A thoughtfully chosen perfume or cologne is a present that expresses your connection to the person who receives it. Scents are very personal and have the power to create lasting impressions and evoke cherished memories. From a more practical point of view, fragrances are readily available (department stores, specialised boutiques, online, duty-free…) so they are an easy way to add a touch of sophistication to your seasonal gifting. Here is our selection of Christmas fragrances:

HERMÈS BARÉNIA EAU DE PARFUM

Named after Hermès’s signature leather, Barénia is the Maison’s first chypre fragrance. This captivating scent combines the slight tartness of the miracle berry with the sweetness of butterfly lilies and patchouli. A warm trail of oakwood anchors the fragrance and helps it melt into the skin. The bottle is inspired by Hermès’s iconic Collier de Chien bracelets. 100ml, £137, directly from HERMÈS.

Left: Barénia Eau de Parfum, a new interpretation of Hermès’ signature leather. Right: this year’s limited edition of Chanel N°5 Eau de Parfum is all about celebrating snow.

CHANEL N°5 EAU DE PARFUM

This Christmas, the most classic of Chanel’s fragrances comes in an sculptural limited edition. The iconic bottle is draped in a delicate mantle of hand-applied woven silk that covers its shoulders like a dusting of powdery white snow. On the cabochon, the effect is reminiscent of an icy whirlwind. Presented in a sleeve embossed with the iconic bottle. 100ml, £175 at CHANEL.

ORMONDE JAYNE KASHMIR EAU DE PARFUM

An olfactory journey to the Kashmir Valley in the Himalayas, where the key ingredient for this perfume – the deodar tree – is found. Its cedar-like scent is the base that underpins tones of sandalwood and vanilla, which combine with flowers such as iris, rose and jasmine to provide Kashmir with its warm, mythical profile. 88ml, £175 from ORMONDE JAYNE.

Left: Ormonde Jayne Kashmir, Right: Sunspel Oakwood, described by the brand as the “white t-shirt” of the fragrance world, perfect for every season.

SUNSPEL OAK WOOD

The British luxury clothing brand has joined forces with London perfumer Lyn Harris to create Oak Wood, a modern and clean fragrance that evokes the English countryside. Bergamot and neroli, fused with chamomile and angelica seed, sit on a base of sandalwood and oakmoss, while a hint of amber and frankincense give this scent a relaxed and casual finish. The kind of fragrance you can wear from morning to evening in every season. 100ml, £125 from SUNSPEL.

Roja Aoud Extraordinaire is a perfume inspired by the luxurious lifestyle of Dubai.

ROJA AOUD EXTRAORDINAIRE PARFUM

An homage to the opulence and glittering lifestyle of Dubai, Aoud by Roja puts a contemporary twist on the ancient essential oil oud by combining it with a bright cocktail of tropical fruits and refreshing flowers. The result is a heady perfume that gives a sense of pure luxury. 100ml, £595 from ROJA PARFUMS.

Author: Julia Pasarón

Learn about other luxury Christmas fragrances, HERE.

Luxury accessories enhance both the festive Christmas atmosphere and your hosting experience. Elegant decor, like charming candles and stylish tableware, not only adds warmth and personality to your space but also creates a welcoming environment for guests. Thoughtful touches elevate the holiday spirit, making your home feel cozy and special. As a host, these accessories show your attention to detail, leaving lasting impressions on those you entertain this season.

BIALETTI D&G COFFEE SET

Crafted entirely in Italy, this stylish set, adorned with the Maiolica print, blends vibrant shades of blue and white to evoke the colours of the Mediterranean in summer. It comes with an aluminium moka express pot that makes up to six cups of coffee, three porcelain cups, and three stirrers. £250. Get yours HERE.

Left: Bialetti D&G coffee set. Right: Wedgwood festive tableware collection.

WEDGWOOD FESTIVE TABLEWARE COLLECTION

The Festive tableware collection is designed in England and crafted from Wedgwood’s signature fine bone china. Adorned with a joyful festive pattern, the outer beaded border is inspired by a Tonquin pattern from the Wedgwood archives, while the chevron accent adds a modern touch to round out the look.

