Editor's Picks - House Of Coco Magazine

Dog-friendly April 22, 2022

TeamCocopup: Meet nhow London, the coolest new dogfriendly hotel in town

There isn’t a hint of beige at nhow London, a bold and creative new hotel that is oozing with style and panache.

Our roving doggy reporter TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured out in the vibrant hotel for a luxury penthouse stay that’s fit for VIPS (very important pooches).

‘London Reloaded’ is the theme of nhow London, the new kid on the block in the city’s hotel scene. The lobby is an explosion of London-themed motifs, from Big Ben lifting off to armchairs donning Queen’s Guard uniforms.

Nhow London is a colourful celebration of East London’s art, culture and community. All the striking artworks in the space is curated by Jealous Gallery in partnership with Project Orange. Indeed, there is something to feast your eyes on at every corner at nhow London, much in the same way that London always offers something new to discover for residents both new and old.

TeamCocopup Charlie checked-in for the VIP Pet Package and was greeted with a dog bowl upon entry. One of the best things about the hotel’s pet policy is that there was no size restriction on pets. All paw friends are welcome regardless of size, which is great for a medium-sized dog like Charlie.

The Penthouse Suite is located on the eighth floor at the end of an Alice In Wonderland-esque hallway, with each room door fashioned like the doors at Notting Hill, complete with classic brass knockers. Green shag carpets may seem like an odd design choice at any other establishment but fits right in at the Penthouse Suite, which is stylish and full of personality.

The triangular layout offers cosy little pockets, while maximising the city views on the eight floor. Modern and contemporary furnishings are balanced with bold wall papers, and of course plenty of art. The Penthouse is home to one of the most opulent bathrooms we have seen, complete with free-standing bath and gold sink. The bathrobes, with ‘King’ and ‘Queen’ embroidered accordingly, reflect the same royal theme, ensuring that all guests feel like kings and queens during their stay.

While the Penthouse Suite missed a couple of doggy essentials like a doggy bed or bowls, we appreciated how Charlie was allowed in every communal space at the hotel. The hotel restaurant, Bell & Whistle, is part of the lobby and anchored by a striking fireplace with wood planks designed to almost extend out of the space. Neon signs, kitsch royal family mugs, a curious selection of books, miniature boats and porcelain pooches are dotted around the cosy yet vibrant space.

The menu, while small, offered plenty of flavour. We tried BBQ Fillet of Mackerel which was served with baby lettuce, pickled heritage carrots and a punchy anchovy dressing. For mains, you simply must have the nhow Burger, which comprises a dry aged Angus beef patty with all the trimmings. The Spatchcock Roast Baby Chicken, served with a warm courgette and cherry tomato salad, also impressed. For dessert, the Vegan Eton Mess is a must-have and perfect for dairy/egg intolerance sufferers like me.

There is no better way to end the evening than with a drink at the bar. The nhow bar is the place to be for a vibey cocktail. It has a vast range of craft beers and ciders and specialist spirits that would impress even the most knowledgeable connoisseur.

With so much going on at the hotel and in buzzy East London, the Penthouse Suite is a haven from the busyness below. It is stylish place to recharge and call home, even for just a short stay and we almost didn’t want to leave. From the punk meets pop interiors, the effortlessly cool vibes and the fabulous service, there’s certainly plenty to love at nhow London – we shall surely be returning.

Fore more information, visit nh-hotels.com

Designer March 14, 2022

Feva Sweat and Selina Bagnulo is breaking free from standard sizing

Looking at the bright, glowing and total boss babe Feva Sweat Co-Founder Selina Bagnulo and you wouldn’t be able to guess the struggles she overcame to become the Girl Boss that she is today. According to Selina, fitness and a healthy lifestyle helped her overcome her body image issues, and she wants to share this positivity with others through her sustainable and inclusive activewear brand Feva Sweat.

Feva Sweat is the brainchild of Selina and business partner Richard Yang. The brand offers different kind of made-to-measure, bespoke activewear styles that break free from the limitations of standard sizing and make all women feel like a queen no matter what their size.

