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Self-love is more important than ever. Last year has been tough and the last thing we need is all the unnecessary pressure that Valentine’s Day brings. So, this year, instead of Valentine’s we’re showing our gratitude to all the girlfriends that have helped us survive a global pandemic.

Team Coco is all about that supportive female energy – so what better way to say thank you than by treating your favourite gal pals to some of the best self-care, skincare and all-rodn wellness finds this February?

1.The Ultimate Self Love Kit by Bloom Gin available at https://www.bloomgin.com

To help women everywhere on their self-love journey, BLOOM Gin has collaborated with quality sex toy company, So Divine, to create the ultimate self-love gift box – be it for yourself, your friend, your sister, hell, even your mum if you’re so inclined. The limited-edition gift-box, which contains a bottle of BLOOM Gin, a scented candle and a sex toy from So Divine, is the ultimate gift of pleasure and relaxation.

2.Ultra Balm Universal Rescue Cream by Amanda Harrington available at https://www.amandaharrington.com/products/ultra-balm

3.Rejuvenating Body Scrub by Anatomē available at https://www.anatome.co/

4.Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser by Steam Cream available at https://www.steamcream.com/

Part of Amanda Harrington’s tan-compatible skincare range, the rich, hydrating Ultra balm is designed to prep skin for tan application and combat dryness at the elbows, knees and ankles. Perfect for some self-care this V-day.

Cool wellness brand Anatomē offers a supportive, mindful offering to treat oneself or a loved one with products to help support emotionally and physically. The pink Balance range is perfect for pampering, good health and self-love.

Steam Cream’s Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser breathes life into spring skin and lifts the soul after a harsh winter. This weightless cream rebalances the skin, helping it to retain moisture and build up its resilience to the changing climate and environment.

This Valentine’s, Nailberry are sharing the love with a complimentary bottle of this bestselling Pop My Berry Lacquer worth £15 when you spend £45 or more with the code POPMYBERRY.

But it doesn’t stop there… Explore Nailberry’s Valentine’s Day limited-edition gift sets to find the perfect present – whether to add to your own wish list, treat a special someone or let your galentine know just how much you appreciate them. The quintessential Valentine’s colours – feminine, flattering for all and a picture-perfect pairing for any daytime ensemble. Nailberry’s iconic fiery red, Rouge, delicate pastel pink, Rose Blossom, and gloss-enhancing Bare Essentials Base and Top Coat. The perfect trio to nail your Valentine’s nail art, that is just too cute to pass up

5.Facial Oil by Amaranthine Beauty available at amaranthinebeauty.com

6.Checkmate Lip Gloss by Vesta London Beauty available at https://www.vestalondonbeauty.com/

7.5-in-1 Acai Elixir by Nailberry available at https://www.nailberry.co.uk/

Vesta London Beauty was created by marketing expert Vesta Boateng, to answer her need for high quality lip makeup that matched her (and others! ) skin tone. She spent 4 years formulating the perfect nourishing blends and has created a range of lip liners and glosses that work on all skin types – like magic!

Nailberry, the ethically focused nail brand with a 12-free, vegan friendly and halal approved L’Oxygéné formula is certainly the nail brand we are all coveting this year. The award-winning Acai Nail Elixir is brilliant and proven to help nourish, harden, protect, boost growth and conceal ridges.

Chāmpo are a South Asian-owned, independentUK-based haircare brand, founded by Kuldeep Knox. Since their founding a couple of years ago, they have become cult favourites in the premium, vegan haircare space, known for their trichologically-driven98%+ naturalformulas that produce tangible results. This results-driven serum combines cutting-edge anti-hair loss actives technology to tonecondition and energise the scalp. This, plus a pioneering complex of biomimetic peptide amino acidslipo amino acids and biochanin a-rich Red Clover Extract, are designed to calm the scalp and prevent hair loss.

8.Pitta Hair Growth Serum by Chāmpo available atchampohaircare.com

9.Pure White Rose Water by Gene in a Bottle available at https://geneinabottle.co.uk/

10.Almond Inga Bralette by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

11.Almond Raine Pant by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

12.CBD Oil by NICE available at https://mrnicelondon.com/

13. Take Good Care Candle Set by NETTE available https://nettenyc.com/

14. PURIFY: Scalp Cleanse by FFOR available at https://www.fforhair.com/

Eartha Underwear is a wellness inspired and eco-conscious underwear brand. The first collection launched in November 2021 following 12 months of research into sustainable and ethical manufacturing opportunities and natural materials which are more consumer and environmentally friendly than polyester and virgin cotton. Perfect for some guilt-free self-love this Valentine’s Day.

