesticks.

Pygmalion at The Garrick Theatre

Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw is rather overshadowed by its musical offspring, ‘My Fair Lady,’ that uses the same endearing story with the addition of toe tapping tunes. Nonetheless this classic ‘rags to riches’ tale of young Eliza Doolittle still delights audiences and the Garrick Theatre was full to the brim when I went along last week.

Philip Prowse’s production started life at the Chichester Festival Theatre last year, before transferring to London in May. I had heard negative rumours about the show, so prepared myself for disappointment. As a whole the play feels oddly disjointed, from a lengthy opening speech from Eliza as the uncouth flower seller to a seemingly instant transformation to an eloquent upright lady. I missed the tiresome lessons reciting ‘the rain in Spain’ and feel the absence of this struggle leaves the narrative rather inadequate.

The familiar role of Eliza is bravely taken on by ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ star Kara Tointon, who uses her movement training to her advantage, capturing the crumpled street-perching girl and then the tall reformed woman both perfectly. She immediately reminded me of Audrey Hepburn, she seems to be channelling the famous actress’s portrayal, and also has a similar doll like beauty.

I was less impressed with Rupert Everett, who stumbles precariously on his lines throughout the evening. I have always liked Everett but feel he doesn’t bring enough of his unique flair to the character - Henry Higgins is a man who oozes charisma and unfortunately Everett just doesn’t deliver. There is some sterling work from the smaller roles though, a composed Diana Rigg presents a wonderful Mrs Higgins and Michael Feast is hilariously rowdy as Alfred Doolittle.

There are some poignant moments in this production of Pygmalion thanks to Tointon’s thoughtful depiction, but on the whole I feel it lacks depth and at times even verges on bland, most of all I missed the songs.

Continues until 3 September, 2011. Book here.

Mount Street May Fayre party

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I turned up at The Mount Street Party a few nights ago. I had been sent the invitation from a friend and was mostly just excited about the prospect of a free glass of fizz. After undergoing intensive renovation this fashionable London shopping street is re-open for business and so to celebrate, the luxurious boutiques threw a party.

Mayfair, London’s smartest district, originally received its name from the annual two week May Fayre held in Shepherds Bush market from 1686 until it was banned for being too rowdy and disruptive. 325 years later Mount Street is once again remembering this historic occasion, with celebrations over the whole month of May. The street is home to many Flagship designer stores- Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin, Lanvin and Balenciaga, Azzaro and Stephen Webster to name a few.

My office is located just a few minutes walk away so it was easy to pop along after work last week, fitting it in just before a theatre excursion. It was the perfect day for a party, blazing sun and a gentle breeze. An awards ceremony had just finished round the corner so celebrities were running riot in the local posh drinking houses. Once in the midst of the events it was difficult to choose where to go first, smiling faces greeting me outside every shop, each offering an exciting cocktail or canapé. Entertainers and adorned women on stilts coloured the street with their bright costumes, and in one corner there were musicians and dancers.

I was ushered into an intriguing shop, pungent with the smell of white spirit in the air and men working furiously inside. This brilliantly light space is soon to be a new concept gallery, called Shizaru. They will exhibit fabulously unique pieces, some traditional antique artefacts, other highly inventive new works and sculptures. Scattered around were several wonderful pieces, a giant swirling bowl of clear liquid particularly caught my eye. Before dashing off I needed to eat something, so we wandered around the other shops picking up barbequeued sausages from Allens (the high end meat shop visited by Apprentice contestants), a glass of fresh lemonade from The Connaught and ice creams from the lovely lady outside Louboutin. Champagne was flowing and I was lucky enough to get one of the most deliciously fragrant glasses of Pimms I have ever tasted from the famous Scott’s bar and restaurant.

Just before running to the theatre we popped into Sautter Cigar shop to look at the collection, and munch on their superior nibbles. Men outside were suited and booted in the finest outfits while puffing away on their fat cigars. This was the loveliest of May Fayres, which is what you would expect from the exclusive Mayfair road - Mount Street.