A Launch at Breakfast by Kathleen Thompson: The Santiago Sisters – Victoria Fox

The Santiago Sisters – Victoria Fox
The Ivy Kensington Brasserie was the perfect venue for the launch of The Santiago Sisters – Victoria Fox’s latest novel, due for release on 28th July.

Victoria explained the plot and inspiration over a fantastic breakfast, and quite frankly what could be better than hearing about the background to a novel in the company of interesting people and great food.

A Launch at Breakfast by Kathleen Thompson.
It transpired that a few years ago, Victoria spent an exciting time in Argentina and Patagonia, herding cattle with gauchos, watching tango in street cafes and sleeping at least partly under the stars (their tent had a few poles missing) and so she chose Argentina as the background for her story.

What story? An exploration of ‘sister’ relationships through the two main characters – Calida and Teresita Santiago.
victoriafox
Victoria and Tory

As she talked to us, she brought the whole Argentinian and Patagonian experience to life in such a way that clearly the book is going to be unputdownable.

She and Cleo, editor from HQ, (a new imprint being launched by Harper Collins this month) discussed how they had worked together to produce the final product. Besides Alice and Tory from Midas PR, there were representatives from various magazines, including our own Frost magazine and also Claire from Fabulous Magazine.

Next week, Frost Magazine will be publishing a review of The Santiago Sisters published by Mira on 28th July. pb original £7.99.

 

Africa And The City… Izelia Brings Cutting Edge Couture To London Fashion Week SS/16

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On the 18th of September 2015, ISATU HARRISON brought her Spring/Summer 2016 IZELIA collection to the Millennium Gloucester Hotel, 4-18 Harrington Gardens, South Kensington, London, SW7 4LH.

With her exuberantly eclectic style, ISATU HARRISON put on a typically vibrant performance, throwing a storm of colour onto her spring/summer 2016 couture catwalk.

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Rampaging through any shade she could find, she produced a highly luxurious and supremely feminine collection, a cacophony of brilliantly rich splashes and prints that fulfilled every expectation of her, producing a supremely feminine collection using fabrics that suggested she had rummaged through the most luxurious of haberdashery boxes that you could say, had a touch of the Christian Lacroix about it.

This was the IZELIA brand to the core, but she refused to let the chaos take over.

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The designer’s breathtaking collection featured a delicious palette that ran from lemon and lime sorbet to pomegranate and featured piles of gold, African-inspired prints splashed over a selection of dresses and jumpsuits that were tailored to the point of perfection, as if the designer had forfeited any need to cut the fabric.

The Sierra Leonean designer, whose strength is her ability to celebrate the feminine capacity to be seriously spoilt, gave her models big seventies-style curly hair and layered on the eyeshadow and lipstick to give them a air of high maintenance narcissism.

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Models were wrapped in an explosion of colour and luxurious fabrics with exuberant head-wraps that demonstrated Isatu’s desire to discover what women really want.

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Isatu produced a spring/summer wardrobe that was rich in detail, finish, and texture, with a slim, somewhat sixties silhouette, counterpointed with the occasional controlled bursts of volume. There were exemplary denims slashed with vibrant citrus yellow, sleek and streamlined, with cinched jackets and skirts that finished just above the knee.

The IZELIA sophomore-inspired collection, featured pants, jackets, dramatic capes and long-line waiscoats that wrapped around the body like an embrace.

As for the dresses, they were expertly executed, achieving soft, supple, drapey effects, as well as more structured ones, making a famously clingy fabric practical and wearable.

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Isatu balances the qualities that women expect from cutting-edge urban fashion—sportiness and sex appeal, in equal measure—with the contemplative, cerebral nature of her own approach, revealing her fondness for the folkloric aspect of her native country.

Cognac-coloured prints translating into a quietly glamorous collection of embellished feminine pieces, juxtaposed with sturdy, more masculine ones, the IZELIA brand is morphing into the go-to brand for hip young women looking for must-have pieces.

