Home/Fashion/Tatler UK/September 2020/In This Issue
Tatler UK|September 2020TATLER CONTRIBUTORSCLAIRE ROTHSTEIN London-based photographer Claire Rothstein works with the likes of Chanel, Givenchy Beauty and international editions of Vogue. For this issue of Tatler, she photographed the new autumn/winter fashion collections in the gardens of Penshurst Place on the hottest day of the year. ‘It was my first shoot since lockdown, and it was lovely to be reunited with the team,’ she says. The floral Moschino dress was her favourite look: ‘Fashion is a form of escapism and this was pure fantasy.’ HOPE co*kE In this issue, Tatler’s social media editor Hope co*ke reports on TikTok, the video-sharing app that became a lockdown sensation. ‘The children of the digital age have short attention spans, so the 15-second videos keep their audience hooked,’ she says. Brevity isn’t enough to win her…2 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Brought to bookROYALTY AND SCANDAL GO together like crowns and sceptres. For all her personal rectitude, the Queen has seen more than most. Her reign has encompassed some shockers, from the Princess Margaret sagas through Diana and Charles, Fergie and Andrew to the Meghan and Harry show. All these scandals are very well known. Sensationalised, serialised, biographised and cinematised, they form a sort of royal version of the Cloud, endlessly present, endlessly augmented – less than a year after Prince Andrew appeared on Newsnight, we have the Sussexes’ biography, Finding Freedom. But the original scandal of the Queen’s life – also chronicled in a book that lays bare royal secrets – doesn’t exist in the Windsor Cloud. For 70 years, it successfully ‘disappeared’. Few accounts of the time afford it more than…5 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Bridle showA PHEASANT STRUTS across the long, elm-tree-lined gravel driveway that leads to Hilborough House, deftly negotiating a trio of whirring robot lawnmowers as it goes. The bird, though magnificent, is persona non grata at the grand Norfolk home of Rosie and William van Cutsem. Its crime? It spooked Rosie’s horse, Missy, while she was on a peaceful ride around the 4,400-acre estate a few weeks ago, causing her to have a bad fall. ‘It was pretty nasty,’ says 38-year-old Rosie, stopping in her tracks during a walk through the Arne Maynard-designed gardens, thick with the scent of roses. ‘I fell off and dislocated my shoulder. It has happened before so I knew how to push it back in myself, but it did shake me up.’ Her long legs setting the…7 min
Tatler UK|September 2020BEHIND THE SCREENSIt’s a sunny summer’s day and Emily Maitlis is sitting, socially distanced, on the grass just south of the Serpentine. It’s a favourite place of hers: she runs there and she swims there – once, indeed, on her best friend’s birthday in January, a savagely cold experience the Newsnight presenter has no yearning to repeat. Her jeans are blue, her suede boots almost knee-high and she’s wearing a grey T-shirt with ‘Wild Boys’ emblazoned on it. On one finger is an aquamarine ring that, she says, ‘needs a clean’ and reminds her of ‘Aegean seas’; around her neck is a chain familiar to Newsnight viewers – its pendant is of her whippet, Moody, and her investment-manager husband, Mark Gwynne, had it made for her. The 49-year-old is on cheerful form…15 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Tatler’s top TikTok talentsPrincess Olympia of Greece Take a peek into a princess’s world. Whether she’s dancing to Gwen Stefani, or playing pranks with her brother Prince Achileas, 24-year-old Princess Olympia keeps it fresh and casual for her audience of more than 6,000 followers. @olympiagreece22 Anaïs Gallagher Twenty-year-old Anaïs entertains her 11,900 followers with videos of baby goats and sarcastic humour – ever fancied knowing what your favourite biscuit says about your personality? Also expect Kardashian voice-overs and the (not so) occasional spot of profanity. @anaisgallagher Romeo Beckham Romeo, 17, spiced up TikTok last November, when he shared a video of his mother, Victoria, teaching him the Spice Up Your Life choreography in the family kitchen. He has also posted videos of himself dancing with his model girlfriend, Mia, and showing off his…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Hopetoun HouseANDREW, EARL OF HOPETOUN, moved to his splendid Scottish 18th-century country house in 2006, when his father, the 4th Marquess of Linlithgow, then only 60, decided to leave Hopetoun, offering Andrew and his wife, Skye, the chance to live there while their children – Olivia, Gina, Charles and Victor – were young. ‘It was incredibly generous,’ says Andrew, who himself had not grown up at the house, since it was at first still occupied by his grandfather, then his parents divorced, meaning that half his teenage holidays were spent with his mother and stepfather in England. At 36, he was relatively young for the responsibility of the vast Hopetoun estate. But he was practical. I suspect few places other than Hopetoun have a duck and her brood living in one…4 min