With a deft combination of the classic Tonquin patterns from the 1930s and contemporary chevon shapes, the 2024 Festive Collection achieves the neat trick of showcasing both modern and heritage festive aesthetics. From £45 to £335. Select your pieces HERE.

ILLY 2024 ART COLLECTION CUPS

illy have launched a unique new art cup collection featuring works by four internationally acclaimed female artists that are the perfect gift for those who have a passion for art and coffee. A beautiful interior addition to any home, the new illy Art Collection showcases each artist’s contemporary style as well as exploring pressing cultural, environmental, and social issues, sharing their experiences as women from diverse geographical and social backgrounds.

The four artists; Syrian artist Simone Fattal, Iranian artist Shirin Neshat, Italian artist Monica Bonvicini, and Milan-based artist of Senegalese origin, Binta Diaw, have all created a meaningful collection that invites reflection on the increasingly relevant debate on the condition of women worldwide. £97.84. Choose yours, HERE.

Left: Illy coffee cups by female artists in support of women’s rights worldwide. Right: Jo Malone Bitter Orange & Chocolate candle.

JO MALONE BITTER ORANGE & CHOCOLATE CANDLE

Bring a bit of festive feel-good factor to your home this Christmas with this comforting limited-edition scented candle. It is inspired by the indulgent aroma of dark chocolate and orange peel and comes in a gorgeous gift box with decorated with a seasonal festive design. Crafted in the UK in ceramic. Burn time approximately 70 hours. £100. Get yours HERE.

ST DUPONT X CASABLANCA: L’ART DU SPORT

In a collab that’s as hot as they come, S.T. Dupont has teamed up with Parisian “it” brand of the moment, Casablanca, to design a collection of lighters, ashtrays and cigar accessories inspired. The different pieces combine the jazzy geometry of the fashion house with the precious materials that made S.T. Dupont the king of luxury lighters. In this eye-catching collection, the colours are bold, the lines modern, and the patterns powerful.

This collaboration between St Dupont and Casablanca draws from classic sports codes and tennis aesthetics, applying a vibrant palette of bold colours and hand-painted illustrations.

Yes, we all know smoking is bad for you, but when kit for it looks this good, it’s the perfect excuse to torch some tobacco, especially after a good Christmas meal. From £250 to £1,700. Take your pick HERE.

Author: Julia Pasarón and Shane C. Kurup

This Christmas, give yourself the gift of glossy, beautiful hair. Hair plays a significant role in how others perceive us. Well-looked-after hair improves our appearance, reflects our attention to detail, and overall serves as a tool in shaping the impressions others have of us. This is the time to start your programme to achieve hair that dazzles in time for all the Christmas celebrations.

The experts at Jo Hansford in London recommend starting by getting rid of excess minerals such as calcium and magnesium and unwanted metals such as iron and copper accumulated on and in our hair, product build-up and even limescale. Metals are increasingly present in water (even when water softeners are used). They can damage the structure of our hair and make it fade faster. L’Oréal Professional Paris launched a global study and investigated the levels of metal in hair across the globe. The level of metal in hair varies, depending on the water quality where we live and on hair porosity. In the UK, it was 64 per cent.

There are many products that help detoxify our hair and scalp. Jo Hansford recommends the L’Oreal metal detox range, which includes Glicoamine, the only molecule small enough to penetrate and neutralise metal inside the hair fibre, or Kerastase Premiere treatment. Both include pre-shampoo treatments that work within the hair cuticle to remove any build-up of metals or limescale resulting in the final finish feeling brighter, healthier and glossier. Serene Scalp Recovery by Avant is an exfoliating treatment for the scalp that removes dead skin cells and grime to keep your scalp and hair follicles clear.

Left: Kerastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Filler Mask. Right: Avant Serene Scalp Recovery.