Help your gal pals hit reset on your hair and scalp problems with the latest launch from sustainable, Scandi-inspired haircare brand, FFØR. Designed by eco-conscious hair technicians who know that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, to allow all of us to achieve that salon-fresh feeling at home this Galentine’s.

Bonus: Here is the perfect gift for the travel-lover in your life. Jet Candy helps weary travellers beat the jet lag blues – along with other ailments associated with the disruption caused to the circadian rhythms. Jet Candy has launched an all-new family of 100% natural remedies, which can be used for long-haul travel, or simply as a much-needed pick-me-up on the ground.

Bonus: The Ensemble by Jet Candy available at https://jet-candy.com/

Aaah Valentine’s Day, the ultimate day for love (and self-love). This year, we’re dusting off our favourite fashion finds so we can look and feel fabulous this Valentine’s Day no matter what youre plans are.

So, whether you’re glamming it up with a swanky date, or cosying it up at home in your favourite PJ’s #TeamCoco has got you covered with these 20 stylish fashion finds.

Heading Out

1.Juliette Dress by Gaâla available at https://gaala.com/

2.Long Fuchsia Pink Dress by Isabel Manns available at https://isabelmanns.com/

3.Wavelet Heels by Daissy Ornelas available at https://www.daissyornelas.com/

4.Earrings by Mi Manera Jewellery available at https://mimanerajewelry.com/

5.Full Moon Rose Gold Sunglasses by Anna-Karin Karlsson available at annakarinkarlsson.com

6.Diamond Hair clip by Retro Chic available at https://retrochicitaly.com/

7.Brilliant Rose Bag by Launer available at https://launer.com/

8.Heart Quilted Alexa Bag by Marina Raphael available at https://marinaraphael.com/

9.Camel Toscana Gilet by Celtic & Co available at https://www.celticandco.com/

10.Fuschia Eniola Heel by Sante and Wade available at https://www.santewade.com/

Staying in

11.Blush Elsa Pyjama Top by Suzannah London available at https://www.suzannah.com/

12.Blush Elsa Pyjama Bottom by Suzannah London available at https://www.suzannah.com/

13.Rose Pink The Jeanie Clutch by Lily & Bean available at https://www.lilyandbean.co.uk/

14.Evil Eye Huggie Earrings by Crystals and Co available at https://crystalsandco.com/

15.Crew Neck Sweatshirt with Gathered Detail by Maemo Fashion available at https://www.maemofashion.com/

16.Red and Pink Jumper by Belle Modelle available at https://belle-modelle.co.uk/

17.Airpods Case with chain by Emotional World Vintage available at https://emotionalworldvintage.com/

18.Kitty Ring by Rat Betty available at https://www.ratbetty.com/

19.LoveShackFancy x Superga Sneakers in Morning Surf available at Outdazl https://www.outdazl.com/

20.Turf War Monochrome, Large Silk Scarf in Blush Pink by Clare Haggas available at https://www.clarehaggas.com/

Unless you’re willing to splurge on the latest console, men are notoriously difficult to shop for on Valentine’s Day. Not to worry – because we’ve searched high and low to curate the very best men’s gifts so you can reward your beaus #TeamCoco style.

From the best men’s grooming products, versatile fashion finds, functional backpacks and the coolest new gadgets, our editors have done all the hard work for you by rounding up the top 18 best (fool-proof) gifts to wow your beau this Valentine’s Day

1.Car Diffuser by Acqua di Parma x Poltrona Frau available at https://www.acquadiparma.com/

2.Cream Shirt Jacket by Lyle & Scott available at https://www.lyleandscott.com/

3.Prada Luna Rossa Ocean Eau de Toilette available at https://www.boots.com/

4.Atlas Boots by Dr. Martens available at https://www.drmartens.com/

5.Manjack Shirt by Love Brand & Co available at https://lovebrand.com/

6.Coffee Gift Box by London Nootropics available at https://londonnootropics.com/

7.Spitfire Watch by AVI-8 available at https://www.avi-8.com/

8.Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky by The Scotch Whisky Express available at https://www.cask88.com/

9.Bicycle Puncture Repair Kit by Gentlemen’s Hardware available at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/

10.The Roll Top Backpack by Stubble & Co. available at https://www.stubbleandco.com/

Nothing keeps Leila Gregory down for long, and after shuttering one business, Leila pulled herself up by her bootstraps and leveraged her 30-year strong retail experience to open her own independent brand Belle Modelle.

Since 2014, Belle Modelle has gone from strength to strength selling a variety of colourful accessories and homeware products; and while many other businesses reeled from the pandemic, Gregory took her business to the next level by launching her very first colourful fashion line last year.