Selina says, “My goal is to create a business that is inclusive to all body types. A place where women don’t feel restricted by dress size, don’t judge themselves on being small, medium or large, a place where individuals can be themselves and shine bright as who they are.”

Team Coco caught up with Selina to talk about the journey that led to Feva Sweat, the biggest advice she has for aspiring entrepreneurs and what makes Feva Sweat stand out from the rest.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background? What is Feva Sweat?

My name is Selina. I am 24 years old and grew up in London. I was born in Cape Town South Africa and lived in Africa for the first 4 years of my life. My family is from all over the world and very mixed in culture. I have recently moved from London to Spain.

I work as a personal trainer privately training women online, in my local gym or by the beautiful beaches of Denia. I love helping them to reach their health and fitness goals. The nature of my work means I have flexible hours and time to work from home on my recently launched clothing line, Feva Sweat.

Feva Sweat is a custom made, sustainable, slow fashion activewear brand. We offer premium quality activewear with the availability of made to measure, fully bespoke garments. Now we are very small scale, our handmade garments are produced in small batches of 45 pieces for standard sizes and made-to-order in our bespoke system.

For our first ever release we have leggings, shorts and crop tops available. Now we have one standard style that is available in 3 different colours and hoping to expand soon. As a start-up, we felt this would be the most effective way to bring our customers the best products possible. We aim for quality over quantity at Feva Sweat.

Our clothing is produced in a sustainable system, with premium fabric from a sustainable Italian supplier. All our products are manufactured in a small factory in London UK, shipped by a local e-commerce company and packaged in recyclable materials. Our goal is to allow people to express their Individuality, fuel their inner fire and encourage their devotion to physical activity.

What inspired you to launch Feva Sweat (your personal journey that’s brought you here)?

A huge inspiration for me to start my own clothing brand was to create a company that has a perfect fit for ALL body types! Growing up, I had enormous struggles with my body image and loving myself. I was diagnosed with anorexia/bulimia nervosa around the age of 13 and was hospitalised at 17. I’ve always struggled to love the body that I was in. Fortunately, I have a loving family who supported me during this difficult time and knew it important for me to take some time away from studies and work to heal.

During this healing period I began to exercise slowly and began to eat more each day. I couldn’t believe how good I began to feel, my body was getting stronger, but most importantly my mind was thriving. I had never felt so happy about the skin that I was in and at peace in my mind, no longer battling myself about food, or constantly telling myself I wasn’t good enough. This is the chapter in my life where I fell in love with exercise and healthy living. I wanted to share with others what I had discovered.

I went on to complete my qualifications in personal training and sport. I created an Instagram page where I began documenting my fitness journey and how I had overcome my demons in the hopes of inspiring others to do the same. At this time, my business-minded long time best friend, Richard Yang, suggested that we create a clothing brand. This idea between friends was where Feva Sweat was born!

During our brainstorming I said to him “wouldn’t it be great if there was a sports clothing company who sized their leggings like companies like Levi’s and Topshop do their jeans?” So, Feva Sweat offers not only waist and length measurements, but can make our leggings fit each woman’s body shape. This is the perfect way to express my life story through my clothing brand, as it foregoes judgement towards dress sizes whether you were small, medium or large. I could just be size ‘Selina’ and others size ‘Kathrine’ or whatever beautiful Queen that you are. No matter what your measurements are, Feva Sweat would have a way of making every woman look and feel beautiful!

How did you come up with the name?

Richard and I came up with the name after we created our mission statement of bringing out an individual’s inner fire. We landed on Feva in relation to a ‘fever’ and being hot when working out. It also portrays the idea of having fire within which creates our character, motivation and drive. We wanted a unique name that was memorable and linked our brand with exercise. That is when we added the word sweat which had a nice ring to it. The result being Feva Sweat.

What makes Feva Sweat stand out from the rest?

What really makes Feva Sweat different from other sportswear brands is our unique availability to customise measurements exactly to the body of our customers, resulting in full bespoke tailored garments.