This was an accomplished collection from an inspired designer who is transmitting a jolt of excitement about contemporary dressing, with a perennially youthful eye, giving her best collections a tomboyish naturalness that manages to capture the essence of camera-ready fashion…

 

About Izelia…

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Izelia is the creation of talented designer Isatu Harrison, who draws on her Sierra Leonean heritage to create a modern and sophisticated range of ready to wear pieces. Combining African wax prints with contemporary cuts, Izelia is a brand for those who want to make an impression in stylish and colourful outfits with high quality fabrics and precise tailoring. Each piece features a new twist on African-inspired fashion and Isatu’s interpretation of upcoming fashion trends results in a debut collection full of innovative and eye-catching pieces! The Izelia collection is a selection of pieces that include military inspired jumpsuits and dresses in both elegant floor length and chic fitted styles. Fashionistas will find something to inspire them among Izelia’s flattering stretch denim and glamorous silk chiffon materials. With African-influenced fashion taking Europe’s fashion capitals by storm, Izelia is bringing striking and sexy African prints to the high street, allowing the style conscious to sprinkle their wardrobe with up-to-the-minute multi-ethnic flair.

http://izelia.co.uk

facebook.com/IzeliaFashion

@IzeliaFashion

info@izelia.co.uk

 

About the Millennium Gloucester Hotel…

This modern and luxurious Kensington hotel offers a relaxed environment in the heart of London. Hotels in Kensington with such charm and supreme comfort are rare. The Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington effortlessly combines a convenient location with a unique sense of style and character.

The Millennium Gloucester Hotel London Kensington is also home to the Millennium Conference Centre, with 1,600 m2 of contemporary meetings and events space. Clients have a wide selection of spaces to choose from, all varying in size and style, for events such as business conferences, award ceremonies, Champagne receptions and weddings.

Situated next to Gloucester Road Underground Station, this hotel is perfectly positioned for visiting many of the British capital’s greatest attractions. They include nearby Hyde Park, the Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Earl’s Court and Olympia Exhibition Centres are also a short walk away.

www.millenniumhotels.co.uk/millenniumgloucester

Images copyright Shane Finn (Visual Devotion) UK Runway and International Fashion Photography

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www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

Corinne@frostmagazine.com

@ladycdtt

https://www.facebook.com/corinne.tuddenhamtrett

Summer Party At The South Kensington Club…

The evening of Thursday 25th June saw a host of London influencers and VIP guests, including Adam Garcia, Chelsy Davy, Jack Fox and Tom Parker-Bowles gather together to celebrate summer at The South Kensington Club.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

With a dress code of summer chic and tennis whites, attendees enjoyed Pommery Champagne and a selection of sumptuous cocktails and canapés, whilst exploring the recently opened South Kensington Club. Entertainment was provided by Playlister DJ Dan Lywood, whilst guests were also treated to live music from theatrical band, Colomboloco.

On the evening, Coyote Ugly star Adam Garcia was seen speaking with actor Jack Fox, providing advice on how to perfect his accent for his upcoming role, whilst Noelle Reno (having just landed back in London) was seen catching up with Marissa Montgomery who was raving about Wednesday’s Fleetwood Mac concert.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, The South Kensington Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind – from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.

VIP attendees included: Adam Garcia, Jack Fox, Chelsy Davy, Hugo Taylor, Laura Pradelska, Tom Parker-Bowles, Aluna Francis, Jack Freud, Olivia Grant, Natalie Coyle, Henry Conway, Roxie Nafousi, Noelle Reno, Zafar Rushdie, Tom Inskip, Marissa Montgomery, Daniella Helayel Issa, Lohralee & Will Astor, and Linzi & Will Stoppard.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

Guests drank Pommery Champagne and were treated to a delicious light menu consisting of artichoke and quinoa salad, olive oil and lemon, salad of goats cheese, tomatoes and mixed seeds, spring vegetables salad, wild salmon in sea salt crust, potato salad and yoghurt sauce, culminating in mango and vanilla ice cream.

South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015. South Kensington Club Summer Party at South Kensington Club, London, Britain on 25 Jun 2015.

About The South Kensington Club…

Situated in the vibrant heart of South Kensington, nestled between Hyde Park and London’s best-known museums, The South Kensington Club provides an unrivalled lifestyle offering for body and soul. Located in a historic Georgian Music Hall, the elegant, unpretentious, homely environment of the South Kensington Club’s interior has been thoughtfully executed to provide a place for reflection, relaxation and respite for its Members. The Club has been designed with its Members every desire in mind; from the cultural and culinary, to the physical and philosophical.