Tatler UK|September 2020All the gearPeloton The Rolls-Royce of home exercise bikes has everyone from the Marchioness of Bath to Hugh Jackman and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs quite literally on their toes. Workouts are streamed live or on demand, and competitive types can compare their efforts against others in the class. From £1,990; classes £39 per month; onepeloton.co.uk Kinesis Personal Heritage BlackSuper-fit Zara Martin is a fan of this slick cable machine, which provides a full-body resistance-based workout. London’s smartest gyms, including Bodyism and the South Kensington Club, all have them. £10,500; technogym.com Mirror What appears to be a full-length mirror is actually an interactive fitness coach, via which you can stream hundreds of classes, from boxing to barre and even personal-training sessions (using the built-in camera). Karlie Kloss was an early investor; Kate Beckinsale and…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Walk this wayTHE PILGRIMAGE IS HAVING a renaissance. Purposeful journeys are growing in popularity as the urge increases to exchange the rigidity of the daily grind for a dose of ‘green therapy’ and a real spiritual high. In part, this is thanks to the British Pilgrimage Trust, which has been reclaiming medieval trails all over the country since it was launched in 2014. Its founder, Dr Guy Hayward, a former Cambridge choral scholar, has mapped out more than 120 routes and spent the past few years guiding journeys across Britain. And private pilgrimages have become quite the party: the British Pilgrimage Trust’s illustrious list of patrons and devotees includes some of the grandest names in the country, including the duch*ess of Norfolk, Lady Cavendish and the duch*ess of Richmond. All have entrusted…5 min
Tatler UK|September 2020TANG-TASTICThe British and Hong Kong elite collided in Tuscany when Ed Tang and John Auerbach tied the knot under blue skies at Villa Cetinale. It was a weekend of extravagance: the reception alone saw drag queens, gospel singers and a flock of the trendiest society swans. Victoria Tang-Owen (in family label Shanghai Tang) and Veronica Chou arrived in neons, Tina Leung opted for a risqué Dundas number, and Olivia Buckingham accessorised a Jenny Packham gown with statement diamonds. Viscountess Weymouth dazzled in a silver Galvan dress, lighting up the streets of Siena when guests went on a 2am pizza hunt.…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020To give and let liveThe magic of Nineties-style laidback luxury is that its humble glamour lives on; think Ralph Lauren’s Americana rendered in a co*cktail set or the eternal élan of a Dior saddle bag. Julia Roberts’ character in Runaway Bride had trouble committing at the altar, but would that have been the case if she knew her happy-ever-after included breakfasts with a Purdey silver egg set and Stephen Webster’s Beast knives? Or that there’d be bubbles on the go from a Louis Vuitton champagne trunk? Like the eventual, fictional ceremony between Roberts and Richard Gere (left), a wedding can be small and private – but accessorised, please, with a big-statement Breguet watch or Bulgari earrings.…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Modern classicWHEN BIANCA JAGGER PAIRED A white Le Smoking tuxedo jacket and bias-cut skirt by Yves Saint Laurent with an oversized sun hat for her rockstar-studded St Tropez wedding in 1971, bridal fashion changed forever. Since that iconic look, the effortless Seventies glamour exuded by figures like Jagger and Jerry Hall has maintained sartorial kudos for fashion-forward brides, and a new trend has emerged for those looking to stray stylishly from tradition: the bridal jumpsuit. Seren is a brand that encapsulates this evolution perfectly. In 2016, designer Lucia Dailey launched Seren (short for ‘Serendipity’) as a ready-towear range focused on boldly printed silk jumpsuits. It quickly amassed a devoted fanbase, growing from a passion project into a fully fledged brand stocked by luxury retailers across the globe. When many clients became…2 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Keeping up with the KentsDECADENCE, GLAMOUR and lashings of fashionable drama are the qualities that the brides associated with the Dukedom of Kent have showcased over the last 180 years. From Queen Victoria and Princess Marina of Greece to Lady Gabriella Windsor and Sophie Winkleman, Kent nuptials have been tableaux of both style-setting tradition and couture splendour. Titles associated with the Kent family can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon times, but it wasn’t until circa 1056 that the Peerage of England recognised the Earl of Kent as an official title. Queen Victoria’s father, Prince Edward, was the Duke of Kent until his death. The title was revived for the then Queen’s second son, Prince Alfred, but became extinct following his death in 1900. The title was created once again for King George V’s…5 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Charge of the sprite brigadeWHEN THE HEAVENS OPENED AS guests arrived at the wedding of Lady Charlotte Wellesley and Alejandro Santo Domingo in 2016, the bride and groom no doubt took solace in the superstition that rain on your wedding day is a good omen for the marriage itself. Yet the Duke and duch*ess of Sussex took no chances, reportedly calling upon Brazilian weather wizard Orazio to bless their wedding day to prevent a downpour. There have always been old wives’ tales surrounding weddings, which have little to do with marriage as a religious institution: whether it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the ceremony, or the steadfast tradition that she must wear something old, new, borrowed and blue. Today, we are seeing a rise in a new kind…6 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Prime timeSTATELY OR INTIMATE; starry or homespun: every bride wants to look resplendent on her wedding day – which