We have tiers to our bespoke ability, for example standard sizes being the first tier. We have semi-bespoke which is the second tier where customers can adjust the length of their leggings and tops. Our last tier and most specialised feature are Fully Bespoke, this is where customers can adjust ALL measurements according to their personal preference and fit that they would like. They must get in contact with me to order their fully bespoke garments. We have a step by step video and explanations on how to measure your body so that it is clear to all. We then create a personalised avatar where we can adjust small measurements if needed to ensure that we create the perfectly fitted custom outfit just for them! Feva Sweat also maintains premium quality products and a sustainable slow fashion nature.

What is it like being an entrepreneur and launching your own business currently in your life?

It is very liberating. I have great control over my day to day life. My future career excites me as I can make money doing something that I love. The sky’s the limit, I have so many things to try and so many ways to grow. There have been times I have doubted myself, but I think the only time that I would ever really fail is if I gave up trying. There are many obstacles, but so far, I have been able to overcome each hurdle that has come my way, it just takes patience and persistence. I want to keep learning, overcoming and growing. I believe in myself, and I believe in Feva Sweat.

How has this endeavour changed your life so far?

This has changed my life completely. I never thought I would start my own business. I was studying sport science with the intention of working as a sport psychologist or physical therapist. After the first steps of starting my own business, I knew it was what I wanted to do forever. I moved to Spain to live with my mum. It can be difficult living away from my home, family and the city where the business was born. Living in Spain has been a blessing as it has given me time to develop Feva Sweat. Starting Feva Sweat was one of the best things I have ever done. It has made me realise what type of lifestyle I want and for that I am forever grateful.

What are your goals for Feva Sweat and yourself in the coming years?

My goal is to create a business that is inclusive to all body types. A place where women don’t feel restricted by dress size, don’t judge themselves on being small, medium or large, a place where individuals can be themselves and shine bright as who they are.

I aim to expand the styles that we have, create more made-to-measure custom items and introduce this niche into the fashion industry. I want to change fashion culture, moving away from people being categorised into size, finding a new system where people can have their own size. I don’t want women to worry about finding clothes that fit, or that they must change to look and feel good in their activewear. My goal for Feva Sweat is to be that change.

My goal for myself is to do everything I can to make that happen, to learn, listen and adapt to develop the perfect products, to be inclusive, sustainable and maintain the quality of our brand. I would like to expand, release men’s clothing, expand to other countries and continue to grow in every way possible.

WWW.FEVAONLINE.COM

Last minute gifts for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and if you (like a lot of us) have procrastinated buying your mum the perfect gift, don’t fret because Team Coco has got you covered.

From classic fashion finds, luxurious sleepwear, indulgent beauty treats and even a bouquet of preserved flowers, we’ve curated the best gifts that will certainly make your mum smile on Mother’s Day.

Olive Green Watch by Briston available at https://www.briston-watches.com/en/
Pearl Earrings by Monica Vinader available at https://www.monicavinader.com/
Faviken Bath Salts from Bjork and Berries available at https://www.bjorkandberries.com/
Black ‘Mama’ Bag by Johnny Loves Rosie available at https://www.johnny-loves-rosie.com/
Green Bathrobe by Kate Austin available at https://kateaustindesigns.com/
Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar by de Mamiel available at https://demamiel.com/
Gold Cane Bracelet by ROX Jewellery available at https://www.rox.co.uk/
Yellow Star Front Jumper by Belle Modelle available at https://belle-modelle.co.uk/
Tyler Pile Fleece Vest by A Day’s March available at https://www.adaysmarch.com/
Liberty Libby Sleep Mask by Le Colonel available at https://www.lecolonel.com/
Reese Bouquet by Shida Preserved Flowers available at https://www.shida.florist/
Pure Elixir Rejuvenating Beauty Oil by Loli Beauty available at https://lolibeauty.com/
Multi-coloured Silk Scarf by Clare Haggas available at https://www.clarehaggas.com/

Australia March 3, 2022

Self-tan queen Amanda Harrington on boosting confidence through glowing skin

Amanda Harrington is as unapologetic a boss babe as they come. Sunless tanning and body contour guru to the stars, Amanda Harrington has tanned some of the world’s biggest celebrities (including Jennifer Aniston and Dua Lipa to name a few) and worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest film franchises, before deciding to take a leap and start her own eponymous self-tanning business.