The South Kensington Club, 38-42 Harrington Road, London, SW7

www.southkensingtonclub.com

The Best London Restaurants To Watch Fireworks

BONFIRE NIGHT 2013

On November 5th, the London skyline will dazzle with fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes night. Enjoy the show at one of these top London restaurants:

 

 

angler

Angler

Michelin starred British seafood restaurant Angler, located within South Place Hotel, offers guests a stunning terrace in which looks over the City of London from its location near Liverpool Street station. Enjoy some seafood winter warmer dishes such as the Angler and lobster pie, while watching the sky light up and sparkle in between the skyscrapers.  www.anglerrestaurant.com

 

 newgrill

 

 

 

New Street Grill

After tucking into a delicious steak at meat house and grill restaurant New Street Grill, head outside to the terrace shared by adjacent venue The Old Bengal Bar. Sip on some warming colonial cocktails, such as the Royal Daiquiri, while snuggling up under blankets and enjoying the capital’s firework displays. www.oldbengalbar.co.uk

 

vivo

 

 

Vivo

Newly opened in Islington, and inspired by the traditional gastronomia and pasticceria of Italy, Vivo is an all day casual dining affair serving authentic and regional cuisine. With a cozy terrace situated on the roof, diners can watch the crackling comets set the sky alight with prosecco in hand, served on tap, and a slice of authentic Romana pizza. www.vivotaste.com

 

 ad12

 

 

AD12 atT42

Anthony Demetre’s three month pop up restaurant, located on floor 24 of iconic high rise building Tower 42, is the perfect venue to gaze at the stunning fireworks across the capital. Indulge in Demetre’s contemporary European menu which showcases his signature style from his restaurants Arbutus, Wild Honey and Les Deux Salons. Dishes include crisp pigs head, potato purée, pickled turnip; and turbot, butternut squash, girolles, shrimps, salted butter. http://ad12.co.uk/

 

 Min Jiang

 

Min Jiang

Situated on the 10th floor of the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, Min Jiang offers views of Kensington Gardens and London beyond. As the skies light up on 5th November, guests can sample the firey Chilli Sensation menu and cocktail flight. Available throughout November and costing £65, three fiery cocktails will be paired with a set menu of spicy Chinese specialities. Starters include a choice of Bi Feng Tang Soft Shell Crab or Sichuan Chicken paired with a Sichuan Mary – a hot Bloody Mary. For the main course, a Chilli Caipirinha accompanies a choice of Gong Bao Prawn or MaPo Tofu, both with steamed rice. For a spicy but sweet dessert, a Sichuan Pancake is served with a Chilli Chocolatini. The chilli cocktails can also be sampled at the Min Jiang bar, priced individually or accompanied by Bi Feng Tang Soft Shell Crab for £22.

www.minjiang.co.uk

Where will you be going?

The Roof Gardens private members club wins ‘Best Live Music Venue’

The Roof Gardens private members club wins ‘Best Live Music Venue’ at the London Club Awards

The Roof Gardens private members club in Kensington has scooped the award for ‘Best Live Music Venue’ at this year’s London Club Awards. The awards celebrated another twelve months of exceptional creative achievements in London’s exciting entertainment scene.

The Roof Gardens is proud to be the inaugural winner of this newly created category of ‘Best Live Music Venue’. The Club was also nominated for ‘Best Club’ at the awards.

The award comes after an extremely successful year for The Roof Gardens, which also celebrates its 31st birthday this year. With fierce competition from Ronnie Scott’s and The o2 Academy Islington, The Roof Gardens was chosen as the winner by an esteemed judging panel that included Mark Armstrong and the singer Paul Young.

Jon Brown, Managing Director of Virgin Limited Edition, said: “Winning the ‘Best Live Music Venue’ at this year’s London Club Awards is a wonderful achievement for The Roof Gardens. The entire club team has worked tirelessly to ensure our live music programme is a success and winning this prestigious award is evidence of that.”