Once our hair is clean and free of pollutants, it is time for intensive treatment, which the experts at Jo Hansford suggest doing once a week with a product such as Kerastase Fusio Dose at their salons. At home, use Jo Hansford Intensive Masque to lock in moisture, prevent breakage and control frizz or Avant Protecting & Restoring Keratin-Infused hair therapy, which smooths, thickens and moisturises.  

For everyday care, we like Irene Forte’s prickly pear shampoo and almond conditioner. Both are completely organic and cruelty-free. Professionals also recommend letting hair dry naturally when possible and not overusing styling tools.

Avant Protecting & Restoring Keratin-infused hair therapy, Irene Forte Prickly Pear shampoo, and Almond conditioner.

It is now time for a good trim to remove any split or dry ends, restyle, and bring our colour up to date. A good haircut and the right shade for each complexion enhance skin, and facial features and can take years off your appearance. Aftercare at home is crucial though. Avoid sulphates and parabens. They strip the colour off, damage hair and in many cases, also the scalp, which can lead to hair loss. Products like those in the Aveda Colour Care range don’t contain either of these chemicals and help keep the colour fresh and radiant for up to eight weeks.

Last, Joanna Hansford suggests considering hair extensions. “With Christmas parties coming up everyone wants to look and feel their best and we see an increasing demand for women wanting thicker and more voluminous looking hair rather than more length,” she comments. “Extensions can also add colour and dimension for those who are nervous about fully progressing to hair colour and this can be done by using tapes as well as bonds. A few coloured hair extensions can give you more definition and a different dimension to your standard look.”

To book your appointment at Jo Hansford Mayfair, phone 020 7495 7774 and for Knightsbridge (Harvey Nichols), phone 020 7112 1493.

More information about Jo Hansford’s services and recommended products, HERE.

Author: Julia Pasarón

With the opening of a Fabergé boutique in the Piccadilly Arcade, the luxury jewellery brand is starting a new chapter in its historic love affair with London, which dates back to 1906, when the first Fabergé boutique outside Russia opened in Dover Street. Four years later, it relocated to Bond Street. The store was patronised by royalty, nobility and the socialites of the day.  The Brits simply fell in love with the creations of the famed Russian jeweller.

Of the many celebrated names in the global history of high-end jewellery, that of Gustav Faberge, is perhaps one of the most revered. Born in 1814, Gustav trained as a goldsmith under Andreas Spiegel in St. Petersburg in the late 1820s, later joining Keibel – a rapidly growing firm that had begun receiving commissions from the Russian Imperial Court – before opening his own shop (and adding a chic acute accent to the last ‘e’ of his surname) in 1842.

Left: the new Fabergé store in London’s Picadilly Arcade. Right: the first Fabergé store in New Bond Street, 1910.

It was however Gustav’s son, Peter Carl, who, along with his younger brother Agathon, was to earn the business international recognition. Peter Carl travelled extensively across Europe meeting goldsmiths and becoming familiar with new manufacturing techniques as well as immersing himself in the art of the continent’s finest museums and galleries before returning to St. Petersburg to take the reins on his father’s retirement in 1870.

It wasn’t until 1885 with the commissioning by Czar Alexander III of a decorative Easter egg for his wife, that the house of Fabergé created a design icon which was to continue until 1916 and for which it is still known today. In total fifty “Imperial Eggs” were created and, such was their magnificence, Fabergé was honoured with the title, “Goldsmith by special appointment to the Imperial Crown”.

The one-of-a-kind Fabergé Game of Thrones Egg, co-designed by Fabergé’s Liisa Tallgren and Michele Clapton, the Emmy and BAFTA-winning costume designer from HBO’s Game of Thrones.

As history confirms, the rise of the Russian Revolution in 1917 not only sealed the tragic fate of the ruling Romanov family but also forced the Fabergé household to escape as their business was nationalised and the stock confiscated. The boutique in London had actually closed in 1915 following the outbreak of the Great War.

Not all was lost. By 1924 two of Peter Carl’s four sons had set up “Fabergé & Cie” in Paris. The company would continue to grow and thrive for decades to come.