For Amanda, her mission is simple and that is to create a ‘one-stop shop for safe skin.’ She started her business three years ago and has since released several cult sunless tanning products that are not only effective, but also vegan and cruelty-free.

In this latest Girl Bosses of Great Britain interview, we catch up with the sunless tanning queen herself and talk about the benefits of skin health and the importance of pre- and post-tanning regimens. We chat about her incredible career, the ‘Amanda Harrington technique’ and how she is transforming her client’s confidence one beautiful, glowing tan at a time.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start your own beauty business?

My name is Amanda and I am known for my sunless tanning body contouring technique. I have travelled the world applying my technique to lots of beautiful bodies on film, fashion, red carpets and on music tours. We have built a beautiful base of tan fans such as Jennifer Anniston, Dua Lipa, Sienna Miller, Cara Delevingne.

I started my career in London as a body artist working on photo shoots and film sets before I decided to go on tour with bands such as the Rolling Stones. I then moved onto movie sets for films like Bond and Tomb Raider, transforming the look and muscle tone of the body. This obsession and passion grew to the point wherein I thought how much I would love for more people to experience a streak-free, vegan and odour free way of applying self-tan at home. I wanted people to feel good and create a beautiful glow that didn’t look orange. That was really when I went into a lab to start formulating back in 2012.

Could you tell us about your mission to guarantee the most natural, long-lasting and safe means to tan, while offering a luxurious, uplifting and sensorial experience to your customers?

My mission is to create a one-stop shop for safe skin. Creating a hub designed to educate on the benefits of skin health, the importance of SPF and share the power of how transformational self-tan is to your mood and body confidence. It really can turn your day around in less than five minutes. People notice how well you look, and you certainly feel it.

I love getting feedback from customers about how they ‘can’t live without the face mist’ or body mousse. It’s just the best feeling to know I have helped a little way towards making that customer feel uplifted. This is what I love so much about working with clients, the result is magical.

What sets Amanda Harrington’s sunless tanning products apart from other tanning products in the market today?

I think two things. The first is that our products are applied with my brushes that are such a game changer in the market. Also, the products themselves (which took me forever to formulate) had never been created before, so we had to start from scratch which took years. I am so so happy with them, and 11 awards later, it seems so is everyone else.

They are vegan, alcohol free (an ingredient which most self-tan products contain), paraben and sulfate free. Most importantly, I use Hyaluronic, collagen and Aloe Vera in all the bases to offer the most hydrated tan which nourishes the skin. I love the tonal tanning tints in Natural Rose, Honey and Olive which again is different in the market as most tan brands use one tone and that’s light, medium and dark – which doesn’t reflect the vast rainbow of skin tones.

Tell us about the Amanda Harrington technique – and why it is just so effective?

First, it is vegan which is so lovely, as you know it’s clean. My technique is based on layering, very much like how we apply make-up. How I explain it is, if you applied concealer all over dry skin and went out, you would feel dry and look rather 2D and that’s the same for sunless tan. I never understood one colour spray all over the body which is filled with drying alcohol that clings to dry skin. The results are variable and uncontrollable, hence why you see a fair few tanning mishaps on hands, ankles and elbows.

I use a Shea Butter-based barrier cream to prep dry areas, then apply a hydration layer called Body Base which has a small amount of gradual tan in it, and then you apply your skin tone appropriate face mist or body mousse that melts into the skin so easily with the wonder tool – a tanning brush. The brushes are the so effective at buffing the hyaluronic based tints into the skin that you create a natural, even base that just matches your skin tone — no matter what shade — so perfectly and lasts for days. It’s like semi-permanent make-up that doesn’t clog the pores.

Amanda Harrington goes beyond self-tanning and into skin health and sun care as well. How important is a proper post-tanning skin routine?