The Club at The Roof Gardens has enjoyed two successful seasons of its Live Music Programme. Held in a marquee within the picturesque Tudor Gardens every Friday and Saturday night during the winter seasons, over 200 new and established talents have performed. During the sold-out ticketed live music nights, over 10,000 live music fans came through the door. Key acts included Marie J Cooper (who went on to be one of the finalists on BBC’s The Voice) and ‘The Loveable Rogues‘(one of the finalists on ITV’s ‘Britain’s Got Talent).

Matt Roper has been Club Manager at The Roof Gardens for three years. Known for his innovation and ambition, Matt brings creativity and attention to detail that stems from interacting with customers and understanding what they expect on a night out. During his time in the position, he has brought fireworks, live music, magicians, stilt walkers and fire eaters, whilst introducing some of the best artists and DJ’s to The Roof Gardens.

Spring into Easter Sunday with Lunch at Babylon

Looking to banish winter blues and summon the spirit of the new season? Head straight to the award-winning Babylon Restaurant at The Roof Gardens in Kensington and treat the whole family to a memorable Easter.

To celebrate Easter Sunday, on the 8th April each guest will be treated to a complimentary Easter bunny rabbit shaped chocolate lollipop from a lucky dip. Each lollipop will have an envelope attached to it where guests will find out if they’re one of the lucky ones to win a fabulous mystery prize. Prizes will include 20% off your next Babylon booking, a year’s Club membership for the Private Members Club on the 6th floor, a VIP table for you and your friends in the Club to name but a few.

The delicious Easter menu offers a selection of favourite roast dishes including tender roasted Pork Belly with Bramley Apple Sauce or mouth-watering Roast Beef. All roast dishes are accompanied by sharing platters of seasonal vegetables and roast potatoes. With a menu bursting with equally enticing starters, vegetarian dishes, and indulgent desserts, the whole family will be catered for this Easter. Kids (and adults too!) will also be able to enjoy a visit from The Roof Garden’s very own magician Easter Bunny as they tuck in to a three course children’s menu priced at only £8.00.

The Babylon menu is priced at £26.00 for two courses and £29.00 for three courses. For reservations please call Babylon on 020 7368 3993 or visit Babylon@roofgardens.virgin.com

Tennis Players and Celebrities celebrate the start of the 125th Wimbledon Championship

Tennis Players and Celebrities celebrate the start of the 125th Wimbledon Championship at the WTA Pre Wimbledon party in association with Range Rover

Last night saw the best of women’s tennis come out to celebrate the start of Wimbledon Championships for 2011.

Celebrities including Eliza Doolittle, Holly Branson, Kimberly Wyatt, Naomi Harris, Holly Valance, Patsy Kensit, Lord Sugar and Tinie Tempah joined the players at the exclusive bash held at The Roof Gardens in Kensington. The venue was decorated with a Turkish theme to acknowledge Istanbul as the host of this year’s Championship.

The event, sponsored by Range Rover, in conjunction with the launch of the all new Evoque, saw fashion take centre stage with a historical collaboration between the British Fashion Council and the Women’s Tennis Association. To celebrate the rise of fashion within the sport, top designers including Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney created dresses for some of the top female players.

Rising British stars Heather Watson and Laura Robson were also dressed to impress ahead of their run in the tournament, wearing stunning dresses by Mulberry and Temperley respectively.

Elen Rivas graced the red carpet and showed no signs of upset over this week’s announcement of Lampard’s engagement. She did however manage to avoid answering any questions on the subject and instead was telling everyone about her plans to become a fashion stylist.

Sinitta turned up looking glamorous and refusing to comment on whether the rumours about her and Steve Jones were true.

Jared from Kings of Leon turned up towards the end of the evening without his fellow band mates to enjoy a much needed night off from their current hectic schedule.

George Lamb was a hit with the ladies, with a swarm following him around all night.

Range Rover added music and colour to the party with an interactive Evoque inspired wireframe art installation named ‘Sounds of the City’. Guests were able to create their own sound and light show by engaging with the installation throughout the evening.

England’s top tennis tournament, set to kick of on Monday 20th June, is celebrating its 125th year