On the inspiration behind Belle Modelle, Leila says: “My mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.” Indeed, one look at Belle Modelle’s joyful knitwear pieces and you will immediately understand the brand’s raison d’être, and the vibrant spirit of the woman who created it.

In this latest Girl Bosses of Great Britain interview, we catch up with the bubbly, stylish and inspirational Leila and chat about fashion, sustainability and the secret to running your own business.

She says,Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to star Belle Modelle?

After leaving school, I found myself working in retail where I have remained for over 30 years. I started in the cosmetics industry, I have also worked in marketing, fashion and interiors. Having stepped out of retail to have a family, I then made the decision to embark on my very first business which combined a tearoom, cocktail lounge and restaurant with a space selling clothing and furniture. This was a huge personal learning curve as sadly the business had to close in less than a year – but nothing keeps me down for long! It wasn’t long before I was planning my next business venture with even more determination to succeed.

Could you tell us more about your mission to “inspire women of all shapes and sizes to embrace stylish, colourful clothing?”

As someone who has spent many years feeling conscious of my body shape, I feel that I can relate to women who may be unsure of stepping out of their comfort zone. I have found that wearing colour can truly make you feel more confident about how you look. So, my mission is to try and inspire real women to embrace who they are and experiment with clothing that is more colourful than they might usually wear.

Belle Modelle has been selling various accessories and homeware products since 2014 but 2021 marked the very first time that you have launched your own womenswear line. Why was 2021 the perfect time to launch?

Belle Modelle went from strength to strength and experienced rapid growth online during the lockdown. I also felt that I wanted to offer our customers something different to other retailers, so in 2021 the time seemed right to finally launch my own collection.

Could you tell us a bit more about the design inspiration behind your womenswear line?

I am well known to be a lover of stars so it seemed obvious that our first knitwear collection included stars in the designs. I also wanted a range that was comfortable, easy to wear and flattering to all shapes and sizes — and of course colourful!

How important is sustainability to Belle Modelle – could you tell us more about the concrete ways you are promoting sustainability in your business?

Belle Modelle monitors its supply chains to ensure that it upholds ethical and sustainable practices at every stage of the process. All our packaging is 100% recyclable. We still have a way to go on the sustainability front, but we are continually working on ways to improve and are keen to include more eco-friendly designs (like our super soft Chara bamboo scarves) in our collection.

Who is the Belle Modelle woman? Could you describe her in three words?

Bubbly, stylish, fun

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

Brexit and the pandemic have made sourcing materials and keeping to delivery deadlines challenging. Lots has been out of our control but we are confident that this will ease in 2022.

What’s next for you and Belle Modelle? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline?

We are excited to be able to expand our own brand range, with a spring /summer collection that features lighter weight versions of our highly successful Knit 21 range. Summer knits, easy to wear trousers and pattern clashing dresses. We hope this year will also see us take on new brands and explore the possibility of opening at least one other store!

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

My advice would be to take the risk and step out of your comfort zone! Success doesn’t happen overnight and you need to invest the time. Running your own business is not an easy ride, you may wonder why you even started, but that burning desire inside will keep you going. Be sure to learn from your mistakes — it’s not a bad thing to fail as it’s part of becoming successful.

WWW.BELLE-MODELLE.CO.UK

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, don’t get caught up making last minute plans. We’ve rounded up some of the most exciting special events in some of London’s most romantic restaurants, so you can wow your partner this V-Day.

A cosy dinner at Kutir, Chelsea

Behind the doors of an elegant Chelsea townhouse, acclaimed restaurant Kutir boasts beautifully decorated interiors in an intimate, cosy setting that is perfect for a lowkey Valentine’s Day meal.

Chef Rohit Ghai has created a 6-course Valentine’s Day menu of signature dishes, including masala prawns and pheasant with beetroot chutney. The menu is priced at £80pp with additional wine pairing options, and a vegetarian menu is available too.

A romantic meal in private booth at The Colony Grill Room, Mayfair

Transport your date back to the roaring 20’s at The Colony Grill Room, the Beaumont Hotel’s glamorous 20’s-inspired restaurant. The restaurant is led by Chef Ben Boeynaems and offers an incredible menu of transatlantic dishes. Finish off with drinks at Le Magritte which offers creative cocktails inspired by René Magritte and can be enjoyed alongside a luxurious Oysters & Caviar menu.

Champagne and Caviar at Trivet, Bermondsey

For a truly exceptional dining experience, look no further than Trivet, the first solo restaurant from Fat Duck alumni Jonny Lake and Isa Bal. Here, you can enjoy stand-out dishes, including the signature ‘Hokkaido Potato’ dessert, as well as exquisite wines from the 350-strong wine cellar.

