Sotogrande 11310 is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after postcodes on the planet. The latest sales data shows that this highly exclusive area on the southern end of the Costa del Sol in Spain is now rivalling Monaco, St Tropez, Mayfair and The Hamptons as the most desirable destination on Earth.
Its unique 11310 postcode is proving increasingly enticing to ultra-high-net-worth buyers. They are drawn by luxury living, state-of-the-art developments and some of Europe’s most prestigious golf courses.
To reinforce the point, in 2024 Sotogrande’s property market saw a 30 percent rise in average sales prices compared to the previous year. The new average is over €1.9 million and the peak of the market topped €17 million for the first time. It is clear that business is booming.
Living area of AQUA, by Manuel Ruiz Moriche (ARK Architects). This villa, located at The 15, sold for €12m.
This remarkable success story has been powered by pivotal developments such as The 15 and Village Verde. More than 15 percent of the plots and villas at The 15 have now been purchased, while AQUA – an…
A new luxury boutique at Westfield Shopping Centre White City
The hottest destination for watch & jewellery aficionados in the know is the new-look Bucherer boutique at Westfield Shopping Centre in London’s White City. Situated in mall’s exclusive ‘Village’ alongside the world’s most prestigious designer names, the extensively refurbished 370sqm space creates the perfect luxurious ambience in which to experience a selection of fine watches […]
Last Sunday, we embarked on a tail-wagging adventure to Ross & Friends to discover their new Doggy Afternoon Tea. Tucked away just off the M25, this doggy haven is a true paradise for pups and their doting “pawrents”. IT offers over 35 acres of safe, enclosed space for dogs to run free, play, and explore […]
An exceptionally skilled break-dancer and a gifted showman, Magical Bones is considered one of the most exciting talents to emerge from the Magic scene in recent years.
Born Richard Essien, he was nicknamed “Magical Bones” for his hard-hitting dance style. Despite having a successful career as a dancer, Essien’s heart was in magic and as such, a few years ago he chose to shift careers. Magical Bones was selected as the headline magician for the hit West End magic show, Impossible. This played for two seasons, at the Noel Coward Theatre before moving on to a hugely successful world tour in 2017. He has also featured in Sky’s TV series Around The World in 80 Tricks, CW Penn & Teller: Fool Us In The USA, Crackerjack on CBBC and ITV’s This Morning. He also closed BBC One’s coverage of the BAFTA Awards ceremony.
Magical Bones is considered to be the most exciting talent to have emerged from the magic industry in recent years.
After getting to the finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2020, he decided to create his own show and go on the road to entertain crowds with the width and breadth of the country. With his unique style of combining high-octane break-dance moves with the coolest back-flipping card tricks and jaw-dropping street magic, guests will be surely kept at the edge of their seats.
Black Magic challenges the connotations usually associated with this term and the show culminates with a tribute to the Black Magician Henry Box Brown, a 19th-century slave from Virginia who escaped to freedom at the age of 33 in 1849 by arranging to have himself shipped inside a wooden crate to abolitionists in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.#
The tour encompasses some rescheduled dates from his 2020 tour along with the new shows. The tour will start on February 9th this year at the Phoenix in Exeter and will finish in April of this year.
Schedule:
Wed 9th Feb 2022 Exeter Phoenix
Thu 10th Feb 2022 Maidenhead Norden Farm
Sat Feb 12th 2022 Winchester Theatre Royal
Fri 18th Feb 2022 Newbury Corn Exchange
Sat 19th Feb 2022 Bridgwater McMillan Theatre
Thu 24th Feb 2022 Leicester Curve
Sat 26th Feb 2022 Southend Palace Theatre
Sat 5th March 2022 London Leicester Square Theatre
Fri 11th March 2022 Colchester Arts Centre
Sat 12th March 2022 Cambridge Junction
Sun 13th March 2022 Peterborough Key Theatre
Fri 18th March 2022 Salford Lowry (Quays Theatre)
Sat 19th March 2022 Cheltenham Town Hall
Thu 24th March 2022 Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre
Fri 25th March 2022 Wellingborough Castle Theatre
Thu 31st March 2022 Farnham Maltings
Fri 1st April 2022 Bognor Regis Regis Centre
Fri 8th April 2022 Isle Of Wight Medina Theatre
Sat 23rd April 2022 Solihull Core Theatre
Thu 28th April 2022 Bishops Stortford South Mill Arts Centre
Winter can have devastating effects on our skin, especially our face, which is constantly exposed to the elements… and to the hardships of central heating. As we walk the slow path to spring, here are a selection of treatments to help rejuvenate your skin and get to the new season with a healthy and natural glow on your face.
At home:
Sensica Sensilift: this clever device gives instantly visible results from the very first treatment. Ideal for busy women who struggle to find time for self-care. The dual-acting massage and dynamic radiofrequency therapies stimulate circulation while allowing the RF waves to travel deeper into the skin and boost the skin’s natural collagen production. It is a non-invasive, medical-grade, facial therapy device that lifts, tightens and improves skin texture.
Sensilift treats face, neck, decolletage and hands. A pleasant warm sensation gives you the feeling of a relaxing salon treatment.
For continued skin-tightening results, it is recommended that you use the device for five minutes per area (forehead, cheeks, etc) once a week over a period of eight weeks. To maintain optimal results thereafter, Sensilift treatments are recommended once a month or every two months.
It is important to read the instructions as Sensica Sensilift is not advisable for people who have recently undergone some cosmetic treatments like botox or fillers and should be not used on the neck in the area of the thyroid.
Rose Gold Facial by 111 Skin at the Bvlgari hotel Spa: (90 mins, £350). Signature massage techniques soothe a fraught mind whilst a combination of a hydrating mask and nourishing oil are used to restore radiance to skin that has become lacklustre or irritated with stress. Clients also take with them a course of serum ampoules to continue the glow-giving benefits of the treatment at home for a week afterwards, making this the ideal treat for new mothers, frequent flyers and the chronically sleep-deprived.