necessitates some stealthy, and rather strategic, planning. Deep-cleaning facials, upping the fitness ante and cutting back on Lindt balls will help; but to look, and feel, like the best version of yourself, turn to the experts. Skin is a good starting point – a clear and radiant complexion is, after all, a bride’s holy grail. ‘I put every bride on a pre-wedding course of Hydrafirm,’ says 23MD co-founder, Dr Suha Kersh. The treatment takes about 90 minutes and combines mesotherapy (to brighten), Exilis radiofrequency (to tighten) and a signature Hydrafacial (to clean out pores). She might add some Profhilo (injectable doses of un-crosslinked hyaluronic acid, which spreads beautifully beneath the skin, hydrating…8 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Refined and dandyHAIR NECESSITIES ‘Most types of hair loss can be treated, or at least managed,’ says Anabel Kingsley, brand president of Philip Kingsley and a consultant trichologist. So take a leaf out of the Duke of Sussex’s book and tackle a thinning mane head on; Philip Kingsley Mayfair, the clinic Harry reportedly consulted, is a temple of trichology. The team’s wealth of experience is staggering: senior consultant trichologist and clinical director Glenn Lyons has been at Philip Kingsley for more than 50 years. Book in here a year before your wedding as it can take this long for one’s natural hair-growth cycle to get back on track. philipkingsley.co.uk Home hair help comes courtesy of Philip Kingsley’s Stimulating Scalp Mask. A winning formula of vitamin E, menthol, camphor and caffeine, it will…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020The Black BookCAKES LUCIE BENNETT For the most decadent chocolate confections, Lucie Bennett cannot be beaten. The West Sussex-based pastry chef trained under master chocolatier William Curley and is famous for her Florentines (which make a chic alternative to pudding). Her elegant, herbaceous-adorned cakes are equally sought after, and are always executed with a winning combination of classical training, a modern approach and homegrown produce. luciebennettpatissier.com SPRING LONDON Evie Henderson (daughter of Spring Restaurant London chef, Skye Gyngell) flies somewhat under the radar, but her whimsical cakes are a hot ticket for fashion weddings. Hand-frosted and decorated with berries and blousy flowers, they’re utterly Instagrammable. springrestaurant.co.uk STATIONERY QUILL LONDON Quill London breathes life into traditional calligraphy: think dove greys and nudes, simple fonts and shimmering foil lettering. Founder Lucy Edmonds is a…10 min
Tatler UK|September 2020TATLER.COMNew-Wave Princess Look to Stéphanie of Monaco and the Euro royals for your summer style inspiration Wedding Belles Society nuptials, wediquette and how to go down the aisle in style: all your wedding need-to-knows Wine Upmanship Join the Tatler Wine Club live on Instagram for expert-led tastings, special guests and exclusive treats Princess Anne at 70 As the Princess Royal marks a milestone birthday, Tatler looks at the life of the Queen’s only daughter Staycation Nation Our favourite locations for a glamorous holiday at home, from grand statelies to chic city hotels tatler.com…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020The wives of BathLADY ELIZABETH CAVENDISH-BENTINCK The wife of the politician Thomas Thynne, 1st Marquess of Bath, Elizabeth lived a long and colourful life, dying in 1825 at the age of 90. The couple married in 1759, but as a close confidante of Queen Charlotte (and eventually her Mistress of the Robes), Elizabeth spent a lot of time away from Longleat and her eight children. She accompanied the queen to concerts and official engagements, while her husband became as well known for womanising and gambling as for his admirable role as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. THE HON ISABELLA BYNG Philanthropy and family were both causes close to the intellectual Isabella’s heart. The daughter of George Byng, 4th Viscount Torrington, she married the respected Cambridge-educated politician Thomas Thynne, 2nd Marquess of Bath, in 1794.…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Ladies who lungeFROM HATHA TO HOT, ashtanga to kundalini, yoga has had the British aristocracy in a bind for longer than you might think. It’s hard to imagine Queen Victoria attempting a downward dog in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, yet 130 years before whispers that Meghan would install a yoga studio at Frogmore Cottage, the monarch entertained yoga master Shivapuri Baba at the palace. Said to be the first yogi to bring the practice to the West, Baba had Queen Victoria enthralled as he explained the ancient Eastern beliefs over 18 audiences with Her Majesty. Today’s royals are just as keen: ‘It makes you much more supple,’ said the duch*ess of Cornwall, who likes to visit the Soukya holistic health retreat in India before international tours. Meanwhile, Kensington Palace Gardens have…5 min
