The Luxe List: April
THE BAKERY:
Cake & Flowers
Cake & Flowers is Mayfair’s newest bakery. With its own entrance on the Deanery Street corner of The Dorchester hotel, the space is filled with cakes, pastries, blooms, chocolate and champagne. The concept was created by exec pastry chef Michael Kwan and in-house designer florist Philip Hammond, and is available for both hotel guests and outside visitors. The beautiful store sells art-like cake creations based around Hammond’s signature bouquets, including the Dorchester rose.
Visit DorchesterCollection.com
JACK HARDY
THE TREATMENT:
Spring Equinox at Pan Pacific London
Luxury destination Pan Pacific London has introduced a traditional Chinese medicine residency every Wednesday. A holistic wellness programme grounded in classical Chinese medicine practices, the residency channels the hotel’s Asian heritage to offer guests a unique experience. Led by widely acclaimed practitioner Slavomir Latko – a specialist in Daoist wellness and classical Chinese medicine – sessions start with a private consultation to determine the relevant treatment plan for each individual’s requirements. Each treatment is 90 minutes long and priced at £250.
Visit PanPacific.com
THE NEW COLLECTION:
Celine Tennis Capsule
Long-time fans of Celine will love the brand’s preppy new tennis collection. Shot by Celine’s creative director Hedi Slimane in Saint-Tropez, the campaign stars model Quinn Mora courtside in a series of preppy looks. The capsule includes tennis whites like pleated skirts and polo tops with classic red and navy trims, as well as high-top trainers to match. As expected, the real heroes of the collection are the accessories – bags and racquet cases which come in the brand’s signature Triomphe print, as well as a natural canvas with a tan leather trim. Sports luxe has never looked so good.
Visit Celine.com
THE COLLAB:
Elton John X Selfridges Corner Shop
Selfridges has launched Elton John at The Selfridges Corner Shop, transforming the space into a reimagining of Elton’s world, where customers can explore the iconic performer’s archive, shop and celebrate. Framed by archive costumes and framed prints, shopping highlights include an exclusive MORE ELTON collection by Christopher Kane’s MORE JOY offshoot and a reissued polka-dot suit made for Elton by Richard James. There will also be limited-edition bottles of champagne from Moet & Chandon, an Elton-inspired candle by CENT.LDN as well as playful plates and vases by independent ceramicist Laetitia Rouget. Throughout the month, The Cinema at Selfridges will host screenings of Rocket Man.
Visit Selfridges.com
THE SCENT:
Molecule
Three new Escentric Molecules M+ launches have just landed, further enhancing the brand’s coveted collection. Pairing the original fragrance phenomenon Molecule 01 with a carefully selected natural scent, M+ celebrates unique combinations that work together to bring new life to the cult classic. Molecule 01 is the Iso E Super, a synthetic molecule with a cedarwood tonality and a velvety, cocooning sensation. New scent Molecule+ Ginger pairs Molecule 01 with a top note; Molecule+ Black Tea adds a heart note, while Molecule+ Guaiac Wood brings in a new base note – ideal for spring.
Visit Escentric.com
THE CAMPAIGN:
Totême By Steven Meisel
Partnering with photographer Steven Meisel for a third time, Totême’s new campaign stars French and Australian models Jeanne Cadieu and Julia Nobis, and captures the relaxed and pared-back femininity of the brand’s SS23 collection. The next chapter includes dresses with fluid silhouettes and delicate wrap details, as well as signatures like expertly tailored trenches – all inspired by Scandinavian springtime. “There is a traction between the controlled and the free-spirited throughout this collection. With his eye for the perfect composition, Meisel’s portraits reflect that,” says Totême’s co-founder Elin Kling.
Visit Totême-Studio.com
THE EXHIBITION:
The Sittings (2003-2023)
Alexi Lubomirski has photographed the likes of Margot Robbie, Leonardo DiCaprio and the royal family. His new book, The Sittings (2003-2023), is a collection of 113 portraits, with five chapters dedicated to the photographer’s most shot subjects – Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet, Lupita Nyongo, Jennifer Anniston and the royals. The launch of the book will be accompanied by an exhibition at ArtSpace in Claridge’s hotel opening on 24th April.
Visit AlexiLubomirski.com
THE RESTAURANT:
Story Cellar
Today, two-Michelin-starred chef Tom Sellers will open Story Cellar at 17 Neal’s Yard. The space is a Paris-inspired rotisserie-style restaurant with counter dining. Alongside rotisserie chicken served with house salad and French fries, half or whole, Tom’s menu will feature a signature dish from Restaurant Story re-interpreted at Story Cellar in the form of snail bolognese on toast with parsley butter; hand-dived scallop served with XO sauce; and mussels in cider.
Visit StoryCellar.co.uk
THE POP-UP:
Vinterior X Selfridges
Vinterior, the UK’s leading pre-owned furniture marketplace, has announced Vinterior x Selfridges. The Oxford Street department store’s first vintage homeware pop-up features one-of-a-kind furniture that stands the test of time. The pop-up will launch on 17th April for three months, alongside a wider edit available online for national delivery. Each piece has been hand-selected from Vinterior’s top sellers – spanning mid-century modern to art deco and antique, look out for iconic brands like Ercol, G-Plan and Ligne Roset. Prices start from £25 for home accessories, with art, lighting and furniture from £150.
Visit Selfridges.com
THE CERAMICS:
Martha Freud
Martha Freud has introduced a selection of limited-edition works to her website. Inspired by words that resonate with her, the pieces are handmade by Martha in her east London studio. The design is capped to a limited edition, but each letter is individually stamped and every handmade piece has unique characteristics. At its core, Martha’s practice is grounded in a recognition and celebration of both the highs and lows of life – from the lighter moments to the quietly profound. We really like the look of her Let It Be candle holders.
Visit MarthaFreud.com
THE BOOK:
The National Health Service
This new book is a photographic celebration of the NHS, published to coincide with the health service’s 75th anniversary. Since 1948, the NHS has been at the heart of the nation. Promising to care for the citizens of Britain ‘from the cradle to the grave’, its offer of universal healthcare is widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest political achievements. These images, all taken from the 20th century, capture the optimism of the early years and celebrate the NHS’s many triumphs and trials – providing a timely reminder of the importance of its continued survival. Best of all, 10% of profits will be donated to NHS charities.
Visit HoxtonMiniPress.com
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