111 Skin is a luxury innovative skincare range that repairs restores and accelerates healing within the skin.
The potent blend of synthetic and botanical ingredients in 111 Skin products work to strengthen the barrier function of the skin, increasing the synthesis of collagen and helping in the fight against environmental damage and inflammation. The result is healthy, beautiful skin from the inside out.
Meso-Hydro combo: One of the most sought-after cosmetic doctors this side of the Atlantic, Dr Georges Roman has developed many proprietary treatments to restore your skin to what it was when you were younger. After the hardships of winter, he recommends a combination of his unique mesotherapy with his very own plumping treatment which results in much fresher, tighter and fleshy looking skin, easily 10 years younger. “When we are in our 20s, our skin is 80-85 per cent water,” he explains, “but as we get older our skin loses part of its capacity to store water. By the time you are 50, that percentage has come down to something like 60%. Winter conditions don’t help either.”
Dr Roman’s Meso-Hydro combo dramatically reduces redness, repairs collagen and encourages the retention of water in the dermis. The result: skin that looks 10 years younger.
Mesotherapy is a technique that uses injections of vitamins, enzymes, hormones and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten the skin, as well as to remove excess fat. Mesotherapy can correct underlying issues like poor circulation and inflammation that cause skin damage. The compounds involved in Dr Roman’s own formulation focus on the stimulation of the natural production of collagen while his skin-hydrator, based on the subcutaneous injection of very fluid and highly concentrated Hyaluronic acid, stimulates the absorption of water by the dermis as well as the production of collagen and elastin. In turn, the skin’s tone on the face, neck and cleavage as well as its luminosity, plumpness and elasticity improve amazingly.
Two treatments are recommended but results start to be noticed 3-5 days after the treatment and last for up to 8 months.
Depending on the areas to treat, prices start at £550. To book, click HERE or phone +44 (0) 207 323 2123.
As someone said once, “No winter is ever too cold if you have enough love.” That’s exactly the feeling we wanted to reflect with this story. As the Christmas holiday is now a faint memory, we all may need a bit of inspiration to carry us through the last weeks of winter. With St Valentine’s around the corner, we thought a wedding tale would be just the right thing. In fact, the romantic day seems to be four times more popular for weddings than any other day.
We had the privilege to be invited to the wedding of two of our loyal readers and immortalise their special day in our website. I joined the bride at their house in Knightsbridge, as she was preparing with the help of one of her best friends, Cristina Villarreal Fraile, co-founder of the bespoke fashion brand, Fraile. Cristina designed the dress especially for the bride, who looked goddess-like in white natural silk satin. The gown was trimmed with crystals all along the backline and the cuffs were embellished with 1930s embroidery appliqué (belonging to the groom’s family).
Detail of the crystal trimming and the 1930s appliqué in the dress designed by Cristina Valladolid Fraile.
The 12.5cm high stiletto Dahl pumps by Jimmy Choo accentuated the bride’s slender legs. Made of patent leather and detailed with crystal-embellished stars, they were finished with a thin strap that elegantly winds around the ankle.
Jimmy Choo Dahl 125 patent leather pumps, £750
Available at Jimmy Choo, Harrods and Farfetch.com
Such a glamorous bride deserved the most glamorous car… so what else but an arctic white Rolls-Royce New Ghost to drive her to Chelsea Old Townhall, where the ceremony took place? New Ghost’s distinctive minimalist design is accentuated by various features that have been rubbed out, except for the Spirit of Ecstasy which now gracefully emerges through the car bonnet instead of sitting atop the grill.
The Spirit of Ecstasy has graced the prow of Rolls-Royce motor cars since 1911. Today, she remains one of the world’s most famous symbols of luxury.
A single, sculpted line extends from the front to the back, creating a continuous silhouette and a fluid flow from the roof to the trunk. The grill is slightly smaller, made of polished stainless steel and subtly illuminated.
Elegant and flawlessly design, Rolls-Royce New Ghost is the car any bride would dream of for her wedding day.
Rolls-Royce Ghost offers more legroom than any other four-seat sedan except for Phantom. The combination of Arctic White leather and Obsidian Ayous wood finish on hard surfaces is incredibly elegant. The rear cabin is further enhanced with a Champagne fridge and the inside room resembles a starry sky at night. What could be more romantic?
Technology is not amiss in New Ghost… just invisible, not to disturb the serenity of the overall design. From an air purification system to laser lights, 360° cameras, active cruise control and an astounding proprietary sound system, this car has all the advances the automotive industry has come up with so far.
In the cabin of New Ghost, the Obsydian Ayous wood finish is inspired by the colours of igneous rocks and beautifully combines with the Arctic White leather.
Going back to the subject of weddings and St Valentine’s Day… St. Valentine was a priest during third century Rome. At the time, Emperor Claudius decided to outlaw marriage for young men because he thought they’d make better soldiers if they had nobody waiting for them back at home. Valentine defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages, saying that it was God’s will to have young people fall in love and commit to each other with the holy vows of marriage. When Claudius discovered what Valentine had been up to, he ordered his execution, which took place on February 14th.
Watching someone walking down the aisle has always filled me with emotion and this time was no different, especially because I have seen many friends getting married here, at Chelsea Old Town Hall. I can say without any doubt that there was not a single dry eye in the room when groom and bride said, “I do.” An explosion of cheers followed as the newly wedded came out of the famous address in the King’s Road which became the main Kensington and Chelsea Register Office in 1965 and subsequently hosted several famous weddings, including the marriage of Judy Garland to Mickey Deans in March 1969.
Many celebrities have chosen to wed at Chelsea Old Town Hall, among them Judy Garland, Pierce Brosnan, Richard Burton and Hugh Grant.
The roof of the rear cabin of Rolls-Royce New Ghost is hauntingly beautiful evoking a starry sky at night.