I think pre-tanning and post-tanning are equally as important. The power of prep happens with my fast-acting advanced glycolic body scrub which preps the skin perfectly. Post-tanning is all about topping up colour with my super hydrating gradual tans or tan compatible face and body lotions which help the colour last longer and fade evenly.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

The challenges go through phases, based on where you are on your journey. For me it’s gone from formulation woes and ‘will I ever be happy with the products’ to launching, and then having to pivot the supply chain during lockdown, to Brexit and so on. Business is essentially problem solving every single day and finding solutions.

What’s next for you and your business? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline

We are just coming up to our third year and opening with more retailers in the UK, Australia and US which is amazing. We’re also about to grow the professional side of the business into more Soho House sites and in Saudi Arabia where they LOVE contouring. Not forgetting all the new product launches we have planned, which I cannot wait for you to try!

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

Please remember that annual leave is a thing of the past ha, be disciplined, committed and consistent. You must remain level-headed, give decisions some time and space, look at all the options and then decide and keep moving forwards.

Most of all – look at your vision and ask yourself ‘will I regret it if I don’t try’ and sit, listen for the answer over a few days, weeks, months – however long it takes. Mine took years. Once you decide you want to, be unapologetic from that moment on about your vision, and always speak from the heart.

WWW.AMANDAHARRINTGON.COM

Designer March 3, 2022

Meet Amber London, your favourite new woman-owned swimwear brand

Amber London, your favourite new swimwear brand, has officially launched in London. Our Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured out into rainy, dreary London to get some sunshine by way of Amber London – which hosted its official launch dinner at AllBright last 13 February.

Amber London is a swimwear brand inspired by nature. In fact, the stone where it gets its name is fossilised resin with a caramelised golden hue that represents the sun.

All its pieces are designed by Founder Sana Hanassi-Savari in London and crafted in Italy. Each piece is totally flattering for fuller-busted women of all different shapes, colours and sizes.

Sana’s design process began with cup sizes, rather than the standardised sampling processes, ensuring the most flattering bikini fits

A proud slow fashion label, Amber London offers a timeless core range that will last throughout the seasons. This conscious design approach means that Amber London’s products were built to withstand the test of time, are made in limited numbers and packaged in recyclable and reusable materials.

Sana’s multi-use separates, which can be worn in a number of ways, offer underwire, fully adjustable shoulder and back straps. Giving fuller-busted women the support they need and the freedom and confidence to wear swimwear beyond the beach.

WWW.AMBERLONDON.COM

Culture March 2, 2022

Daissy Ornelas on creating the architecturally-styled shoes of your dreams

They say that good shoes take you to good places, but for Daissy Ornelas, the glamorous architecturally influenced shoes of her eponymous brand are certainly taking her to some pretty awe-inspiring places as a Girl Boss on a league of her own.

Daissy combines architectural inspirations with Italian craftsmanship to create her vibrant line of footwear. More akin to sculptures than shoes, all of Daissy’s pieces are handmade in Italy and evoke the spirit of the Art Deco movement.

Team Coco caught up with Daissy in Los Angeles, in between balancing being a mum, designer, entrepreneur and creative to talk about her joint love for footwear and architecture, her latest collection, and her advice for women looking to take the leap and start their own businesses.

“First and foremost, it’s not for everyone,” she says. “Keep your eye on the bigger picture and always remember why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry.”

Like the towering skyscrapers that inspire her collections, Daissy is reaching for the skies – and we can’t wait to see what heights this Girl Boss will reach.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background. What made you fall in love with shoes?

I grew up in Los Angeles. I studied Business Administration and most of my background is in Management and Administration. I worked in industries such as Consulting, Architecture and Fashion. I’m currently splitting my time between LA and the UK.

My love for shoes started around at the same time as my love of Art Deco. When I was young, my mom and I would go to downtown LA on Saturday mornings to go shoe shopping and then we would have lunch at the iconic Clifton’s cafeteria, it was our weekend ritual. It was there when I first paid attention to the many Art Deco exteriors and interiors that live in Downtown LA. The impeccable attention to detail always stood out to me, even at such a young age.