For added luxury on Valentine’s Day, indulge in champagne and caviar – in the form of a buttermilk fan-tan with cultured butter and caviar – can be arranged on arrival on February 14 for £95 per couple.

Drag Bingo at Double Standard, King’s Cross

Valentine’s Day certainly doesn’t have to be a drag – especially if you’re going to an incredible night of drag bingo at the Double Standard.

This month’s Valentine’s special will be held on February 14, and will be hosted by long-term host Grace Shush, who will be accompanied by fellow drag superstar, Sue Gives a Fuck. Perfect for those looking for a non-conventional Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s puddings at The Proof, East London

Tantalise your partner’s sweet tooth this Valentine’s Day with a visit to East London bakery, The Proof. This year, The Proof is offering a range of special Valentine’s Day pudds including the L’Amour cake and Profiterole Heart.

The Proof will sculpt their signature profiteroles into heart-shaped wreaths, each pastry filled with crème Chantilly and topped with dark chocolate and gold leaf.

The L’Amour cake features three layers of sponge – either chocolate or vanilla – and is topped with red and white Swiss meringue buttercream. Perfect for a sweet ending to Valentine’s Day.

Dress to the nines at The Ninth, Fitzrovia

Perfect for a romantic meal, The Ninth is a Michelin-starred restaurant that encourages intimate dining with a sharing plate menu, which focuses on simple yet refined Mediterranean-style cooking made with the best seasonal ingredients.

This contemporary French restaurant is a beautifully decorated, sophisticated spot on Fitzrovia’s Charlotte Street, perfect to ramp up the romance on Valentine’s Day.

Leave room for the dessert menu, which includes Chef Jun Tanaka’s signature Pain Perdu.

Native at Browns, Mayfair

The epitome of sustainable chic, Native at Browns sees the foraging-focused restaurant take residency in one of Mayfair’s most luxurious department stores. So, you can finish off your next Valentine’s date with a little retail therapy.

Perfect for treating your eco-conscious partner, small plates to share include wood pigeon kebab with Native harissa, while dessert-lovers can indulge in the signature Marrowmel – a bone marrow and white chocolate caramel. Natural wines and cocktails made with foraged ingredients complete the date. Romance and sustainability going hand in hand – now that’s something we really love. While Native isn’t open on 14 February, it’s open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Go on a culinary escapade from Italy to Japan at Angelina, Dalston

This Valentine’s Day, guests can enjoy a 10-course Italo-Japanese omakase tasting menu at cult Dalston restaurant Angelina. Dishes include chawanmushi (savoury egg custard)andhamachi with truffle and handmade pasta, all served up in the intimate, candlelit dining room.

For a real celebration, match the menu with Angelina’s ‘rare and old wine’ pairing, showcasing a hand-picked selection of unique and exceptional Italian wines.

Authentic and intimate Italian dining at Luca, Clerkenwell

Clerkenwell’s much-loved Luca is one of London’s most beautiful restaurants and the ideal spot for an intimate dinner on Valentine’s Day.

You can start the romance at Luca’s gorgeous bar for a cocktail and plate of their signature parmesan fries, before moving either into the main dining room or to dine al fresco (if you dare to brave the weather).

The secluded terrace surrounded by olive trees and jasmine is warmed by the open fire, and makes for an idyllic spot to enjoy dishes of rigatoni with pork sausage ragu or taglierini with black winter truffle. It’s amore!

Disclaimer: While Luca isn’t open on 14 February, the restaurant is operating on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Spice up your night at Decimo, The Standard, Kings Cross

Spice up your Valentine’s Day at Decimo which is widely hailed as one of London’s sexiest restaurants. Decimo is the ultimate date night spot, thanks to a mix of incredible Spanish-Mexican cuisine from Michelin-starred Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, playful drinks, plush interiors and unmatched views across the city.

Unmissable menu highlights this Valentine’s Day include the iconic Spanish tortilla (with a caviar-topped version available for those looking to indulge), gambas rojas and chistorra and black bean tacos. While Decimo may not be open on 14 February, it is open on th 12/13th of February making for a perfect romantic date spot on Valentine’s Day weekend.

A Love Parade at Chotto Matte

Chotto Matte is putting on a luxurious Love Parade on Valentine’s Weekend to celebrate love in all its formsincluding love for your girls. The incredible activation has been designed for everyone to enjoy and it’s perfect for a Galentine’s night out!