How wonderful then that aficionados of this storied brand can once again enjoy the opulence of these hand-crafted jewels and objets d’art in the dedicated new boutique at 14, Piccadilly Arcade, a (precious) stone’s throw from where their London story began.

Displays at the new Fabergé boutique at 14, Picadilly Arcade, London.

In the words of the current CEO Anthony Lindsay, “We are delighted to open our doors again. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to our new boutique to discover our latest collections and to meet our wonderful team.”

Fabergé
14 Piccadilly Arcade, London, SW1Y 6NH
Open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. To book a private appointment, please contact: boutique.london@faberge.com, or book online.

Author: Maurice Mullen

Located on the hills of Sotogrande, one of the most sought-after destinations in southern Europe among lovers of golf, polo and luxury life in general, Villa Noon is billed as the world’s first zero-emissions villa. Not only that, Villa Noon also generates its own water… from the sun.

Viewed as a ground-breaking achievement in sustainable architecture and made reality thanks to pioneering real estate developers, Cork Oak Mansion, Villa Noon embodies the “villa zero” concept, completely cut off from conventional water and electricity networks. 

This passive house is entirely self-sufficient, producing all the energy and water it needs to function independently. Villa Noon attains the goal of zero water consumption thanks to three renewable sources. The first is atmospheric water generation, which produces 90,000 litres annually. This high-quality water is used for drinking and cooking, powered by photovoltaic energy. Next is the rainwater collection, which captures 760,000 litres annually and serves non-potable uses. And finally, approximately 700,000 litres of grey water are repurposed for irrigation every year.

Villa Noon is seamlessly integrated into its natural environment, which wasn’t an obstacle for architect Fran Silvestre to dote it with the most spectacular views.

Villa Noon’s energy independence is a thing of beauty as well. As Rita Jordao, Director of Marketing at Sotogrande, observes, “It is completely off-grid, utilising solar panels and geothermal energy systems. This not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also ensures a zero-emission energy supply.”

Several other unique environmental measures help the property to stand out. For instance, Jordao continues, “Villa Noon has an advanced HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system designed to be highly efficient, producing more energy than it consumes. This system also incorporates passive house principles to maintain optimal indoor climate with minimal energy use.”

The concept of sustainable architecture stretches to the shape of the villa. Conceived in cylindrical formations that elegantly mirror the contours of the natural terrain, the property’s stone facade is woven seamlessly into the side of the mountain. This renders Villa Noon invisible from the outside, so there is no footprint on the land. 

Villa Noon seamlessly combines materials and design of exceptional quality with an eco-friendly living experience.

Its architect, Fran Silvestre, says, “Our goal was to create a design that blends more with nature than traditional architecture does. The circular shapes draw inspiration from the natural environment.”

Jordao stresses that this sort of environmentally friendly approach is the only way forward for luxury travel. “Tourism can put significant pressure on natural resources and ecosystems. “Sustainable practices help preserve these environments for future generations, ensuring that natural beauty and biodiversity are maintained. Sotogrande is only possible today because our founders shared that vision, which we have respected for over six decades.”

Left, the master suite at Villa Noon, south-east facing for morning light and views of the Mediterranean Sea. Right, a water-featured patio leads to the living level, which also enjoys panoramic views of the coast.

She highlights a further benefit of sustainable tourism. “It can boost local economies by creating jobs and supporting local businesses. Being sustainable is also about taking a conscious view of the local community and supporting housing, businesses, sports and social causes, all aspects in which Sotogrande has been involved from its inception. We continue to create a positive local impact. There is also an ever-growing number of eco-conscious travellers and investors for whom environmentally friendly experiences are today’s concept of luxury.”

Silvestre echoes these thoughts, firm in his belief that Villa Noon will be “the future of luxury living”. He may well be right.

As the world nears High Noon in its battle against climate change, inspired, sustainable properties such as Villa Noon offer more than a glimmer of hope.

More information about Sotogrande and its sustainable ethos is HERE.

Author: James Rampton

www.luxurysotogrande.com