If you have a story that you’d like to see on our pages, please write to us: editor@i-m-magazine.com
In the same way our life changes over time, so do our needs for a car, not just in terms of which one but how often we use it and what we use it for. The vehicle you use to whizz around town may not be that useful for a holiday or to ferry kids from football to drama club.
Utilisation improvement is a big step in the automotive industry’s journey toward a circular economy. According to the RAC Foundation, the average car or van in England spends 96% of its life parked at home or work. The flexibility of a Pivotal subscription allows you to pause your membership at times when you don’t require a vehicle, meaning fewer cars sitting unused.
It’s much more common nowadays for people to only need a car for a few months per year. For those who travel for long periods, split their time between different countries, or shift between home-working and commuting, the ability to pause a subscription means cars are better utilised, bringing us closer to circularity.
Pivotal’s Indigo Tier includes the award-winning Jaguar I-Pace as one of its vehicle options.
Pivotal is designed to make driving as flexible as anyone could desire, allowing members to drive the latest models by Jaguar and Land Rover. Four different tier options allow you to find the option that best fits your needs and you can change cars every six months or even sooner.
For example, if you spend a lot of time driving in the countryside you may opt for a Defender, which will feel completely at home going over icy roads and muddy tracks. If you prefer something a bit more “chic”, the Range Rover Velar would perfectly suit your needs. For the environmentally-conscious or those who need a spacious car but want to avoid the Congestion Charge, the all-electric Jaguar I-PACE is a wonderful option.
The mighty Land Rover Defender 110 is a perfect choice for those who favour the countryside.
Generally speaking, car subscriptions right across the market may look more expensive than buying, financing or leasing an equivalent model at first glance, but subscribers benefit from the convenience of not having to arrange road tax and insurance fees separately. With Pivotal, insurance, tax, servicing, roadside assistance and vehicle delivery are all included in the subscription. The only added cost is the fuel (or the electricity). They also have specialist member services available whenever you have any questions or require support throughout your membership.
A common problem with any kind of subscription though is getting trapped in contracts that no longer fit your requirements. Pivotal however offers total flexibility. The minimum commitment is just 90 days, after which you can decide to continue with the package you have, pause it or change your terms at no extra cost. If you need to stop for a while, Pivotal will collect the car and you pay nothing until you start the service again.
The Blue tier lets you drive a Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar F-PACE or Range Rover Evoque; the Indigo option gives you a Range Rover Velar, Land Rover Discovery or Jaguar I-PACE; the Violet option adds the Range Rover Sport and the Land Rover Defender 110, and the top-tier Ultraviolet package includes the Range Rover.
Pivotal’s packages start at £850/month ( Blue tier) up to £1,800 ( Ultraviolet tier).
Businesses can also take advantage of the service with a salary sacrifice scheme offered as an option. In these uncertain times, the added flexibility will be surely appreciated.
From growth and development to sleep patterns, metabolism, mood, and even reproduction, hormones play a key role in how your body looks, feels and functions throughout your lifetime. In fact, while you may already know that hormones fluctuate throughout the day and month for both men and women, many people are surprised to learn that they also follow defined seasonal patterns. Understanding exactly what they are, how they change throughout the seasons and how the food you eat affects them will allow you to optimize your health.
Hormones are chemical substances that flow through your body carrying messages to all your cells and organs. Basically, they tell your body what to do, how to do it and when to do it.
Hormones are signalling molecules which are responsible for many physiological and behavioural processes.
Many of the feelings you experience in a day — hunger, tiredness, sexual arousal — are all due to the hormones regulating your body. The human body produces 50 different hormones at any given time. The pituitary gland is responsible for many of them as well as taking care of signalling to other glands to release them as needed.
One of the hormones produced by your pituitary gland is the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which stimulates the production of cortisol. Cortisol is often referred to as the “stress hormone” and its main job is to maintain both blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Other examples include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which regulates your metabolism, and antidiuretic hormone which regulates water balance and sodium levels.
There are several other “hormone factories” in the human body controlled by the pituitary gland. Oxytocin, known for playing a large role in childbirth, breastfeeding and bonding processes is produced in the hypothalamus but is released into the bloodstream by the pituitary gland. Similarly, testosterone, which regulates libido, fat distribution and muscle mass, is produced in the testes (men) and ovaries (women), but it’s only released into the body after being signalled to do so by the pituitary gland.
Less exposure to natural light in winter means lower vitamin D levels – a hormone in itself – with a profound effect on others, such as the pituitary gland.
As you can see, hormones affect your body in all kinds of unique ways. But what’s even more interesting about them is that they follow cyclical patterns, which means that their production and release levels change with the seasons. In fact, studies show that most of the hormones created by the pituitary gland, like endorphins and TSH, peak in late summer while those produced in other areas of the body like oxytocin and testosterone, typically peak from winter to spring.
While these seasonal discrepancies are natural, experiencing them can be anything but pleasant. After all, sudden drops in hormones can lead to mood swings, depression, fatigue, weight gain and blood sugar problems to name just a few. So it makes perfect sense that many people tend to feel happier and more energetic in summer and sadder and more sluggish during winter.
But the good news is that food can help you rebalance your hormones and reclaim your health. Believe it or not, what you eat actually impacts your likelihood of experiencing insomnia, poor concentration, sugar cravings, adrenal fatigue, anxiety, and weight gain all year long, but especially during the winter months when many of your most important hormones are crashing.
Cruciferous vegetables, collard greens and dark leafy green vegetables are particularly helpful to rebalance hormones.
Cruciferous vegetables like arugula, bok choy, broccoli and cauliflower; collard greens; and dark leafy green vegetables like dandelion greens, kale, mustard greens and swiss chard, are excellent examples of foods that help regulate hormones. Introducing good fats into each meal is another way to reclaim your body and your health instead of suffering through the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. These good fats include things like avocados, fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. It is also recommended to include whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, millet, quinoa and whole wheat as well as herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, paprika and turmeric. Fermented foods improve your digestive system and enhance your immune system to help you fight off any illnesses you may be exposed to. Examples of beneficial fermented foods include kefir, kimchi, kombucha, tempeh, and sauerkraut.