The event will see the return of the brand’s entertainment programme Chotto Lates, with flamboyant live shows and sensual acts inspired by the wild bird love parades of Peru, perfect hot spot to celebrate love with friends or loved ones.

Fall deeply in love at Sumosan Twiga

Sumosan Twiga invites guests to fall truly, madly and deeply in love this Valentine’s Weekend!

On Saturday 12th, guests will enjoy celebrations late into the night at the famous Sloane Street location. Live entertainment throughout the night will feature the best of Cabaret, from pin up singers and cancan dancers to trumpet players, drummers, and even a mime, captivating the audience all night long.

Meanwhile, on Monday the 14th of February, Sumosan Twiga will ensure guests have a wonderfully romantic experience with live music, saxophone players and an incredible tango duo to set the mood alight.

The earlier sitting, costing £120 per person, will welcome guests from 6:30pm with a glass of Kir Royale followed by a selection of Sushi and Maki Rolls, carefully chosen by Chef Alessandro Scala.

Get Lovestruck at Bill’s

Enjoy a ‘Lovestruck’ cocktail composed of Beefeater pink gin, sour mix, strawberry puree and topped with basil leaves alongside a three-course set menu (£24.95) including Bill’s infamous Crispy Chicken and Sesame Dumplings.

No Valentine’s meal is complete without dessert, opt for either the Sharing Profiteroles, complete with vanilla ice, hot chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of gold glitter, or the ever-indulgent Carrot Cake Doughnuts.

If you’re looking for a special place to celebrate with your partner or gather your best friends for that ‘Galentine’s Day’ experience, Bill’s is ready to treat you to the most romantic evening.

Let’s face it. Wine, especially the finer varieties, can be a bit intimidating, but this is exactly the stigma that Bottle Bazaar Wine Club seeks to quash with its laid-back and accessible wine club.

Members get a monthly package of four fabulous wines delivered straight to their doorsteps each month. They can also join the Bottle Bazaar Wine Club Facebook group, where they can learn all about the month’s vintages from Founder and hostess with the moistest, India Marshall-Roads who brings fifteen-plus years of wine industry experience to the virtual table.

India pre-records videos to introduce each wine, so there’s no need to turn up on a certain day, fret that you might be picked on for an opinion or worry that you’ll be judged in any way. This is wine appreciation on your terms. She also recommends easy to achieve recipes and perfect seasonal pairings to enjoy your Bottle Bazaar wines with. In addition, India also provides easy-to-use tasting sheets so you can hone your wine tasting skills and knowledge and rate and review each bottle.

Bottle Bazaar Wine Club is a fantastic way to enjoy the wonderful world of wines whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a novice. At the very least, it also helps connect people to fellow wine afficionados during these distant, tumultuous times and we at Team Coco are all for it.

Prices: From £64/month (based on a 3-month subscription, including a curated selection of four wines delivered to your doorstep each month plus full membership benefits)www.bbwineclub.co.uk

“A career driven by passion never feels like work.” So says Luxury Promise Founder and CEO Sabrina Sadiq who left her job as a lawyer to pursue a career in second-hand luxury goods.

Luxury Promise is a next generation social commerce platform where people can buy, sell, exchange and repair preloved luxury goods, all meticulously authenticated by Sabrina and her team. “I often say that it’s not what we sell but how we sell that sets us apart,” she says and Luxury Promise certainly backs that up.

Launched in 2017, Luxury Promise has successfully grown a loyal community of fashionistas from all over the world and sets itself apart with its forward-thinking, experiential, omnichannel approach. The company has seen a 5x growth in sales and has also opened a physical boutique in South Molton Street, unlocking a new business milestone for Sabrina and her team.

In this latest edition of Girl Bosses of Great Britain, we catch up with the queen of pre-loved luxury herself and talk all things designer, sustainability, best investment pieces – and how Luxury Promise is democratising the luxury goods industry one designer bag at a time.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and background. What made you start Luxury Promise?

A lawyer by education, my inspiration to create Luxury Promise came from buying my first pre-loved handbag which was a vintage Hermes Kelly and then going on to selling it for double the price. Here I learned that a luxury handbag can really be an investment. It led to me exploring the world of authentication. I then went on to set up a school of authentication, teaching many people how to spot a fake.

Whilst studying authentication, I learnt that the secondary pre-loved market was still very fragmented and that resale platforms were not inclusive. So many markets were still untapped and with a shift of consumer mindset to sustainability, someone had to bring a fresh and diverse approach to second-hand goods. Luxury Promise was created to solve a problem in the industry which was to connect fragmented markets as well as bring back the luxury in second-hand shopping.

In what ways is Luxury Promise democratising luxury?

