August Editor's Letter

August at SheerLuxe typically means the countdown to September, which marks the beginning of 16 weeks of autumnal, fashion-filled, festive madness. September is actually my favourite time at SL – an opportunity to really get your teeth into the work, showcase the very best of the new season, rush around from campaign shoots to meetings, and generally enjoy the chaos. August, in contrast, feels languid and calm – a time to prep as much as possible but also give breathing space to exciting moments in our editorial calendar. That’s why this week sees the SL Book Club podcast go live, alongside our first ever SheerLuxe London Restaurant & Bar Awards – a curated edit of the very best foodie offerings our capital (and beyond) has to offer. I don’t wish to sway anyone, but Hide, Gymkhana, The Twenty-Two and Miznon will all be getting my vote.

Outside of work, it doesn’t feel like anything else is slowing down for August – from the Barbieheimer debate to new hotel openings, the world is moving as fast as ever. To help you get your cultural fill this month, consider this editor’s letter your official cheat sheet – here are my top recommendations to help you round off the summer more in-the-know than before...

The watch: I’ve just finished Quarterback, a Drive-To-Survive-inspired documentary tracking three of the NFL’s leading quarterbacks over the course of last season. Much like all the other copycat docs the F1 OG has sparked, you don’t have to have any natural interest in the game itself – the insight it offers into one of the most academic jobs in sport is enough to keep you entertained.

The read: Everyone is talking about Yomi Adegoke’s The List. I won’t reveal too much, as it may or may not appear on the Book Club list at some point – but so far, it’s a fun, thought-provoking, character driven study of the impact of a very public accusation of sexual abuse. 

The staycation: 1Hotel Mayfair has just opened its doors. If you happen to have visited the brand’s vast, minimalist, plant-laden spaces in either NYC or Miami, you’ll already have an idea of what to expect – ice cream sundaes in Tom Seller’s new signature restaurant and filtered water taps in every room impressed me most.

The beauty product: Westman Atelier’s liquid super illuminator products have been a stand-out new addition to my routine in the last few weeks. The latest launch for the clever brand that blends make-up with skincare, it’s an all-over highlighter that offers unreal levels of glow.

The homeware: I have Pooky’s rechargeable tabletop lamps all over my home, so I was gutted to miss the drop of these rechargeable wall lights back in January. Finally, they’re back in stock. Mine are flanking a newly framed wall-hanging from Hadeda: my favourite hack for creating affordable, large-scale art. 

The fashion purchase: Much as I would love to be wearing my summer dresses right now, I think the offering from new brand Rainkiss might be a little more appropriate. It’s hard to find stylish rain gear – I’m excited for the colour this Ikat poncho is going to add to miserable dog walks come autumn and – I imagine – the rest of summer. If we are blessed with another day of sunshine, I’ll take the opportunity to rewear this killer two-piece, which is part of a new collaboration between Italian purveyors of all things colourful La Double J and the original street style star, Leandra Medine. I loved giving it a spin at Ascot King George Weekend.

Have a wonderful summer,