Tatler UK|September 2020SCENE WITH SABINEGROWING UP, I ALWAYS HAD A fascination with strong and powerful women of character, hoping to one day become one myself. I looked to Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel as the beau idéal. In her lifetime, Coco was the most opinionated and funny woman in Paris, a force to be reckoned with. She led her life without apology; emerging from an era of stuffy corsets and lace, she was all about ease and comfort. When I attended my first Chanel show, the little girl inside me couldn’t believe her luck at being able to witness the magic of this couture house and get closer to the universe of Coco Chanel. I vividly remember seeing all those perfectly tailored tweed skirts and jackets rushing by, all carrying an unmistakable allure. There is something…5 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Basic instinctIn any given situation, I often ask myself: what would Babe Paley do? And certainly, during this time of turmoil, I wonder what the darling of Truman Capote’s coterie of society ‘swans’ would have made of quarantine. I picture her tending to her precious garden wearing a weathered straw hat, shears in hand and the sleeves of her blue chambray shirt rolled up. Hers was a life lived in the utmost good taste, her style crisp and clean yet utterly glamorous in its simplicity. Luckily, the AW20 shows were awash with luxurious, no-nonsense practicality. Dior’s denim jumpsuit is perfect when you’re running around town or knee-deep in soil. Or who can fault the classically bourgeois Hermès combo of a cashmere sweater, scarf and buttery-soft leather trousers? And as Michael Kors…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020All the young dukesWHEN DESIGNER OF THE moment Harris Reed presented their Central Saint Martins graduate collection, inspired by the flamboyant and fashionable Henry Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey, the gender-fluid creative put the outlandish aristocrat’s old haunt, Mayfair, back on the map as a menswear mecca. With its history of clothing, grooming and feeding the world’s most influential men, Mayfair and its smaller neighbour St James’s have a sartorial charm that’s perfectly suited to the style of the dandiest dressers. From heritage brands to smart up-and-comers, these are the addresses for every dandy to have handy. TAILORED TOMES Owned by the Duke of Devonshire and managed by his son-in-law Nicky Dunne, Heywood Hill has been the one-stop bookshop for aristocrats and arrivistes alike since 1936. Come here for rare finds, new titles…2 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Shear glamourChristian Dior Impeccable tailoring reigns supreme at Dior, not just in daywear but also in streamlined gowns in light-as-air fabrics and skirts with fringes that move with the body. Eveningwear once meant razzle and drama, but Dior’s unassuming elegance lends easy glamour to languid nights. Fendi If you’re looking for simple, high-impact dressing, dial F for Fendi. The house goes full Hitchco*ck heroine with elemental tones, big shoulders and sharp silhouettes. This tailored powder-grey coat is the piece of the season. Prada Prada has always been loved by sophisticates, with its exuberant and provocative designs. This season, Miuccia Prada’s neons are making noise under sheer black dresses, which, topped with a dramatic headpiece, pay homage to the frivolity of the 1920s. Valentino Look to Valentino for toughened-up femininity – stompy…4 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Loseley ParkLOSELEY PARK, A 16TH-CENTURY house near Guildford, in Surrey, has for two years now been home to Alexander More-Molyneux, his wife, Sophia, and their four children. ‘To begin with they were terrified,’ says Sophia, describing the children’s reaction to hearing strangers wandering about the property – between 6,000 and 8,000 members of the paying public each year. ‘They don’t really understand why anyone wants to come and look at the house anyway,’ she adds with a laugh. From the kitchen, an epic room with 20-foot-high ceilings, comes the noise of four very robust More-Molyneux children: Cressida, twins Rocco and Aubrey, and ZsaZsa – aged from three to seven. The children long for ponies, but Sophia knows how much work they entail: ‘We haven’t got the time,’ she says. Instead, she…4 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Dangerous gameIt was a calm, quiet evening, unusually warm for May and yet ‘chilled’ – as the victims of the crime themselves might be tempted to say. The idyll of the rus in urbe was only interrupted by the muddling of the mint leaves for mojitos, or the occasional sound of a cue striking a ball across the baize in a private games room. In the north London footballer enclaves of Hadley Wood, Elstree and Borehamwood, each an easy Ferrari commute from the Arsenal and Tottenham training grounds, the Covid-19 lockdown had become monotonous. Yet for most of the players it was endurable. For them, ensconced with their families in gilded and gated estates, the stay-at-home order had created a life-in-a-bubble that wasn’t all that different from the norm. In the…13 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Small wondersSpring Cottage, Cliveden, Berkshire Cliveden is a jewel of an English hotel, sitting among acres of lawn and parkland that roll down to the River Thames. As the former country seat of the Astor family, and a place where nearly every British monarch since George I has been entertained, it needs little introduction. Cliveden revels in a good time, with its heady atmosphere of historic lust. It will forever be associated with Christine Keeler and the scandal that brought down a government. Spring Cottage, which Stephen Ward, the infamous society osteopath at the centre of the Profumo affair, rented from Lord Astor, and where some of the cavorting happened, is possibly the most hedonistic spot on the estate. For all Cliveden’s undeniable grandeur, the vibe at the cottage is welcoming…5 min