How is Daisy Ornelas combining architectural influences with Italian craftsmanship?

Growing up in Los Angeles, I got to see buildings with unique details and luxurious materials, and the more I started traveling, the more I fell in love with architecture and its evolutionary traits.

Once I knew I wanted to launch my own line of shoes, I knew Italy was the place to make it happen. Italian craftsmanship is something the country takes a great deal of pride in, and for good reason. I have met people who come from generations of shoe artisans, who love to work with their hands and really put love and effort in what they do. It’s something I will always admire and appreciate. I’m combining architectural influences by using architectural techniques like CAD and engineering processes to create patent-pending heels that showcase structural lines and facades you see in architecture.

Tell us more about your latest collection. Do you have a favourite piece?

The latest collection is influenced by modern architecture and its detailed shapes. I have seen different techniques and materials used around the world to create exceptional buildings and I just felt inspired by the fluidity in shapes and textures.

The Wavelet heel sandal is my absolute favorite. It was inspired by the spiral Architecture of the F&F tower in Panama, the Evolution Tower in Moscow, and the Al Tijaria Tower in Kuwait. There’s something about the Wavelet heel that screams architecture but not in an overstated way.

Walk us through an average day in the Daissy Ornelas atelier

I am a mom to an eight-month-old and a 14 year old. I get to work from wherever I may be at the time. From reading to research and from inspiration to design, I do everything on my laptop or phone.

So, my day consists of jumping back and forth between looking after my eight-month-old to responding to emails, getting on a call with my counterpart in Milan to making sure I pick up my son from school and grab a bite to eat in-between all of that (if possible).

Who is the Daissy Ornelas woman? Can you describe her in three words?

The Daissy Ornelas woman is a maximalist. She is someone who has a career in creative industries (i.e. Fashion architecture, interior design, graphic design), isn’t afraid of statement pieces and can appreciate unconventional designs versus picking things that are more every day wear. She loves to travel and always picks the shoe first before she picks out the dress when going out. She is daring, confident and creative.

What has been the biggest challenge you‘ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

There have been many challenges along the way. Financially speaking, when you create a startup, finding financial resources can be difficult, especially for a brand that is positioning itself in the luxury market. Until the brand is scalable, it’s hard to find investors who will back up the brand and take it where you want it to go.

What’s next for you and Daissy Ornelas? Any new exciting projects in the pipeline

Daissy Ornelas is coming out with a casual collection. The whole collection is made of sustainable materials including vegan leathers. We also put our own spin on 1930’s classic Oxfords and Loafers.

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

First and foremost, it’s not for everyone. It’s extremely hard work. You also have to be consistent because everything falls on you. Keep your eye on the bigger picture and always remember why you’re in it in the first place helps when things go awry. Because things will go awry at some point. Do your research well on what product or service you want to offer and go for it!

WWW.DAISSYORNELAS.COM

Adventures February 20, 2022

10 of the best hotels in Beyond Green

Preferred Hotel Group, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups, has launched Beyond Green, a collection of luxury and boutique hotels that are putting sustainability at the heart of everything they do.

Beyond Green by Preferred Hotel Group is a diverse portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lodges offering a range of guest experiences in unique locations around the world. The project believes that traveling well, and with intention, can be a powerful force for renewing our planet and enhancing the lives of all its people – and we are all for it.

Beyond Green is all about inspiring renewal for planet and people and each member hotel demonstrates their commitment to sustainable leaderships through action and impact. From protecting cultural heritage to environmental and conservation stewardship, these hotels are fully engaged in minimising their carbon footprints. Collectively, the member hotels are helping to rewild more than six million acres of wildlife in both land and sea. This includes the conservation of endangered species too.

Here are ten of our favourite hotels from Beyond Green, because true luxury travel is good for the planet too.

