Chiltern Street in London is known internationally as the most exotic place, where search for assortment of interests, begins and ends. From music, art to luxurious and stylish clothes, this exclusive locale has become a preferred destination for Bella Freud, a cool and quirky, British fashion designer, who has recently opened her flagship at Number 49, Chiltern Street in London. The designer has given her personal touch to the store with shadowy gray walls, a small garden space, and a VIP changing room. Kate Moss, Mosshart, Laura Bailey, Charlotte Tilbury, and Anaïs Gallagher were in attendance at the launch.
A new luxury lounge introduced by Cathay Pacific airlines at the Hong Kong International Airport, is fast catching-up eye balls for its unique design concept and signature style. London-based designer, Ilse Crawford sketched the concept—materials such as onyx, limestone, and bronze are used to craft the space. Spanning over 2,000 square meters, the lounge includes eight private day suites, 14 large luxury shower rooms that provide a comforting zone for a jet-lagged traveler. The dining area offers, a la carte dining with dishes made to order and a full -service bar, serving an eclectic selection of cocktails and wines.
For marine aficionados,French car manufacturer of high performance, Bugatti, has partnered with the biggest yacht maker company, Palmer Johnson to create a series of yachts called Niniette. The yachts will come in three carbon fiber constructed sizes, from 12.8-26.8m (that’s 42ft to 88ft). The central model, the 30 feet Niniette offers, accommodation for four guests, a 63m2 salon on deck and another 43m2, space below. The proud owners-to-be of the new Bugatti yachts, can let their creative juices flow as the brand also offers bespoke designing.The price of the yacht starts at €2 million and each boat takes approximately 12 months to construct.
THE DELHI DURBAR OF 1911: The third Delhi Durbar held in the capital to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress.
Sitting in the idyllic sylvan setting with silver service and light banter over many courses and aroma wafting from a roasting chicken in view, one could easily lose track of time. The dishes were what one would imagine, the discerning lords, ladies and regal Indian emperors once indulged in. Talking about the menu, chef Prem Kumar Pogakula, says, “The expertise of the royal kitchens, the spices, ingredients, serving style of the grand feast of the coronation and many more minute details have been understood and researched, to create a menu that was akin to the old British era.”
Typical throwbacks of the era such as good old trifle, scotch eggs broth, mulligatawny soup, shepherd’s pie, a chicken roast with plums and an absolutely delightful crepe suzette makes up for the inspired cuisine.
SCOTCH EGG BROTH | A traditional 1700’s British egg preparation served with broth, made with minced pieces of lamb neck, barley and vegetables
Interestingly, the scotch egg broth had barley and the Chef brought to our notice that indeed barley was more common than potatoes back in the days and the neck of the goat was preferred as it is full of gelatin. Also chicken was mostly roasted with fruits as vegetables were not so common. An important overarching feature in the food, the chef says, was, “They carried simple straightforward flavours with focus on taste”.
Speaking of the initiative of revisiting the glorious past, Sr executive VP and GM Vijay Wanchoo says, “This December we celebrate the era frozen in time with inspired cuisine of the coronation, while one marvels the worthies from their frames on the walls, at 1911 restaurant. Doffing our hat to the good old days, our chefs bring to you the slice of the classics to mark 104th year of Delhi Durbar, with authentic ingredients, culinary style and substance.”
TRIFFLE PUDDING | Served in a pedestaled bowl, a luxurious yet hoity-toity treat
The afternoon was inundated with anecdotes and trivia about the times and the dishes. Such as the famous Trifle was introduced around 1650s and was an intrinsic part of an English menu which had earlier only alcohol, bread, cream and sugar. Later it was modified with fruits and held a significant position in ceremonies. Trifle was usually kept on the table and denoted celebration, like cakes.
One that was really enjoyed across the table and was a melt in the mouth, served with heaps of cointreau was the Crepe suzette- this amazing flambéed dessert prevailed in 1900s and was the favourite of King Edward VII.
RHUBARB PIE | A citrusy-sour contrast, this pie carries old-timey charm
And finally no feast was complete without a Rhubarb pie- the pie has historic relevance in UK and is derived from the plant Rhubarb, also called Turkish rhubarb which had many medicinal qualities. It was the most famous pie in the royal kitchens in the 20th century.
We are lucky to not just have to rely on our imagination but actually get a chance to get treated to what the kings of the time feasted on. The special ‘Delhi Durbaar Ki Dawaat’ is on offer at The Imperial till the 17th of December, also the dates of when the actual durbar took place.
The 90’s superstar, Winona Ryder boomeranged on the fashion scene. She would represent renowned fashion designer, Marc Jacobs’s spring 2016 beauty line. “A brilliant mind, talent, and physical beauty like no other, not only does she model the look but also gets into the role—and exudes it,” quotes Mark Jacobs on Instagram. An advertisement shot by ace photographer, David Sims where Ryder poses against a mirrored glass in a dramatic cat eye and nude lip, will be released in digital and print next year. The new Mark Jacobs beauty line will hit the stores in February 2016.
Al Zorah, a new luxurious resort in Dubai by Oberoi Group of Hotels is set to open in summer 2016. The property is a sustainable development complex, surrounded by the Ajman coastline, blue lagoons, green mangroves and white sand beaches. It occupies a total area of 5.4 million square meters, offering luxurious accommodation that includes 113 guestrooms, villas, suites and penthouses with modern designs and furnishings. The resort offers a championship golf course, and ancient Madina inspired open-air corridors, hammam, a fully-equipped gym and a 150-foot pool, among several other luxe amenities.
The contestants from 80 countries participated in the world-renowned Miss Supranational beauty pageant 2015, held at the Sports Hall in Krynica-Zdroj, Poland. In the pageant’s 7th edition, Miss Paraguay, Stephanie Vasquez Stegman swept the coveted crown. Last year winner, India’s Asha Bhat crowned Stephanie Vasquez Stegman as Miss Supranational 2015. On being asked during a question and answer round by a panel of judges, “What would you do if you were crowned Miss Supranational 2015, to which the sanguine Paraguay beauty replied, “I would be really relieved and eat chocolate all day.”
In the month of October, Raf Simons, who held one of the most influential posts, the Creative Director of Dior put down his papers, since then speculations struck the fashion industry on the successors’ name. Now, the spring 2016 couture and fall 2016 ready-to-wear collections would soon release in upcoming season, and Dior has made the brand’s in-house team to head, lead and design, the next two collections. The French label has a team of arty, well-equipped designers, well-versed to complete the task.
The much-awaited Auto Expo 2016 is scheduled to be held from February 5-9, 2015 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The show will see participation of 1,500 exhibitors from motor companies such as Audi, BMW, Datsun, Isuzu, Jaguar Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault, SML Isuzu, Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Volkswagen, among others. “We are the biggest auto show in the world. Auto Expo has an average footfall of 126,000 while Auto Shanghai has nearly 118, 000,” said Sugato Sen, Deputy Director General, SIAM at a press conference.
For more than twelve years in the business of fashion, the Scottish fashion designer, Jonathan Saunders who is revered for prints and use of traditional silk screening techniques has announced to close his eponymous label. “The reason for the closure is personal. I am eternally grateful to my team for all their hard work and dedication,” said Saunders who was quoted as saying. Earlier this year, his company acquired an investor Eiesha Bharti Pasricha. Both parties mutually reached a decision to part ways. The label halts its production once spring/summer 16 orders are complete. Celebrities such as Michelle Obama, Sienna Miller and Samantha Cameron include in the Saunders’s list.