Tatler UK|September 2020HISTORY PROJECTSWhether it’s a pied-à-terre or a city base, a property in prime central London is always a sensible investment for those with a long-term view. According to Knight Frank’s Rupert des Forges, the prime central London development market had its strongest quarter since 2014 in the first three months of 2020, before being plunged into a state of suspension during lockdown. As things begin to regain momentum, it’s worth exploring the variety of developments on offer in the capital’s most sought-after postcodes, many of which are steeped in history. One example is the iconic Lots Road Power Station, which is being transformed into a collection of restaurants, shops and residential properties as part of the ambitious Chelsea Waterfront development – the largest building project of its kind on Chelsea’s river…4 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Think pinkTimeless charm is key when considering a present to give a couple about to take vows ‘till death us do part’. To mark the nuptials of vintage enthusiasts and lovers of Parisienne finery, why not channel the sweetly stylish allure of Audrey Hepburn in that fashion-froth of a 1957 musical, Funny Face? Miu Miu eau de toilette and Perrier-Jouët champagne evoke romance; a chic crystal decanter or an Armani/Casa tea set induces a yearning for lifelong rituals à deux. In the words of the movie’s fashion editor Maggie Prescott (modelled on Diana Vreeland), ‘Let’s give’em the old pizazz!’ And remember, diamonds are never too much. Just add a delicate Chaumet tiara for grace and elegance.…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020A day to rememberONE OF THE CAPITAL’S MOST ELEGANT and exclusive addresses, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London has played host to many of society’s grandest weddings, as well as plenty of smaller, more intimate affairs. Stepping into this refined, luxurious establishment in the heart of Knightsbridge is enough to make anyone feel like royalty, and this unique effect is only enhanced when it comes to that most special of special occasions – your wedding day. The hotel offers a choice of exquisite venues, including the spectacular Ballroom (where Her Majesty The Queen learned to dance with her sister, the late Princess Margaret) with its striking chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views; the natural light-filled Loggia, with its grand gilding and French doors; and the gracefully arched Carlyle Room – perfect for smaller…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Get set for a honeymoonAFTER A LONG PERIOD OF enforced stasis, you may be feeling a little less than wedding-ready – not to mention far from prepared for a honeymoon somewhere hot, where only swimsuits and beach cover-ups feel like appropriate attire. Lockdown has not made it easy to stay in shape or feel at our freshest, but now that measures are being relaxed and the world is beginning to return to normal, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to get yourself fully prepared for your upcoming nuptials and the heavenly holiday that comes after the celebrations. And the woman perfectly placed to help you with such preparations? Dr Rita Rakus. After more than 25 years of industry-leading work, Dr Rita Rakus Clinic has become the go-to haven for game-changing aesthetic…4 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Diamonds are foreverWhat better backdrop for timeless engagement rings than the Bard’s immortal verse? Love looks not with the eyes, of course, but the glint of diamonds is joyously distracting…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Belles and whistlesONE YEAR TOOTH FAIRY The moment the engagement is official, book in with the dentist: more extensive alterations such as Invisalign braces can take at least a year to complete. Whitening, however, can be done just one month prior. For a dazzling wedding-ready smile, Dr Rhona Eskander, cosmetic dentist and owner of Chelsea Dental Clinic, recommends Philips Zoom. ‘Patients can choose between in-clinic and at-home whitening, both of which achieve clinically proven results.’ But she does caution against some whitening toothpastes: ‘They contain abrasive particles and can damage the enamel.’ Finally, Eskander advises investing in an electric toothbrush such as the Philips Sonicare to help remove surface stains, and the AirFloss to dislodge plaque.Whitening, from £400. chelseadentalclinic.co.uk HEAVEN SCENT For an ultra-luxurious, completely bespoke fragrance experience, look to Penhaligon’s. Over…6 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Perks of the jobEVERY FUTURE BRIDE (OR GROOM) wants to look at their best while still feeling natural. One clinic that specialises in exactly this is The Lovely Clinic, where the expert team pledge that you will never leave looking like you’ve been ‘done’. Instead, the practitioners perform treatments that stimulate your body to achieve optimal vigour and beauty, guiding you gradually along the path towards inner confidence and outer loveliness. What more could you want in the lead-up to your wedding? Broad medical expertise sets TLC apart – it is the only clinic to have three doctors with extensive oral and maxillofacial surgery experience, each of whom has earned both medical and dental degrees. Yet at no time will that medical expertise drown the conversation. There will always be space for you…2 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Having a ballAFTER THE DRAB SEVENTIES, THINGS WERE CHANGING in Oxford, and students – some with well-known establishment names – were dressing up for extravagant parties. In 1980, I was living there too. I had a degree in fine art and wanted to be a photographer – my chance came with a competition run by The Sunday Times Magazine. My assignment: to cover ‘The Return of the Bright Young Things’. I badgered my way into the parties and tried my best to simply capture what was actually happening. There was this wonderful youthful excitement thrumming through the colleges. I would feel high from the general euphoria, even without drinking much. When the pictures were published, the issue caused a small sensation, and soon invitations to photograph other Oxford parties came flooding in.