If you don’t follow a vegan diet, high-quality proteins like grass-fed meats, wild-caught salmon, greek yoghurt and tofu will help your body repair tissues, lose belly fat, and increase your muscle mass.
Looking at micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), you should pay particular attention to foods that are high in calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, selenium, vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and zinc as they all affect hormone production.
Recent studies recommend consuming up to 30 different plant foods per week, including spices and herbs.
To increase your calcium, eat foods like milk, cheese, and green leafy vegetables. Fish, dairy products, and iodized salt are all ways to make sure you consume enough iodine. When it comes to your iron intake, include beans, lentils, and cashews in your meals. Spinach, peas, and potatoes are all excellent sources of selenium, while beef, tuna and nutritional yeast provide vitamin B12. Herring, egg yolks, and mushrooms can give you a boost of vitamin D. Lastly, oysters, crab, and beans are loaded with zinc.
Remember, it’s perfectly natural for hormone levels in both men and women to rise and fall during different seasons of the year but your diet plays a key role in your ability to regulate them and feel better than ever.
Chiara Saccardo is a Nutritionist and DNA Life Practitioner specialized in rebalancing hormones in women in their 40s and 50s. She qualified in Nutrition from the world-renowned College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Legends are told to capture the imagination. Tim Birkin’s heroics at the 1930 Le Mans have attained that exalted status, become the stuff of legend. In 1930, Motor Sport magazine described the race as an “epic duel” between the Bentley cars and the white Mercedes of Caracciola. It was expected that the large German car would easily outrun the British. The “Blower” Bentleys were sent out to act like the hare and have the Mercedes chase or be chased. MotorSport was effusive in describing the duel: “One hears a murmur which grows and grows until it becomes a shrill roar and the Mercedes sweeps round the bend and tears past the grandstands, in the lead. Eighteen seconds later Birkin on No. 9 supercharged 4½-litre Bentley flashed by with his teammates and the field behind him.” Birkin’s sacrifice was the marque’s victory.
The immortalisation of the Blower Bentley racing at Le Mans 1930 by Rouse H. Lionel.
The Birkin “Blower” Bentley, charging around the Circuit du Sarthe in pursuit of a superior opponent was courageous and cavalier, the stuff legends are made of and, who wouldn’t want to be part of one? The problem is that in total, there were only 55 supercharged Bentleys ever made; and only one that Birkin himself raced at Le Mans. That car is now owned by Bentley Motors. To quote Adrian Hallmark (CEO and Chairman), it is “our prize jewel.” However, the uniqueness of it did not stop Mr Hallmark from instigating and authorising the project to create a dozen exact copies as a continuation series, raising the question of what constitutes original and whether driving a modern manufactured car is the same as driving the original vintage form.
For Ralph Lauren and other owners of the Dorothy Paget/Bentley Motors supercharged 4.5 litre Bentleys from 1930, the answer is a resounding “no”. In a letter to Mr Hallmark, they outlined, “We urge you to please not squander time, funding, energy and the Bentley brand’s reputation upon the recently-announced batch of 12 facsimile cars, that would serve only to dilute that special admiration and awe that can only come from viewing and embracing the genuine article. To do otherwise would be to pervert a glorious history.”
BentleyBlower Continuation car and the original.
But, would it? Argued more pertinently, where does originality start and end? Does driving the continuation car to provide the same experience as the original and how might the two compare in the future?
Bentley is not alone in producing cars from yesteryear in a modern form. Just in the last few years, there has been a trend for manufacturers to reproduce successful past models in every detail by stripping down the original, digitally imaging everything, and then building exact replicas. That precise word is seldomly found in the press release, instead, the preferred term is “continuation” series. So far, we have seen such series for the “Blower” Bentley, the Aston Martin DB5 (James Bond) and DB4Z, Jaguar XKSS and just released this year, the Jaguar C-Type. Always a limited edition with a six or seven-figure price tag attached to them and always “sold out”.
In 1951, Jaguar C-type became the first Jag to win the hallowed 24 Hours of Le Mans. Exactly 70 years later, the British marque hand-built the C-Type Continuation series.
For example, Jaguar claimed the XKSS was a continuation because it recovered the nine missing chassis numbers for the famous originals and recreated them using the same process as Bentley did with the Blowers. Their argument was that they would have built them had it not been for the Brown Lane factory fire in 1957, hence completing the series that was basically a race D-Type for the road.
Part of the problem in the existence of such vehicles must be levelled at the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) rules concerning a classic car for racing. Otherwise known as “Appendix K”, it was created so that “Historic Cars may be used for Competitions under a set of rules that preserve the specifications of their period and prevent the modifications of performance and behaviour which could arise through the application of modern technology. Appendix K applies to cars which are either original competition cars, or cars built to exactly the same specification.” To cut to the chase (no pun intended), this means that the Bentley Blower continuation series is eligible to race in classic car races along with the original.
Birkin’s own Blower Bentley was a “barn find” in the early 1950s, basically a rusting heap of parts on a chassis. The car had been stored in an open-fronted shed and had been badly affected by the elements. The restoration was carried out by Tony Townsend’s Elmsdown Engineering company who is well known for its work in returning Bentleys to their former glory. Elmsdown reportedly spent over 3,000 hours returning it to its “original” condition. At Herrentals in 1959, it demonstrated its restoration by covering the flying mile in both directions recording an average speed of 125.68 mph. This is essentially the car that Bentley owns today and on which they based the 12 new replicas, but it is not the 1930s that Birkin drove at Le Mans.
Birkin’s original Bentley Blower when it was found in a barn in 1955.