Luxury Promise is democratising luxury by creating an inclusive & accessible experiential platform for customers from all over the world to buy and sell their preowned luxury goods. By providing an omnichannel shopping experience, we are working to make luxury shopping more accessible to a global audience from largely under-served markets.

As part of our mission to democratise luxury, we are working to level the playing field between audiences from eastern & western markets to ensure that customers from all over the world gain access to their dream bags. Furthermore, we are working to offer luxury goods to a wider audience & attract customer to shop luxury at affordable prices – offering something for everyone, with our range of products starting at just £45.

Sustainability is at the forefront of every fashion conversation these days – what role do companies like Luxury Promise play in the sustainable revolution?

As a luxury resale platform, we are extending the lifecycle of luxury products by giving them a second chance, a second home to be worn & enjoyed. Sustainability is not only a brand effort but a big part of our brand identity. It goes beyond just a mere transaction as we also offer our customers a one year warranty in case, they wish to send in any products for repairs via our in-house repairs service. Our audience of luxury preloved consumers also understands this aspect of our brand identity, wherein more than 65% of our customers choose to plant a tree with every purchase, truly honing our efforts to offset our carbon footprint.

How is Luxury Promise setting itself apart from other resale businesses in the market today?

I often say that it’s not what we sell but how we sell that sets us apart. The global luxury resale market is becoming increasingly saturated & competitive. Luxury Promise can establish its own niche & stand out as a quality brand in this market by focusing on experiential selling, community driven engagement, a curated product range & authentication prowess. As the counterfeit market continues to grow, authentication remains a top priority at Luxury Promise, where we have established a 3 step authentication process. Selling via live shopping allows us to address a global audience and truly build relationships with our community via personality-focused selling.

What have been the biggest challenges and milestones you’ve faced as an entrepreneur?

Every day is a challenge in the life of an entrepreneur, but with this we adapt and learn which for me, is the most exciting part. But I have to say, as it is a career driven by passion it never feels like work!

What has been your favourite second-hand luxury buy – and what makes it so special?

My personal favourite preloved luxury bag must be the Vintage Hermes Kelly. It’s the first luxury bag that I purchased preloved and the reason why I got into this space. It is a great investment purchase and the Hermes craftsmanship is unbeatable. I would consider it to be an heirloom piece – a bag in my collection that I will always cherish with great fondness.

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

It has been an incredible year for Luxury Promise, scaling our business throughout the pandemic and emerging as one of the strongest & largest luxury resale platforms in the UK with the most amazing community. The only way is up. We are consistently scaling our operations and audience & 2022 will be a year to watch!

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own fashion business?

My advice would be – don’t be scared to fail. I think it is always important to remember that failure is needed to learn to become better. If you want to do something, just go for it. Just love what you do and let your passion drive you. You will then feel like you will never work a day in your life. Take every opportunity you can take to push your business to the next level. Sometimes you must take yourself out of your comfort zone. It is not always smooth sailing and success is never ever easy. It takes times and it is hard work and that hard work never stops.

WWW.LUXURYPROMISE.COM

Well, we made it. Hello 2022. There’s clearly mixed feelings floating around at the moment. Those who see the new year as a chance to shout ‘new year, same me’ and those that prefer to be on the side of ‘new year, new me.’ Personally, I edge closer to the latter because there is no time like a new year to have a fresh start.

I took ‘have a fresh start’ quite literally by moving in to my new home on the 1st of January and buying every single piece of furniture (plates, cutlery, sofa and everything in between) from scratch because I sold everything back in 2021 when I was planning to move to LA. If you follow my socials, you’ll know why that never happened.

But, this post is positive vibes only! I realised that, having being publishing House of Coco magazine for EIGHT YEARS THIS YEAR (seriously, where did that time go?), I have not once written a single post from me to you. *hangs head in shame*

We have built this platform with thousands of pieces of content from the thousands of amazing brands we have worked with over the years, but never once have I used it as a vehicle for me to share my words with you. It’s as if 2022 started and a lightbulb went off and said ‘Hey, Laura. You can use your own magazine to write messages to your audience so that you are not restricted by the word count on a status update on social media.’ Sometimes the most obvious things are always staring us right in the face.

Which leads me to say this. Sorry. Because from now on, you will be hearing more from me on here. I will be sharing all of the behind the scenes goings on at House of Coco, taking you with me for the ride each week and being open about my plans on how I want to continue growing House of Coco magazine in to an internationally recognised brand. All whilst putting my middle finger up to those that say print is dead (I’m talking to you, Peter Jones).