…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Paws célèbre‘DURING LOCKDOWN I decided, that’s it – I’m getting a puppy,’ Pandora Delevingne tells Tatler. The mother of Cara, Poppy and Chloe scoured Gumtree, made some calls and eventually got through to a breeder in Southampton who had a litter of cavachons (a mix of bichon frise and Cavalier King Charles spaniel). Announcing that she’d be there in two hours, Pandora set off to collect her puppy, which she named Doris, after her husband Charles’s scandalous aunt, Viscountess Castlerosse. Like her namesake, Doris is ‘mischievous – a real little scamp’, says Pandora. ‘She also loves the camera. She’s a true Delevingne, like her sisters.’ And just like the Delevingne girls, Doris is a looker, too. ‘I say to her, “You are so beautiful, you’re the Cara of the dog world,”’…5 min
Tatler UK|September 2020You better watch outZAMIRA HAJIYEVA HAD expensive tastes. That much was clear to Harrods. Like many of the ultra-high-net-worth individuals who saunter into the Knightsbridge department store, the 57-year-old Azerbaijani expatriate spent freely – in her case, very freely, racking up £16.3 million in purchases at the store between 2006 and 2016. She had a particular weakness for Cartier and Boucheron: one Sunday in November 2009, she handed over a credit card to buy a £48,600 Cartier item, then she was back 12 days later for three pieces of Boucheron jewellery worth a combined £121,000. It wasn’t just jewels that caught her eye – one hungry day in 2014 she spent £2,000 on cold meats alone. She had, it seemed, access to multiple sources of money. She bought items on at least 54…9 min
Tatler UK|September 2020The showstopperALMA JODOROWSKY IS THE image of the terrifyingly beautiful, archetypal French actress, her heart-shaped visage and kohl-rimmed eyes the perfect accoutrements to a wardrobe full of Chanel – she’s a house ambassador and the face of its Métiers d’Art campaign. She follows in the footsteps of generations of Gallic vedettes, such as Brigitte Bardot and Catherine Deneuve, who bewitched the world with a flick of their champagne-hued manes. There’s something about French actresses that inspires awe and fascination (just look at the wealth of articles devoted to their beauty routines). And God Created the It Girl – that’s what the Bardot film should have been called… He decided to make her French, of course. Now Jodorowsky is the face to watch. But don’t hate her because she’s beautiful. The 28-year-old…6 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Defying gravityLA PRAIRIE HAS BEEN SYNONYMOUS with pioneering skincare since its inception. The house’s story begins back in 1931, when Dr Paul Niehans started his groundbreaking work in cellular therapy at Clinique La Prairie, a Swiss clinic that has come to be known as a pristine sanctuary of innovation. Since Niehans’ breakthrough research was published in 1960, La Prairie’s evolution has been punctuated by industry firsts focusing on supremely high-quality ingredients, including the introduction of active ingredients sourced from caviar. A symbol of decadence, pleasure and refined celebration since the time of the Tsars, delicate, glistening beads of caviar have always signified luxury, but it was La Prairie that first interpreted this into indulgence for the skin. Now, the house has taken its signature opulent innovation to the next level with…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020A taste of heavenIN THE ESCLANS VALLEY, ANGELS whisper,’ says Sacha Lichine. ‘If you drink this wine, you might hear them… If you visit us, you might see them.’ Such is the almost mystical draw of Whispering Angel, the rosé Lichine created following his acquisition of Château d’Esclans in Provence in 2006. Since then, this world-class wine has become synonymous with the most premium Provence rosé, so much so that it is even credited with igniting the ‘Rosé Renaissance’. With its pale pink hue and chic, minimal label, Whispering Angel exudes the timeless glamour of the South of France, and it’s little surprise it’s become the tipple of choice for discerning wine lovers and exclusive establishments across the globe. In fact, a reliable dining out mantra to live by during summer is that…2 min