There are concerns over what constitutes originality, what is generally referred to in the motor trade these days as “Trigger’s broom”: A car that does not reach the grand old age of 90 without having a few tweaks here and there, since in any mechanical machine, eventually a part will wear out and need to be replaced. Thanks to a few court cases on the question, there is a legal definition but court judgements aside, the definition of a legal vintage car lies with the chassis number. You can have a whole “original” vintage car built from just the plate and the chassis number, providing you adhere to the FIA rule: a racing car is classified as original if 85 per cent of its components are made in the same form and with the same materials than the original, or comprised of “new-old” parts. While this might, at surface value, seem like a fair definition, it allows a great deal of latitude on what might be considered “new-old” parts, the same form and original fit depending on the class and vintage of the car.
If you have the cash and the desire, then the experience can be yours. But outside of the physical acquisition of the car and entering a race, there is an epistemological element to this. Is the experience of driving a continuation series car an original one? Probably it is. Continuation series cars are legally permitted to race in “classic” events, they will not win Concours, but they can race against original vintage models.
[2] “Trigger’s broom” refers to a popular UK sitcom scene from “Only Fools and Horses”. Trigger, a road sweeper, reveals that he has used the same road sweeping brush for his entire career. “This old broom”, he says “has had 17 new heads and 14 new handles”. Sid points out “how the hell is it the same bloody broom then?”
Based on James Bond’s legendary car from 1964, Aston Martin built 25 DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars, all of them painted in Silver Birch and enhanced with functioning gadgets.
There is a case to be made that despite the impressive modern technology involved in the fabrication of continuation series, the experience of manufacture is not the same, not to mention that the formers were very much an experimental handmade project. Equally the experience of racing, even on the same circuit, is arguably different. The continuation version is a product of today which would have gone through all kinds of modern testing.
Now, does all of the above affect their desirability? Probably not. We all want to recreate magic moments, return to a happy childhood state – viewed with the rose-tinted glasses of hindsight. A continuation series represents a nostalgia trip down memory lane for those with the will and wealth to bring back the dead in the form of the prettiest ghosts money can buy.
During the time we were all limited by COVID-19 restrictions, hundreds of thousands of us found pleasure in escaping to the great outdoors, seeking the physical and mental benefits of walking and being out in nature.
In the colder part of the year though it is essential to wear appropriate clothing when venturing out. As they say, “There is no such a thing as bad weather but inadequate gear.” Layering is the best way to go if you are going hiking to avoid sweating as you warm up and then having that sweat chilling as you cool down – a perfect recipe for a cold. Another factor to take into consideration when venturing into the wild (-ish) is to wear bright colours… easier to spot by rescue teams. Just saying. Even a leisure walk in your local woods can be ruined if you are ill-prepared.
Nowadays, all major clothing brands manufacture garments for hiking that also look fashionable and can be worn casually. I am starting my recommendations with boots. When venturing out for long walks – or a good hike – it definitely pays to have the best footwear you can afford. Field & Moor is a quintessentially British company selling walking and shooting boots that exude quality and heritage. Designed by Hannah Stiles, the boots are hand made in family-owned artisan factories in Spain. They are so chic you can easily wear them casually when in town over a pair of jeans or even a dress for a hippy-glam look. RRP: £240
The Golden Eagle Country Boots by Field & Moor combine comfort and fashion for day-long activity in the field.
The Osprey 11″ Country Boot is a gentlemen’s handcrafted model built to withstand the most demanding country pursuits. The leather upper is hydrophobic (it disperses water off it) while the insoles are leather-lined with cork insulation on the footbed. Supreme traction comes from the rubber Commando sole, preventing slipping in mud and snow. Ideal for me as a motorcyclist is the reinforced “Gun Rest”, an extra thick leather oval designed to take the butt off your shotgun, which also helps when changing gears.
The Osprey 11″ Country Boots are ideal for more demanding country pursuits across upland areas.
The Golden Eagle Country Boot offers fashionable, stylish comfort. They can be worn all day in the fields or paired with a dress when out shopping. The design of the sole – with rugged cleats – gives superb traction even in the muddiest of conditions. The boots benefit from Sympatex waterproof and breathable lining. To add even more protection from the cold, there is a cork footbed as insulation. They also boast strong pull-on straps on the side and an elastic gusset at the top to make it easier to get them on. RRP: £300
However, never mind how good are the boots you are walking in if the socks you are wearing are not appropriate. The humble sock plays a vital role in keeping your feet warm and blister-free. They need to fit well, be comfortable, warm and allow your feet to breathe, so the material they are made of has to be the right one. TK2 hiking socks by Falke are made with medium cushioning and merino wool mix. They offer great comfort and superior thermal insulation whatever the weather. Rapid moisture wicking and their optimised shape guarantee perfect temperature regulation and exceptional comfort. RRP: £24
TK2 Socks by Falke offer medium cushioning for well-adjusted protection and good shoe contact. Equally important is their optimal fit thanks to right and left padding, as well as the toe box.
A brand fully endorsed by I-M Intelligent Magazine is Ecoalf, a Spanish company that is leading the way in the world of sustainable premium fashion. Recycling and upcycling are at the heart of their manufacturing and their products are incredibly functional, fashionable and of course, environmentally friendly.
The Katman jacket for men is a rugged, waterproof, high wind protection jacket for all-weather use. Perfect for walking mountain trails or braving the high street, this 3-in-1 jacket has an outer shell 10K waterproof and breathable and it is made with recycled polyester and post-consumer coffee grounds, giving it quick-dry, odour-control and ultraviolet-ray-protection properties. Recycling saves 4.41 kg of CO2 eq and 2042.25 litres of water per jacket. RRP: £439.90
Ecoalf’s 3-in-1Katman and Mandu jackets are made from recycled materials, lightweight and breathable.
For women, the Mandu jacket is a versatile 3-in-1 reversible garment with zip closure, adjustable hood and zip-up side pockets. It also features an ultra-lightweight inner layer to keep you warm even in the coldest British weather. The breathable material stops perspiration build-up, so you remain dry and warm. RRP: £439.90
Coming back to British shores, Barbour is a brand I have worn for decades, ever since my uncle first got me into motorcycling. He wore one of their wax cotton jackets on his motorbikes and then bought me one for when I rode pillion with him. As an option to layer up against the weather all year round, the Barbour Bretby gilet is constructed with a baffle-quilted outer with a FibreDown filling for exceptional warmth without excess weight. Styled with a two-way front zip and a stand collar for easy and versatile wearability, it features two in-seam side pockets for added practicality.
