Waste at The Almeida

Directed by the admirable actor Samuel West, Harley Granville Barker’s Waste, who brought us The Voysey Inheritance, is a political 20^th century play that was originally banned by the censors in 1907. 

The Edwardian playwright deals with both adultery and abortion, making it a highly revealing and enlightening political drama and there is little wonder that it has managed to hold its own against the scrutiny of a modern day audience. 

Will Keen plays Trebell as a career hungry, detached figure and it is only at the end, when his conscience fully comes into play, that we begin to warm to him.  It is here that we see a potent figure who could have been political dynamite. Other commendable acting came from Peter Eyre’s Lord Charles Cantilupe and Hugh Ross’s Cyril Horsham who both manage to bring life into the roles of ageing Tory politicians.

Yet, while Peter Hall argues it is the greatest political play since Shakespeare, it is a piece that requires an audience to listen carefully and to give it a bit of time to develop.  Its central message, that of the inevitable compromises between ambition and conscience in political life, is still as relevant as ever.  However, while I sometimes found it difficult to emotionally engage with Granville Barker’s portrait of political life, this production is still subtle and richly played.

To 15 November (020-7359 4404)

If the cries of Trick of Treat at your door normally fill you with dread, then this might be just the answer you need to bring you round to the Halloween spirit. Anya Hindmarch is hosting a week long Trick or Treat extravaganza at all stores and online at www.anyahindmarch.com from Wednesday 22^nd Friday 31^st October.

Simply pick a sweet from Anya Hindmarch’s Trick or Treat bag (no purchase necessary) and you could win one of her bags, clutches, purses or key rings from her Autumn/Winter 2008 collection. Catch? If you pull a trick the forfeit must be carried out. Spooky stickers and skeleton sweets will also be handed out to tempt both parent and child. Visit www.anyahindmarch.com for further information

The Black Book

Jean Paul Gautier

In keeping with Jean Paul Gautier’s marine theme, the designer hosted a spectacular aquatic show to end Parisian fashion week.  The French champion team performed at the famous indoor art deco pool in Pontoise to celebrate the launch of the new Evian bottle designed by Jean Paul Gautier. 

Following on from the success Evian received after Christian Lacroix designed for them last year, Evian has partnered with another top designer to create a limited edition of haute couture bottles.  With giant crystals and oversized letters in his signature blue spelling out the brand name, the bottles will be sold in a metallic gift box. 

Matthew Walker, Evian Marketing Manager at Danone Waters UK, comments: “We have produced iconic limited edition Evian bottles since 2000, as we are keen to emphasise the premium aspect of the brand. This fantastic limited edition partnership is not only a natural fit for the brand; but highlights the combination of fashion, category leadership and high-quality that only Evian can bring to the bottled water market.”

The special edition Evian bottle are either unnecessary extravagances or a glamorous way to detox, from November onwards you can decide for yourself, available at Harvey Nichols, Harrods and Selfridges.

www.evian.com. RRP £3.99

Lily and Lionel

Good news for devotees of e shopping sites, the ethnic fashion label, Lily and Lionel, is to launch its new shopping site later this month.  Following the example of the hugely popular net-a-porter site, Lily and Lionel have also decided to go online without a bricks and mortar store but for the moment will focus predominantly on accessories.

Creative Director Alice Stone became interested in jewellery and clothes from a young age, “I would go on holiday and bring back a broach from a market. I’m influenced by colors and buildings and cultures from other countries.” A keen traveller, Stone’s aim for London-based label Lily & Lionel is to make beautiful clothing for the world traveller, by the world traveller. 

Infact, Stone’s new collection is inspired by her travels round South Asia.  With Indian patterns and traditional textile methods used in her scarves, Stone has managed to incoporate her travelling experiences in her jewellery, dresses, kaftans and belts.  All the items will be available all year round. Stone says: “It’s a nice touch, because if you’re shopping at the wrong time of year, like if you’re going skiing in July, it can be hard to find anything for cold weather.”

If you weren’t already persuaded to browse the new site, Stone explains that all are ethically produced and use sustainable materials. Lily & Lionel’s vision goes beyond beautiful sweaters at an affordable range between $50-100 

Lilyandlionel.com

Maria Buccellati and Rock Republic

Could this be every fashionistas dream?  This autumn, Maria Buccellati will be collaborating with Rock Republic exclusively for Harrods.  United by their mutual belief in uncompromising quality, the designers will be launching a new season of cashmere and jeans.

The collection will not only be using the finest quality of fabrics but also will be custom made with hand detailed washes.  MB and Rock Republic are looking to join three different Italian styled 4 ply cashmere jumpers with Rock premium denim jeans.

Once the muse of Dolce and Gabbana, Maria Buccellati has a talent for designing, with swimwear and luxury cashmere labels already, so this will not be the first time Buccellati has shown her talent for fashion.  

In following with Maria Buccellati’s previous luxury fashion range, both designers are aiming to target the jet set customer and Harrods is obviously the perfect place to be housing their designs. 

Prices: denim from £235 and cashmere from £415

Exclusively for Autumn 2008 at Way in, Fourth Floor Harrods