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Careers January 6, 2022

Luxury Promise Founder Sabrina Sadiq is on a mission to democratise luxury

“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

Art January 4, 2022

Kiera Chaplin on how NFTs can save the world

Legacy is a big word and one that often brings with it a sense of responsibility. As the granddaughter of the late great Charlie Chaplin, Kiera Chaplin understands the importance of carrying a legacy – something she does, impeccably and inspiringly —through her charitable NFTS.

CryptoChaplins is Kiera’s way of using her passion for the arts to give back to those in need. Launched with Digitfully, the campaign offers series of 888 cards based on a ‘Kiera’ animé character based on her likeness. She has also partnered with The Desert Flower Foundation to launch ‘Savvy Kiera’ to help build schools in Sierra Leone and educate young women.

Amidst all this, Team Coco catches up with Kiera to dig deeper into her charity work, the lasting power of NFTs and how she is reinventing her grandfather’s legacy.

Tell us a little bit about yourself – what made you fall in love with art?

I’ve always been a dreamer and art has a way of making you escape reality into different dimensions of creativity. I find it very appeasing to the soul. I don’t know exactly when my love for art started, as I grew up around eccentric artists but one thing is for sure and it’s that it has always attracted me.

Could you tell us more about Cryptrochaplins and your partnership with Digitfully?

I met Paab Pruchniewski from Digitfully a while back. A few months ago, he contacted me to tell me about this whole new world of NFT campaigns that he was working on with Digitfully. I found it fascinating and after brainstorming we came up with CryptoChaplins.

What started as just making a few images and giving back to charities has now turned into creating a community of likeminded people. People who like art and entertainment, trendsetters and innovators that care about the future of the planet. CryptoChaplins will be a series of 888 cards of “Kiera” who is an Animé character that fights different causes that we suffer today. When you hold one of these cards, you become a member of the CryptoChaplins community which will unlock many cool surprises.

Charitable work is such a huge part of everything that you do – could you tell us more about The Desert Flower Foundation and your work there?

I started working with The Desert Flower Foundation in 2018 after meeting the founder, Waris Dirie, and hearing her tell her story. She has been fighting against female genital mutilation for over 20 years. After hearing that it still so present all around the world, even in Europe, and being a big advocate for women empowerment I had to join forces with her. After a few discussions we realised that the best way to eradicate this barbaric assault on women was through education. As the places where it is the most practiced usually has the highest rate of illiteracy and poverty. With education we give kids a chance at a better future in more ways than one.

Tell us more about your latest ‘Savvy Kiera’ NFT series?

Savvy Kiera is a series of 8 NFT’s that go towards Desert Flower Foundation to help build schools in Sierra Leone. ‘Savvy Kiera’ is a knowledge hungry student that is shown in images learning math, geography, music, sports etc. In the overall story, Kiera the Hero travels back in time from the year 2888 to help push education to save the future of planet earth, because knowledge is power, and we need future generations to be as savvy as possible to not end up corrupted by evil dark forces.

Do you think NFTs are here to stay?

Absolutely! Without a doubt. There are too many passionate people for it to just disappear. But mostly an NFT is a digital certificate of ownership, so in the future you will see it being used for many transactions such as real estate. Right now, we mainly hear about it in the art world but soon it will be used for so much more.

Beyond NFT’s you also have several high-profile collaborations with Jagre Le Coultre, Janavi India and Hogan – how do you go about finding the right brands to partner with?

I only like to work with brands that I respect and that I like to wear. With that, it’s all about seeing eye to eye and creating something beautiful and fun together. I’m very lucky in that sense to be able to bring my artistic touch to these incredible brands.

The name ‘Chaplin’ brings with it a massive legacy – how are you ensuring that your famous family’s legacy lives on?

So far it seems my grandfather’s legacy lives on regardless. It’s incredible how much he is still loved, but I do my part by trying to see him today as more of a brand than a person. My father hates it when I say that but I know that we must find ways to reinvent ourselves or the legacy could disappear, and my grandfather would hate that. I’ve done my part by creating the Chaplin Awards and doing other various things. I enjoy it. He’s my biggest source of inspiration.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists looking to make a name for themselves in the art world?

Never be scared to show your truth. You must sometimes dig deep in the ugly to bring out something beautiful.

Australia January 4, 2022

Five new hotel openings we’re excited about in 2022

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.

Chef's Table January 4, 2022

‘Miracle On’ Christmas Menu returns to Six by Nico

Christmas may be over but Six by Nico is carrying the festive cheer all the way through to joyful January with the ‘Miracle On’ Christmas menu.

There’s a story every six weeks at Six by Nico, and the ‘Miracle On’ menu – which was launched on the 14th and will run until the 9th of January is certainly one worth telling.