The Barbour Bretby Gilet is Available in navy, olive, and black finished with Barbour embroidery at the chest. RRP: £99.95
The Ambleton benefits from a colour block waterproof design with a fixed hood for unpredictable downpours. Featuring handwarmer and lower patch pockets for handy storage, you can take gloves, scarf or even a compass with you. You will be protected from the weather and able to enjoy your walk regardless of what the heavens through at you. RRP: £249
Barbour’s Ambleton jacket has a more traditional look and feel whilst their Climate jacket has a more contemporary design.
The Barbour Climate jacket features a mesh and nylon lining for supreme comfort and warmth. Ideal for walks in the fresh air, it is waterproof and breathable, so you’re prepared come rain or shine. A leather badge to the left hem effortlessly finishes the garment. RRP: £219
Revolution Race is a Swedish brand made for the harshest conditions of Scandinavia. Relatively new to the UK, their products are technical and reliable. An excellent example is their Tornado Fleece, a superb mid-layer fleece. It consists of a coarse knit melange fleece combined with a super-stretch softshell for a perfect fit.
The Tornado Fleece is the warmest in the Revolution race collection. This durable layer is perfect for tougher outdoor activities and retains warmth really well.
The Tornado has a chest pocket and two hand pockets, all three of which can be closed with zips. This durable layer is ideal for more strenuous outdoor activities and retains warmth well during winter activities and hikes. RRP: £69
Their Cyclone jacket is waterproof, windproof and highly breathable. This three-layer shell jacket, part of the Rescue Series, is equipped with their best membrane, called Hypershell Pro. It has a four-way stretch for perfect fit and is fully seam taped. The Cyclone is designed for extreme weather. A helmet-compatible hood, Recco reflectors, and the new CollarOpt adjustable storm collar make this shell jacket the obvious choice all year round in the mountains. RRP: £159
Revolution Race’s Cyclone jacket and trousers are waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Equally prepared for all kinds of conditions are their Cyclone trousers, with fully taped seams, Aquaguard zips and PFC free Bionic finish eco. These trousers are sure to keep you dry in any terrain. The breathable Hypershell Pro material in combination with ventilation along both thighs, lets you cool down when building up a sweat. Cyclone Pants are part of the Rescue Series and are equipped with RECCO reflectors, keeping you safe on the slopes and out in the woods. The adjustable leg openings are optimised to fit over ski boots during winter and hiking boots during summer. RRP: £119
With a notorious sculptor for a father and a much-celebrated architect grandfather, it is not difficult to see how this Taiwanese jewellery designer was destined to achieve great things as a creative artist. Cindy has always had a very three-dimensional mind. Perspective, space and depth are concepts that have preoccupied her since childhood and that she has translated into her sculpted jewellery.
“I have an architectural mindset which I think comes from my grandfather with whom I grew up,” she shares, “and the skill and technique of a sculptor, which I learnt from my father.” Her creations are true pieces of art, with a volume, movement and depth that I hadn’t seen in any other jewellery designer’s work. As Cindy calls them herself, “They are miniature sculptures.” She starts sculpting in wax following an 18th century artisan technique known as “la cire perdue” (lost-wax casting) and completes her pieces using precious metal and gemstones. It was her father who taught her the basics of sculpting, although he worked with clay rather than with wax.
My Butterflies are the ultimate expression of my creativity as a jewellery artist…
– Cindy Chao
The complexity of Cindy’s creations and the skill required are difficult to convey on paper. One must truly see her jewellery in the flesh to realise the mastery involved. “I’m always trying to push the boundary, challenge myself with every new collection,” she declares. Of course things don’t always go according to plan. She laughs adding, “Oh I get it wrong many times but when I succeed, I end up with a piece I am very proud of.”
And proud she should be. In 2007, Cindy became the first Taiwanese jewellery artist to take part in a Christie’s New York fine jewellery auction. Her two collections, Black Label Masterpieces and White Label Collection, have been exhibited at art fairs and institutions around the world including Beijing Today Art Museum, Tokyo Mori Art Museum, Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris, Masterpiece London and TEFAF Maastricht. In 2010, Cindy Chao became the first Taiwanese jewellery artist to have one of her designs, an Annual Butterfly, inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Initially she wanted to study architecture and went to New York for this purpose. However her mother told her there were two things she couldn’t become: one, a sculptor; the other, an architect. So she suggested jewellery design instead and the rest as they say, is history.
Ballerina butterfly co-designed by Sarah Jessica Parker in 2014.
In 2004, she founded Cindy Chao The Art Jewel in Taipei. “I’d like to give credit to my son,” she says, “it was him who gave me the confidence to launch my own company.” At the time her son was five years old so I can imagine how busy her life must have been and I am incredibly impressed that as a single mother she managed to start a company and keep making such incredible pieces of art. “I think for the last 15-17 years my 24-hour days have been like other people’s 72,” she comments laughing.
Cindy exudes energy and determination. Her journey has been one of no compromise at any point. “I want to do everything, I want to conquer everything,” she states with conviction, “and I have always been clear that I’d never compromise on my craftmanship.” Her pursuit of perfection means she oversees every aspect of her company so she is constantly travelling around the world, especially between Asia and Europe because her ateliers are in France and Switzerland.
With so many plates up in the air at all times, Cindy has to be extraordinarily well organised with her time. “I will dedicate two days to company meetings and then when I take time to create, I isolate from everything and everyone.” Her creative process is very unique. She starts her pieces sculpting them from the back. “Thanks to my grandfather, I have a very different mindset than other designers,” Cindy shares, “I see things from a reverse perspective, a reverse psychology, a bit like Gaudí did for La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. It is all about negative spaces.” La Sagrada Família is a one-of-a-kind temple for its origins, foundation and purpose. Fruit of the work of genius architect Antoni Gaudí, the project was promoted by the people for the people. Today, more than 135 years after the laying of the cornerstone, construction continues on the Basílica.
