Archive for December, 2008

Paper

Monday, December 29th, 2008

One of London’s hottest clubs will be bowing out on the brink of 2009 – following in the footsteps of Boombox, which held its huge farewell party last NYE, Paper is set to close for good after ringing in the new year.

Paper is now a grand three years old, the creation of the team behind Grill Room who brought fashionable life back to the cellars of the Cafe Royale. Comprised of a restaurant, an upstairs bar, Glass, which features fine cocktails and bar food, and the main downstairs club, the 400 capacity venue has been host to a large number of events and parties in its time, from Anna Wintour’s American Vogue party in London Fashion Week to Keira Knightley’s 21st birthday. With its numerous hidden rooms and gathering spaces, including the Cigar Room with its secret entrance on Regent Street, Paper has proved a perfect spot for incognito celebrities to let loose for an evening.

It’s not the only glossy VIP venue to be losing its place on the London club scene – Chinawhite has recently departed, and Dolce is soon to follow. Clearly the steep alcohol mark-ups and entry charges are suffering in the financial no-man’s land – but does it also speak volumes about new tastes in entertainment? Only time will tell if such clubs will be replaced by their younger, flashier models, or if they are to be rehauled completely. In the mean time, get yourself down to Piccadilly and party like it’s 2005. For guestlist go to www.paperclublondon.com

Riot Hyatt

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

The hotel which was home to some of rock’n'roll’s most infamous debauchery is set to be rebranded and glossed over by hotel giant Hyatt. The West Hollywood hotel is set to reopen on January 8th with a luxurious boutique feel under the label Andaz, a sub-brand within the company offering design-driven environments, vibrant social spaces, and friendly yet attentive service.

The hotel first opened in 1963 as Gene Autry’s Hotel Continental, the first high-rise on the Strip. Its location, close to noted celeb hangouts of the ’70s such as Whisky a Go Go and House of Blues, meant that it drew much business from bands on tour, leading to inevitable partying and the scene of Keith Richards’ television-out-of-window moment. Since then the hotel has hosted press and launch events for musicians ranging from Ray Charles to John Mayer. The rebranded Andaz aims to maintain such a “cultural playground”, reflecting “the colorful lifestyle of the neighbourhood”, says Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian, in the form of pieces from local artists, impromptu music gigs, and the opportunities for parties afforded by the carefully-designed social spaces throughout the hotel. Design and interiors have been under the control of New York firm Janson Goldstein LLP, promising sophisticated colour palettes, three-dimensional design, and functional and eco-conscious elements.

WWD also reported recently that the staff uniforms for the hotel are to be pieces from the collections of local brands Velvet and Vince. The uniforms are not dictated but rather chosen by the individual staff members, allowing variety and personal style to shine throughout the venue. It’s looking to be quite an addition to Sunset, and Andaz will be following it up with planned openings on Wall Street and Fifth Avenue, and Andaz Austin later in 2010. Eager Londoners can get a taste at the Liverpool Street venture, though no package will include sweet LA sunshine.

www.westhollywood.hyatt.com

Lymphatic Drainage

Saturday, December 27th, 2008

So you’ve eaten too much turkey, you’ve drunk far too much red wine and there is no longer the Yuletide excuse for you to continue to over indulge.  Yet if the thought of hitting the gym or taking any strenuous exercise seems too unbearable, then Paul Drinkwater may be just the answer. 

Specialising in Oedema Lymphatic Drainage, where the system is healthy but sluggish, the 1 hour treatment aims to remove all toxins from your body.
The therapeutic massage involves very light pressure with long, gentle, repetitive strokes, so as not to damage the valves just beneath the surface of the skin; however, it is none the less effective. The rhythmic strokes help to increase lymphatic flow and by stimulating lymph movement, toxins can be removed from the body.  The lymphs are the fluids that travel around our body which are essential in keeping our bodies in good condition and able to fight off the antibodies. By putting poison in our bodies every day, we are slowing down the efficiency of our immune system.  What the lymphatic drainage massage does is boost the flow, maintaining our fluid balance, so that you refresh the immune system and remove out any toxins. 

Lymphatic drainage works all over your body but especially treats the neck as this is where the lymph joins the blood supply.  Not only does lymphatic drainage help with water retention, boost weight loss, reduce cellulite and help your immune system, it can also speed up healing; a large bruise on my arm was radically reduced only a few hours after the session. 

If this sounds exactly what you need after the excess of Christmas then a visit to Paul Drinkwater may be just what you are looking for.

 

The Life Centre

15 Edge Street

London W8 7PN

0207 221 4602

Chanel Fennell?

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

Although best known for his jewellery, the designer Theo Fennell has turned his attention towards something a little different this Christmas.  Normally known for his exquisite and elegant jewellery, Fennell has decided to launch a fragrance, Theo Fennell Eau de Toilette. 

This will not be Fennell’s debut perfume; however, it is anticipated to be even more successful than the first.  Blending Saffron, Lily, Rose and Orchid amongst other opulent spices and scents, the result is a rich and seductive fragrance which hopes to succeed any competitors out this Spring/Summer 09.

The reason behind its expected success may be due to Fennell’s right hand man, Christophe Laudamiel, the author of Youth Dew Amber Nude.  By working with expert perfumers Fennell has created a scent that could be worn all day and as Pamela Harper, CEO Theo Fennel explains it has,” a fragrance with potent femininity that is designed to become at one with a woman’s skin.”

The fragrance will be exclusive to Harrods from February 2009, cleverly positioned for Valentine’s Day.  Yet, if Christmas shopping has exhausted even the more robust of you don’t fret, there’s ample time to purchase the perfume, which will go nationwide from March 2009, from £45 for 75ml.

DvB Candles

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008

Is there no end to what Victoria can do?  This time, the Beckhams have teamed up with Price’s to produce a brand of candles specially designed to support the David and Victoria Beckham Children’s Charity.

Set up in 2002, the Beckhams have created a charity which is aimed at helping children with disabilities or victims of illnesses.  Proving to be a huge success, the charity has already managed to help thousands of children by giving them mobility aids, which help enrich their lives. 

The dvb candle is made from unique vegetable wax and each candle has a personal message from David and Victoria.  Coming in a glossy black glass jar, the elegant candle aims to bring joy and relaxation into your life. 

Set to launch in March 2009, this is something that definitely won’t be leaving you guilt ridden after purchasing.  Priced at £20, all profits will be going to the David and Victoria Beckham children’s charity