Cavello Point, United States

Bushman’s Kloof, South Africa

Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar

Islas Secas, Panama

Three Camel Lodge, Mongolia

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia

Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana

The Brando, French Polynesia

andBeyond Vira Vira, Chile

Afternoon Tea February 19, 2022

A stylish Afternoon Tea with Balmain at Sofitel London St James

Sofitel London St James has teamed up with Balmain and Z2 Comics to celebrate the new Balmain Dreams OR book with a Fashion Afternoon Tea. Team Coco Fashion Editor Hannah Tan-Gillies attended the exclusive media preview to check out the US$50,000 Balmain Dreams 10: OR edition, which celebrates Olivier Rousteing’s most iconic runway creations in the last decade.

The Afternoon Tea is served in the hotel’s stylish Rose Lounge from and is available from 3 February to 3 March. To celebrate the occasion, the Rose Lounge has been decked out in striking illustrations from the Balmain Book, which is currently on a world tour with Z2 Comics and Sofitel. Balmain Dreams OR is available via digital tablets at the lounge, but we got to see the striking US$50,000 Balmain suitcase and some of the iconic Balmain pieces that were featured, in vibrant colour, on the pages of the book.

Crafted by Head Pastry Chef Jamie Warley, the Fashion Afternoon Tea connects guests with the traditional French flavours in homage to the heritage of Balmain Creative Director Olivier Rousteing. Much like Olivier moves away from classic runway tropes, so does Sofitel’s Fashion Afternoon Tea move away from classic finger sandwiches.

Pastries inspired by Olivier’s bold and colourful runway creations

Instead, it offers delicious savoury dishes like leek and potato soup, pulled pork gyoza with soya and ginger and truffle Gougères. The sweet courses, of which the Citrus Choux Bun, Praline and Caramel Delice and Cappuccino Macaron were all highlights, were inspired thematically by Rousteing’s sketches in the book.

Sofitel St James is the first hotel to host the Fashion Afternoon Tea which will be moving to other Sofitel locations in Dubai, Singapore and Seoul.

The Fashion Afternoon Tea will be served from Thursday to Monday in the Rose Lounge, 12pm to 4pm, from 3rd Feb to 3rd Mar at £55 per person or £65 per person including a glass of Champagne. To book, please visit The Rose Lounge at Sofitel London St James.

Australia February 19, 2022

London and Cabaret Club is bringing spectacle back to the West End

Team Coco whipped out our best dancing shoes as we were transported back to the roaring twenties for an evening with London Cabaret Club. Set in the heart of Bloomsbury, London Cabaret Club is unlike any other show on the West End and offers a fully immersive experience unlike any other.

As soon as you step inside Victoria House, you enter the world of Great Gatsby. From the art-deco inspired motifs, classic cocktails, to the absolute showmanship of the performances, London Cabaret Club is certainly dinner and show with a difference.

Our evening’s theme was ‘All About Gatsby’ and started with aperitifs at the cocktail lounge. Here, you are welcomed with a cocktail of your choice and greeted by perfectly quaffed actors and actresses dressed in period clothing. A chanteuse serenades guests before they are led into the main ballroom, where the show gets ready to tantalise.

Playing fast and loose with the source material, what the show lacks in narrative accuracy it certainly makes up for in style. The singers filled the vast ballroom with their stellar performances, while the dancers chasséd and pas de bourreed the hell out of tha dazzling choreography, oozing enough charisma to reach even the furthest tables.

Each set was choreographed to outdo the last performance. Between aerial performances, doggy talent shows, tap dancing and acrobatics that would surely rival Cirque du Soleil, there was plenty to feast your eyes on at the London Cabaret Club.

The three course set menu celebrated classic British cuisine with a twist. We started off with amuse-bouche, followed by a smoked salmon starter then a fillet steak with chips, finishing with a delightful chocolate dessert. The meal, which was undoubtedly delicious, wasn’t exactly breaking any new ground in the culinary world, but what surely amazes at London Cabaret Club is that it offers an entertaining escape from the day to day.

So, you are looking for some escapism of your own, and maybe to time travel to the roaring twenties and really get wowed by a truly spectacular show, then we could not recommend London Cabaret Club more. After all, a little party never killed nobody?