Thanks to my grandfather, I have a very different mindset than other designers…
– Cindy Chao
Cindy has two main collections: Black Label Masterpiece and White Label Collection. Both of them exquisite but Black Label, inspired by her passion for architecture, sculpture, travel and nature is where she truly lets her imagination fly. “With Black Label the perspective is unlimited, there is no concern about cost or about time, it is all about the final outcome, about achieving ultimate excellency.” Each of the jewels that Cindy creates for this collection every year (between 8 and 12) are named, numbered and dated.
For White Label her mindset is slightly different, “I need to hold back a little because this is a collection that needs to be easier for people to understand.” The quality of the pieces is as high as in Black Label; and they are made by the same artisans.
Another of Cindy’s “trademarks” are her butterflies. Every year she presents one. The first was created in 2008 and has since been coined as the Annual Butterfly. Each takes more than 18 months to complete as gemstones and thousands of pavé-set diamonds are set on and around delicately moulded wings. That very first one, Ruby Butterfly Brooch, has taken permanent residency at the Musée d’Arts Décoratifs in Paris. “My Butterflies are the ultimate expression of my creativity as a jewellery artist, and it is a privilege to count the first piece from the series among the Musée des Arts Décoratifs’ prestigious collection,” says Cindy with a mix of modesty and pride in her voice. This unique piece of art features a pair of magnificent non-heated baroque Burmese rubies set alongside stunning fancy coloured diamonds and colour-changing sapphires.
The 2009 Black Label Masterpiece I, Royal Butterfly Brooch, was inducted into the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History’s gem collection. It is made of 2,328 gems, totalling 77 carats. The butterfly’s wings contain four large-faceted diamond slices stacked atop a pavé layer of faceted diamonds, creating a pattern resembling a living butterfly’s wings.
Earrings from the White Label collection.
The V&A also claimed one of Cindy’s pieces for their permanent collection. In this case, 2018’s Black Label Masterpiece Peony Brooch, which is now on display at the acclaimed William and Judith Bollinger Gallery. The one-of-a-kind Black Label Masterpiece Peony Brooch set entirely with rubies and purple coloured titanium is dynamic, ethereal and boldly beautiful. The deep red petals and contrasting yellow pistils add a striking impression of the intensely hued, bold and kaleidoscopic peony flower.
The 2014 Black Label Masterpiece I, Ballerina Butterfly, was designed in collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker. Cindy’s talent and skill seem to have no boundaries, so I wonder where she sees herself going as an artist. She takes a moment to reflect before answering, “I want to keep improving, to do even better work that is recognised for its artistic value and possibly, reduce the number of pieces produced.” As I look a bit surprised (her production is already pretty limited), she adds, “I think nowadays it is easy to burn commercially. Luxury is about choice so I decided to have my choice of clients and the choice of my time and my creations. This is very much thanks to my son’s advice. He graduated from college just a few months ago – he studied finance at Wharton, in the US.”
Cindy’s ambition keeps her moving the goalpost. She loves a challenge and in the last years she has finally received the recognition she deserves, although she considers that there is still a bit further to go. “The Western jewellery industry is very muscular so not many Asians are able to enter the sector, not to mention being recognised as a female Asian jeweller.” I can’t imagine a better role model to inspire other women to follow suit. “I want my work to be meaningful, to leave a legacy. I want other women to think, ‘If Cindy can make it in such a challenging masculine world, so can I.’ Then I’ll consider I am truly contributing to the evolution of the luxury business.”
Cryotherapy is the use of low temperatures in medical therapy. It is applied to treat a variety of conditions, most commonly to relieve muscle pain, sprains and swelling after soft tissue damage or surgery. For decades, it has been employed to accelerate recovery in athletes post exercise but in the last few years, it is starting to be used to treat a much wider range of conditions with surprising results.
Cryotherapy decreases the temperature of surface tissue to minimize hypoxic cell death, edema accumulation and muscle spasms, all of which ultimately alleviate discomfort and inflammation. There is a range of “cold” treatments, from the application of ice packs or immersion in ice baths to the use of cryo chambers. Dr Georges Roman, a highly respected doctor with clinics in London, Paris and the Middle East gives us a simplified version, “Cold is a form of aggression and when the body feels attacked, it defends itself and tries to compensate for that attack. The first thing it does is to secrete huge amounts of adrenaline, which in turn, stimulates the immune system.”
Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ gas-free 111CRYO/HEAT facility in Harvey Nichols, London.
Ice pack therapy is used in specific areas of the body. An ice pack is placed over an injured area and is intended to absorb heat from the injury by using conduction to transfer thermal energy. The physiological effects of cold application include immediate vasoconstriction with reflexive vasodilation, decreased local metabolism and enzymatic activity and decreased oxygen demand. Cold reduces muscle spindle fibre activity and slows nerve conduction velocity; therefore, it is often used to lessen spasticity and muscle guarding. It is commonly used to alleviate the pain of minor injuries, as well as decrease muscle soreness.
The use of ice packs in treatment reduces the blood flow most rapidly at the beginning of the cooling period; this occurs as a result of vasoconstriction, the initial reflex sympathetic activity. Stephen Garvey, co-founder of Physio on the Green is very well acquainted with the use of cold therapy in sports rehabilitation. “This is a well-tested method for relieving pain, especially injuries, muscle strains or when recovering from surgery. The best results are achieved when following what is known as the RICE protocol: resting the injured area, using ice, compression and elevation.” Cold therapy machines combine these principles to provide treatment options at different stages of rehabilitation.