What can you expect? Well, more of the same with a sprinkling of sparkle (I am the sparkle, for those wondering). In the past I have handed over the reigns of this magazine to so many different people and it hasn’t always moved forward as fast as I would like it to. Don’t get me wrong, starting this business from £0 and a bankruptcy to boot, it’s come WAY further than I ever anticipated back in the coffee shop when I was so broke I couldn’t buy my own drink. Back then I knew in my gut that this was going to be something special and now I know it more than ever. So I am getting right back in the driving seat and getting my hands dirty in every department. I will be relaunching our newsletter in the first quarter, sign up here to be the first to see what’s inside, expect some giveaways, outtakes and a shed load of high energy. Plus, I am working on our 2022 social media strategy to make sure we give you more value, fun and insider info than ever before.

Also, I am working with our distributors to make sure our quarterly print magazine is available here, there and everywhere (currently we’re nationwide in WHSmith, sold across London in Harrods, Selfridges, airports and tube stations FYI). Reworking our App so that House of Coco on the go can give you more bang for your buck is also on my agenda and I will be nurturing my wonderful #TeamCoco, the other faces behind our magazine. Right now, I am finalising the details for a ‘Joyful January’ retreat to take the team away for a couple of days so that we can mastermind, have fun and make some plans for the rest of the year.

I have always been about collaboration over competition and I am excited about partnering with more content creators, brands and agencies in 2022. But more important than anything, I want to get to know you better, our readers. My inbox is always open to share your suggestions and tell us what you want to see from us so get in touch anytime.

I am putting my stake in the grass and claiming this as OUR year. So, let’s make it a good one!

Ciao for now, Laura x

While it seems like all the months of 2021 have blurred into one, we’re dreaming of a time when we can once again visit all the beautiful destinations this planet has to offer. To (virtually) satiate your wanderlust, Team Coco has put together some of the world’s most exciting new hotel openings to inspire your next holiday… whenever that may be.

Pendry Park City (Utah, United States)

Nestled in the beautiful Canyons Village at Park City Mountain, the gorgeous ski-in, ski-out Pendry Park City will offer a modernist take on a traditional alpine lodge. Surrounded by vast mountain landscapes, the resort will boast warm, natural design elements that create a contemporary, open feel, and will feature 153 guestrooms, suites, and residences, each offering floor-to-ceiling windows and curated artwork.

Not to mention, both guests and locals alike will enjoy access to four distinct restaurants and bars, a deluxe Spa Pendry and fitness centre, a heated rooftop pool with a destination bar, Pinwheel Kids Club, and more than 7,000 square-feet of indoor event space.

Passalacqua (Lake Como, Italy)

Originally built in the 18th century by Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, Passalacqua is set on the shores of Lake Como and has hosted historic leaders from Napoleon Bonaparte to Winston Churchill.

Sister property to the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the stately, ultra-luxury mansion retreat will extend 24 stylish suites designed and curated by one of Italy’s most renowned hotelier families – Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis.

Committed to preserving its heritage, Passalacquawill showcase original features, including hidden passageways, centuries-old beamed suites in forgotten stables, and glasshouses with ancient fruit trees. Guests can enjoy the lakeside swimming pool and open-air gym set in the olive groves, vintage boat trips from the private dock, and partake in a variety of wellness and culinary experiences in the manicured gardens such as spa treatments, yoga sessions, farm-to-fork dining, and movies under the stars.

The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

Located in Hong Kong’s cool Southside district, which is home to the iconic Victoria Harbour and the city’s renowned Ocean Park, the eco-conscious oceanfront resort is the next much-anticipated international launch from The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts.

The luxury hotel – perfect for couples, friends, solo visitors, extended families, and business travellers – will offer 425 guest rooms and suites overlooking the South China Sea, including children-themed rooms and two signature suites with private pools. It will also offer four diverse restaurants, an outdoor infinity pool and kids’ lagoon pool, an indoor kids’ play zone, a luxury spa and fitness centre, and versatile indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, including a 5,600 square-feet pillar-free grand ballroom. Will this be Hong Kong’s most exciting new sustainable hotel – we certainly think so.

sly Berlin (Berlin, Germany)

Located in the city’s trendy Friedrichshain neighborhood, Berlin’s coolest new hotel will be housed across four modernised buildings, interconnected via inviting open courtyard spaces and a striking 2,368 square-foot greenhouse.

With 150 contemporary guestrooms and suites, some boasting private balconies, sly Berlin’s interiors will showcase a fusion of nature and urban culture, featuring solid oak wood, Italian serpentine stone, stainless steel, and Brutalist concrete touches. A lively restaurant and bar, complete with open kitchen and grill area, will be housed in the natural light of the greenhouse amid an abundance of greenery. The perfect place to enjoy an (almost alfresco) meal at the German capital.