Tatler UK|September 2020the tik listCOCO BROCKLEHURST, 16, IS TALKING about being recognised in public. ‘It’s quite weird. I don’t go out into the town or anywhere by myself any more,’ she says. But Coco, the Sussex-based daughter of the interior designer Annika Purdey and her husband, Tim Brocklehurst, is not an actress, a musician, or a reality TV star. No – she’s TikTok famous. ‘People will whisper, “TikTok girl, TikTok girl,” and take pictures of me,’ she says. But as lockdown gradually lifts, Coco is likely to discover that her fame has only grown further. TikTok, the video-sharing social network, has been one of the few success stories of the pandemic, forming a social lifeline for the young, bored and permanently online, who have found themselves suddenly cooped up for the past few months.…9 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Perfect fitSINCE LOCKDOWN, HOME fitness has come to the fore – and while many have been content to make do with an exercise mat and a Jane Fonda workout video (the aerobics queen recently re-released her famous routine on TikTok), the super-rich are opting for a more sophisticated, long-term solution: building a gym in their house. An exercise in style If you’re working with a finite amount of space, a smart home gym should be adaptable. Even in very large houses, making the most of the space you have available is key. The mood it creates is critical, too – after all, it will dictate how often this room gets used. Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, founder of the high-end interiors firm Spinocchia Freund (spinocchiafreund.com), stresses the importance of creating a space that…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Falling in love againAT THE 1998 DIOR SPRING/summer ready-to-wear show, models paraded down the catwalk in a frenzy of floral brocade dresses, their necks and wrists encircled with gilded Egyptian-style necklaces and bracelets. It was a seminal style moment, and although it ocurred more than 20 years ago, the output of the French fashion house is still inspired by those striking adornments. It was the arresting sculptural silhouette of the necklaces from the 1998 show, and their gleaming golden hue, that provided the inspiration for the design of the bottle that held the very first Dior J’adore scent, and it is now one of the most recognisable fragrance vessels of all time. Back then, when Nineties normcore minimalism was king, this gilded teardrop filled with floral nectar, and cocooned in its cascading rings…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020WanderlandThe wildness of the Welsh mountains, lakes, ancient forests and long, sweeping roads always reminds me of my childhood and our frequent family commutes between the English border town of Oswestry and Harlech, on the North Wales coast. These days, managing my estate means that I divide my time between London, Shropshire and North Wales, but it’s when heading to Snowdonia that I feel I’m going home. Four years ago, I embarked on the restoration of our family home, Glyn Cywarch. Originally built for William and Kathryn Wynn in 1616, Glyn is an architectural combination of Renaissance character and local traditions. It passed from the Wynn family to my own, the Ormsby Gores, through marriage, so I am lucky enough to be the latest in a long line of custodians.…4 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Marisa BerensonWith high fashion in mind, Tatler looks back to that most daring of decades: the Eighties. The more-is-more attitude of the time meant that neon, double denim and striking silhouettes were in play when American model Marisa Berenson was photographed for the April 1981 cover by the late Herb Ritts. Her aesthetic pedigree is impressive (the respected art historian Bernard Berenson was her father’s great-uncle and her grandmother was the surrealist designer Elsa Schiaparelli), so it was no surprise when she was signed as a model in her teens, discovered by the legendary Diana Vreeland of Vogue. Berenson soon became known as ‘The Queen of the Scene’ – she was a Studio 54 regular, partying with Andy Warhol and Truman Capote, and caught the attention of photographers Irving Penn and…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020THAT’S AMOREBallroom glamour was the state of play in Rome for fashion designer Misha Nonoo and oil heir Michael Hess’ idyllic destination wedding. The fabulously flamboyant affair saw supermodels, British royals and musical legends swoon over the views from Villa Aurelia. Guests pulled out all the stops: Gayle King was an elegant vision in green, while Ivanka Trump channelled her inner Lady Godiva in a neutral number. But heads turned to the Duke and duch*ess of Sussex as they made their entrance, Meghan stealing the show in a Valentino gown.…1 min
Tatler UK|September 2020The list goes onOver the past 25 years, The Wedding Present Company has earned a well-deserved reputation for helping happy couples to find gifts they love. With a curated portfolio of more than 400 brands showcased in a magnificent showroom located in the heart of Chelsea, it’s the perfect choice for a wedding list that reflects a couple’s personality. And who better to demonstrate this than two people who have experienced it all? Enter, Will and Tania, who answered Tatler’s questions to give some first-hand insight. We felt like VIPs throughout the process and I loved the selection of brands on offer. It all felt so exciting’ Could you describe the wedding list process? Creating our wedding list can genuinely only be described as a total pleasure. A lot of our friends used…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Holiday romanceTHIS YEAR MORE THAN EVER, WE’RE yearning to escape the onset of winter with a sun-soaked break, and there are few destinations better suited to such a sojourn than the Maldives. With pristine shores, clear skies and crystalline waters, the destination has come to epitomise romantic retreats. Those truly in the know will head for Milaidhoo Island, located in the heart of the idyllic Baa Atoll Unesco Biosphere Reserve, close to Hanifaru Bay. Even at the most luxurious resorts, it’s not often guests have the run of their own tropical island – but this is the case at Milaidhoo, where vast, secluded villas stretch from shore to shore. No children under the age of nine are allowed on the island and an air of refined informality pervades, making it the…2 min