WWW.LONDONCABARETCLUB.COM

Ten last minute Valentine’s Gifts that will melt your lover’s heart

If you’re a serial procrastinator – or simply have no idea what to get your partner this Valentine’s Day, Team Coco has got you covered. Our editors have curated ten of the best last-minute gifts that are a sure-fire way to melt your lover’s heart this Valentine’s Day.

1.Oh, L’Amore Diffuser by Acqua Di Parma available at https://www.acquadiparma.com/

2.Allie Bouquet by Shida Preserved Flowers available at https://www.shida.florist/

The Allie bouquet from Shida Preserved Flowers is an unconventional arrange-at-home bouquet that will last a whole year. It is a stunning centrepiece with hot red banksia baxteri, surrounded by fluffy setria and lush greens.

3.Rhubarb and Heather Gin Liqueur by Barra Atlantic Gin available at https://isleofbarradistillers.com/

4.Heart Shaped Chocolate Tart by Mon Dessert available at https://www.mondessert.co.uk/

Mon Dessert is an online company providing kits that enable delectable desserts to be made at home. We love Mon Dessert’s chocolate tart kit (Chocolatey goodness in the shape of a heart – what’s not to love?) It also comes ready to make with pre-weighed ingredients, easy to follow recipe cards and video tutorials. Yum!

5.Devotional Love Sensual Serum by Pure Mana Hawaii available at https://puremanahawaii.com/shop/

6.N*1 De Chanel L’Eau Rogue by Chanel available at https://www.chanel.com/

7.D.O.C.G Superiore Prosecco by Della Vite by Della Vite available at Selfridges for £25.99 and Ocado for £25.95

Sourced from The Big Island’s famed Mahina Mele Family Farm etched along Hulalai’s volcanic ‘aina (land) 10,000-feet above the Pacific Ocean, Pure Mana Hawaii is a slow-farmed, hand-pressed, feel-good beauty line that’s good for your skin and the earth that produces nutrient-rich, game-changer results. The brand’s divinely sensual serum, Devotional Love ($62), promising to seduce, heal and awaken the senses with warm vanilla and organically pure macadamia nut oil. This serum even features an activated rose quartz crystal blessed under a Hawaiian Mahina (a full moon), the most potent of all island mana (powers).

The Della Vite Prosecco Superiore DOCG is made exclusively from hand-picked Glera grapes, resulting in a rich and extra dry liquid, with aromas of citrus blossom, olive, crostini and chamomile. Not only does Della Vite offer a great-tasting, fresher alternative to champagne, its environmental standpoint means it’s certified 100% vegan and sustainably sourced, with a donation from each bottle purchased going to My Trees. What better way to demonstrate long-lasting love?

8. Limited edition 849 ballpoint pen from Caran d’Ache available at www.carandache.com/gb/en/

The perfect gift for the stationary aficionado, the Caran d’Ache limited edition range of their iconic 849 ballpoint pen is sure to impress. The Claim Your Style collection comprises modern-day rainbow-coloured shades that are perfect for showing off creativity and are made in Geneva.

9. Carbonator by Aarke available at www.aarke.com

10. Ear Cuffs from Helix and Conch available at https://helixandconch.com/

The Aarke Carbonator is a timeless kitchen countertop essential, a sparkling water maker that blends the heritage and solid materials of espresso machines with minimalist design and the latest technology. Built to last a lifetime and engineered to elevate everyday routines, Aarke is committed to promoting a more sustainable way of living by refining their products’ daily functions to create better, more user-friendly, and eco-friendly home appliances. A perfect V-Day gift for both him and her.

With prices starting from £28, the designs include a range of 9k gold charms – that work perfectly with hoops such as the Ciclo from the Helix & Conch range – including the oh-so-cute Abeille bee charm, available in both yellow and white gold and the 18K yellow gold Soleil – a beautifully crafted and delicate open flower charm with Swarovski crystals that pack some serious sparkle this Valentine’s Day.

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