Sommerro (Oslo, Norway)

The reincarnation of a restored 1930s landmark in Frogner, a historic neighbourhood in Oslo’s West End, Sommerro celebrates Norwegian design, fusing form and function as the city’s first hotel in an original Art Deco building.

The hotel is set to be Norway’s largest-ever preservation project, the hotel occupies the former headquarters of the capital city’s electrical company, Oslo Lysverker. Folowing a multi-million-dollar renovation, Somerro will become a modern tribute to local cultural heritage. Art buffs will enjoy the original artworks by celebrated Norwegian artist Per Krohg which will be featured throughout the hotel, with pieces including a giant wall fresco and a ceiling mural that nods to the building’s unique history.

A true community space, the 231-room property – which counts 56 residences – will also offer four restaurants, three bars, meeting and event spaces with capacity for up to 150 people, a 200-seat gilded theatre, a sprawling wellness paradise, and the city’s first year-round rooftop pool, sauna, terrace, and restaurant. There is surely no more stylish place to stay in Oslo than this.

Travellers planning to book a stay at any of these new hotels, or any of the other 650 participating properties across the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio, can access exclusive member rates, earn points, and take advantage of other value-rich immediate benefits during every eligible stay, while also accessing special members-only offers and unique partnerships, by joining I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the world’s largest points-based loyalty programme for independent hotels with more than 4 million travellers currently enrolled.

TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah Tan-Gillies headed to vibrant and bustling Stratford to check out the newly-opened The Gantry. Coined as Stratford’s coolest new dog friendly destination, The Gantry blends East London cool with a decidedly sleek, contemporary aesthetic that we couldn’t get enough of.

Part of The Hilton’s Curio Collection, The Gantry is certainly unlike any Hilton you’ve ever stayed at. The 290-room hotel is all about contrasts and mixes the well-known hospitality and amenities of The Hilton Group, with the dynamism of Stratford’s art scene.

We stayed in one of the hotel’s stunning suites. Occupying a generous 41 square metres and with incredible views of the Olympic Park and the City, the suites are anything but ordinary. A large lounge area greets you when you walk in, two 49’ screen TVs enhance the indulgence of the space, while a Dyson hair dryer, espresso machine and free standing bath and separate shower create an atmosphere of effortless luxury.

TeamCocopup too was greeted with a warm welcome, and though wasn’t allowed in a few of the hotel’s common spaces, certainly got the VIP treatment in the suite.

A gorgeous welcome package from General Manager Saurabh Kukreja greeted us at our room. And while some of The Gantry’s soon-to-be-opened spaces, such as Stratford Grocer & Co, and the Sky Bar and Terraces, were still closed during our visit – the care package gave us a taste of what’s in store at the hotel in the months to come.

The hotel’s restaurant, Union Social, is vibey without being stuffy and offers a fabulous menu of fusion cuisine helmed by Chef Salvatore Coco. For starters, we indulged in a plate of charcuterie from Bottega, fresh-baked, rosemary-infused focaccia and olive oil, fried tofu and Nocarella olives. To follow, we sampled the cleverly-named ‘oven sesame’ glazed south coast sea trout, which sat on a delicate brew of miso, tamari-mirin infused ginger broth, blanched pak choi and bean sprouts.

For a heartier dish, the slow cooked Hampshire grass fed beef cheeks, dressed with Lychgate red wine jus and pressed lyonnaise potatoes offered the perfect winter dish – and was slow cooked to absolute perfection. The Asian-inspiration extends to the desserts, with the vegan Thai Empress Rice Pudding an absolute sensation.

The Gantry’s striking terrace, complete with mid-century modern fire pit, is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two. The striking, stylish space is inviting even in the thick of winter, and a precursor of what we can expect when the hotels’ Sky Bar, the highest in East London, eventually opens its doors.

The hallways are never really a focal point in any hotel review, but the hallways at The Gantry, filled with a wonderfully curated selection of artwork from Jealous Gallery are certainly worth talking about. The hallways celebrate the spirit of the East London’s dynamic art scene – underscoring The Gantry’s commitment to uplifting the local community. Guests can also purchase the artwork on the walls.

From the eclectic lobby, the buzzy Union Social restaurant on the first floor, the stylish Coupe wine bar, and the art-filled hallways, The Gantry is a love letter to the vibrancy and juxtapositions of Stratford’s local community and is undoubtedly more than a place to rest your head. We shall certainly be returning.

WWW.THEGANTRY.COM