Tatler UK|September 2020On with the showPLANNING A WEDDING IS an exciting prospect, but with so much to think about, it can swiftly turn into a logistical nightmare. Whether you’re recently engaged or have had to put plans on hold, one event promises the most elegant, effortless solution to every wedding need imaginable: The Bridelux Atelier. Bridelux is widely considered the industry authority, offering a wealth of expertise and an unsurpassed network of luxury brands. This year, The Atelier – frequently praised as the ‘world’s finest wedding show’ – will be presented over two days (25 – 26 September), in partnership with Tatler and The Wedding Gallery. In light of COVID-19, government guidelines will be followed and safety measures (including temperature checks and track and trace systems) will be adhered to in order to ensure the…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Say yes to the addressLONDON THE WALLACE COLLECTION The Marquesses of Hertford’s former residence, this townhouse-turned-museum is a real hidden gem of a venue. Once the scene of glittering society soirées, Hertford House is filled with original furniture, sculpture, ceramics and even armour, while its silk-lined walls are hung with paintings collected by the Marquesses in the 18th and 19th centuries, including portraits by British masters Gainsborough and Reynolds. This is country house grandeur in the heart of the capital. wallacecollection.org KENSINGTON PALACE There’s nothing more spectacular than tying the knot on the doorstep of royalty. The Cambridges’ apartment is a mere bouquet’s throw away from this extraordinary venue, where both Poppy Delevingne and Nicky Hilton Rothschild celebrated their nuptials. Prepare to be dazzled by the opulent state rooms (which were only recently made…6 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Top hats, tails and a dachshund in a tiaraAFTER I BECAME ENGAGED a few years ago, my mother took me aside and said something surprising. Wincing slightly, she asked whether I would want a ‘society wedding’. The question was odd because my mother last went out in society circa 1978 and was married in Durham, on a Tuesday. After ensuring that she wasn’t having a stroke, I learnt that my wildly sociable grandmother, ‘Bindy’ Lambton, had threatened her with a society wedding while engaged to my father. Spying the extensive list, my mother asked her to cool it and stop inviting people she’d never met. Weeks after the invitations had been sent out, mum found two stuffed under grandma’s bed – one addressed to the Queen, the other to the Aga Khan. Once I told mum that I…7 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Blushing bridesAS I PLAN MY UPCOMING nuptials, I’m flirting with the idea of doing my own make-up. As it turns out, this is a well-trodden path: the duch*ess of Cambridge, for example, did her own wedding make-up. In an attempt to minimise any potential DIY-induced risks, the duch*ess reportedly had a series of private make-up lessons in the run-up to her wedding; however, she was ultimately the one wielding the brush on the day. For brides keen on this route, help can be sought (once lockdown measures allow) in the form of Chanel’s newly launched bridal beauty masterclasses. Bridal beauty is ‘essentially red carpet make-up’, explains Gemma, my Chanel make-up tutor. The look has to translate to both photographs and real life; to look good on camera requires a heavier application…3 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Something blueSOME LIKE IT HOT Soak up the glamour – and the glorious sunshine – in Sri Lanka, South Africa, the Maldives and Portofino BIRKENHEAD HOUSE, SOUTH AFRICA From the beach below Birkenhead House, humpback whales can be glimpsed gliding through the swell. It’s intimate and rambling; a series of buttercream-coloured houses connected by winding staircases and terraces, brightened with splashy art and maximalist interiors. Hot pink towels sizzle against the sea-blue backdrop; antique chandeliers wink in the cerise-walled spa (where the manicures are excellent, and a perfect way to set off a sparkling ring); and beds are perched atop a series of stone steps. At sunset, wind your way along the cliff path past the twinkling sea and dense greenery. Back at the hotel, the brai (or BBQ) is alight…7 min
Tatler UK|September 2020Lady Alice Montagu Douglas ScottIn 1935 Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott graced Tatler’s cover in a blushhued satin wedding gown designed by Norman Hartnell. The illustration, by Fortunino Matania, marked both her marriage to Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son of King George V, and a noteworthy acceleration of Hartnell’s illustrious fashion career. As the third daughter of the seventh Duke of Buccleuch (the largest landowner in Scotland), Lady Alice had grown up within an array of magnificent houses. Her letter from Drumlanrig Castle was Hartnell’s first royal instruction, and inaugurated four decades of dressing the royals. Lady Alice’s brief was ‘strict simplicity’ – a challenge for a designer who relished all things theatrical. Westminster Abbey was thought to be too dimly lit for white so a faint blush hue was decided…1 min