They are portable and easy to use so they’ve become very popular. “Using just ice doesn’t really work because it doesn’t get deep enough into the tissue,” explains Steve, “where the injury or the inflammation are. By using compression, the ice penetrates much deeper.” An added value is that the cold has a numbing effect so it often reduces the need to take anti-inflammatory drugs. As with most things in life, timing is everything with inflammation. “Within 48 to 72 hours of having an injury, there is an inflammatory response, part of which is good because that inflammation allows certain cells to start healing the damaged tissue,” Steve describes, “but after 72 hours that can produce swelling and bring fluid into the area, which in turn can affect mobility, pain levels and other comorbidities. Cryotherapy helps to stem inflammation.”
The use of cold means the body achievesan improved ability to neutralise toxins…
– Dr Alexandrides.
From a purely exercise point of view, elite athletes want to get better and stronger all the time and in doing so often get muscle soreness, so having ice therapy at hand can be very helpful. “Ice therapy machines allow these athletes to recover quicker and perform more regularly,” adds Steve, “in addition, there is some evidence to suggest it helps prevent further injury in the future and even improves flexibility.”
Cold therapy can also involve the entire body, in what is known as Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC). The first WBC chambers were built in Japan in the late 1970s, introduced to Europe in the 1980s, and have started to be widely used in the U.S. and Australia in the past decade. The treatment involves the subject entering into the cryotherapy chamber that is cooled down to temperatures as low as −100 °C for two to four minutes. To achieve the subzero temperatures, two methods are typically used: liquid nitrogen or refrigerated cold air. During these exposures, individuals wear minimal clothing (basically just your underwear plus a pair of shorts), gloves, a woollen headband covering the ears, a nose and mouth mask, socks and heavy slippers to reduce the risk of any cold-related injuries.
How does it all work? Well, when the body is exposed to extreme cooling, the blood vessels are narrowed and less blood flows to the areas of swelling. Once outside the cryogenic chamber, the vessels expand and an increased presence of anti-inflammatory proteins is established in the blood. Therefore, cryotherapy chambers are associated with sports rehabilitation and wellness.
The effects on reducing pain and inflammation result in supporters of this therapy using it to treat not just exercise recovery performance and to improve joint function but also for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, and mental disorders like anxiety and depression. Steve concurs, “I have tried cryotherapy chambers myself and I’d dare say the psychological effect may even be stronger than its physical counterpart.” As he perceives my reservations, he adds, “It is just chemistry.
I must tell you that I felt much better afterwards, more energised and even more positive – probably due to a boost on the production of serotonin – a bit like when you finish playing sport and jump into a cool pool…
– Dr Roman.
The cold encourages a rush of endorphins and other ‘happy hormones’ so you come out of the chamber feeling elated.” Having experienced this treatment himself too, Dr Roman is of the same opinion: “I must tell you that I felt much better afterwards, more energised and even more positive – probably due to a boost on the production of serotonin – a bit like when you finish playing sport and jump into a cool pool. There is a certain feeling of elation when you come out that lasts for hours.” Some even claim that WBC may have beneficial effects on Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, migraines, multiple sclerosis, depression or anxiety. There is not yet strong evidence supporting these claims but Steve tells me that “Cryotherapy is being increasingly used as an add-on and even instead of medication for people suffering from mental health conditions.”
With the use of liquid nitrogen there is the risk of inert gas asphyxiation as well as frostbite. Dr Yannis Alexandrides’ 111CRYO/HEAT facility in Harvey Nichols, London uses gas-free cryo chambers as this is the safest way to deliver cryotherapy. To date, more than 4,500 people have used 111CRYO/HEAT.
As the longest established clinic of its kind in London, 111CRYO/HEAT uses its chamber not only to address conditions known to respond well to this treatment like inflammation reduction, muscle pain or DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) but also to achieve a wider range of goals, from metabolic boost and a rise in energy (courtesy of the resulting adrenaline and endorphin rush) to anti-ageing, immunity support (thanks to the increased circulation of oxygenated blood) and improving sleep quality (cryotherapy seems to improve serotonin and melatonin balance).
Cold therapy can alleviate muscle soreness so athletes can recover quicker and train harder…
– Stephen Garvey.
Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva.
These innovative ways of applying cryotherapy may sound a bit far-fetched, but they have a strong scientific base. For example, at 111CRYO/HEAT they explained to me how the positive effects on the levels of collagen and elastin are due to a response to better circulation thanks to a high oxygen intake promoted by the cold, and as Dr Roman tells me, “Also to vascularisation, which is encouraged by the cold. And where there is vascularisation we see an immediate boost in the production of collagen.” This is a principle he uses all the time in his mesotherapy and IPL treatments, with very positive results.
The anti-ageing properties of cold therapy are most visible with the cryotherapy facials performed at 111CRYO/HEAT. Dr Alexandrides explains how it works, “We use a Cryo Air machine to blast –35oC cooled air and pure CO2 onto the face. Our specific facials also combine this with our cryotherapy-inspired skincare line, the Regenerative collection, to stimulate cellular energy, lymphatic drainage and energise the skin. Cryotherapy activates the production of collagen and elastin in the dermis, increasing its capacity to rejuvenate itself and appear smoother, lifted and firmer.”
Regularity is a strong factor in the success of most treatments and cryotherapy is no different. At 111CRYO/HEAT they recommend you start with a programme of 10 sessions for long-lasting visible effects, especially those of a more cosmetic nature. “The use of cold means the body achieves an improved ability to neutralise toxins and repair cellular damage, resulting in incredible anti-ageing effects,” states Dr Alexandrides.
He kindly offered me to try it for myself. I was a bit apprehensive as I hate cold in any form but as ice in my drink or snow under my skis, however, the truth is that in the three minutes that the session lasted, I hardly felt the cold and afterwards I was certainly invigorated. I planned my treatments no more than three days apart as I was advised that the closer the sessions to each other, the better the benefits. Having done four sessions in just over a week, my personal evaluation is that there is an indisputable increase in my energy levels and the pain I chronically suffer in my shoulders and upper back as a result of hours of typing has remitted, probably due to the anti-inflammatory properties of cryotherapy.