The six-course menu is a celebration of old-fashioned nostalgia. From Christmas traditions to festive decorations, the menu is a journey back to Christmas spent with family – and serves as a reminder of why we cherish it so much today.

The ‘Miracle On’ menu was inspired by beloved Christmas themes and goes like…

Memories of a Christmas Market – Smoked Sausage & Onion Compote, Smoked Sausage Espuma, Crispy Potato, Gherkins & Pickled Shallots
Partridge in a Pear Tree – Partridge, Duck & Chicken Boudin, Haricot bean, Pickled Walnut & Salsify
Who Doesn’t Like Brussel Sprouts – Chanterelle Mushroom, Sprout Tops, Ewes Cheese Royale, Confit Egg & Fermented Black Garlic
Smoked Salmon Blinis – Smoked Salmon, Celeriac, Queen Kale & Granny Smith Apples, Smoked Caviar & Potato Blini Foam
Festive Fun and Game – Haunch of Venison, Game Pie, Jerusalem artichoke, Toasted Hazelnut Emulsion & Sherry Juś.
Buche De Noel – Dulce de Leche Mousseline, Sour Cherry, White Glacage & Hazelnut, Chocolate Aero

Commenting on his latest culinary masterpiece, Nico Simeone said: “Nothing will stop us all from having a fun-filled Christmas this year, and I think we all appreciate festivities more than ever.

Most of us are familiar with the traditional Christmas lunch and all the trimmings but this December, our team at Six by Nico wanted to bring the magic of Christmas nostalgia to the plate with our ‘Miracle On’ menu and create the perfect Christmas dining experience for all of our customers”.

Miracle On is open from midday, Monday through to Sunday in Six by Nico Canary Wharf. Each six-course menu will be available from noon. The menu will be priced at £37 per person with the option to enjoy an expertly selected wine pairing for an additional £33 at each restaurant. As ever, there is a vegetarian alternative available for every course, as well as festive inspired snack sides, such as Sourdough bread with festive spiced chicken fat butter and Pigs in blankets; smoked ham hock and pancetta ballotine from £5.

Our #TeamCoco review is coming soon – so watch this space

WWW.SIXBYNICO.CO.UK

Behind the bar December 19, 2021

Get your alpine fix with the Botanist Gin’s Winter Terrace at Bar 31

With Omicron throwing a massive wrench into everyone’s winter travel plans, we’re getting our alpine fix at The Botanist Gin’s new alpine themed winter terrace at The Shangri-La London’s Bar 31.

Located on the ground floor of The Shard, Bar 31 or better yet Hütte 31, has been transformed into a winter wonderland, inspired by the cosy ski chalets of the alps.

Team Coco babe Hannah Tan-Gillies ventured into wintery London bridge, to visit Hütte 31 which is the next best thing to enjoying a mulled wine, après ski, in the slopes. The Winter Terrace is covered in small huts (appropriately so) each one decked out in comfy fur blankets, heaters, and whimsical snow-covered touches. All looking like it could be lifted straight from Verbier.

While you may think that gin and après-ski don’t go hand-in-hand, The Botanist proves otherwise. The Botanist Gin menu at Bar 31 reimagines all your favourite gin cocktails with a wintery twist. The Junipear is a blend of The Botanist, poire Williams and thyme, while the Lady Rossa is a warming blend of The Botanist, ruby port, sweet vermouth and citrus. Both unexpected concoctions, that worked surprisingly well with the Austrian-inspired dishes on offer.

The food is appropriately festive, with plenty of après ski classics like the Chicken Schnitzel Roll, dressed with Lingonberry sauce, lettuce and leritage tomatoes, and the Nürnberger Sausage which is served with sauerkraut in a Kaiser roll. The Pork Bun is also wonderfully delicious and comes with white cabbage salad, mustard and caraway mayonnaise.

The Austrian Charcuterie platter and French fries with truffle and parmesan are excellent starters to pair with The Botanist Gin cocktail, perfectly complementing the menu filled with guilty pleasures. End the evening with a delicious mulled wine – close your eyes and it’s like you’ve been transported to the snow-covered peaks of Switzerland.

So, while we’ve all had to put a collective pause on this year’s ski season, why not pay a visit to Hütte 31, a playful yet authentic take on après ski right at the heart of London Bridge.

TO BOOK VISIT www.bar31.com

Dog-friendly December 19, 2021

TeamCocopup: The Gantry is Stratford’s coolest new hotel – here’s why

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

Accessories December 15, 2021

Aurum by GUÐBJÖRG is bringing the beauty of Iceland

“Aurum by GUÐBJÖRG stands for Ambition, Understanding, Responsibility, Unity, and Mindfulness,” says Founder Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir on the values that define her Icelandic jewellery brand.

With its striking, sculptural jewellery pieces, Aurum breathes sustainability and takes inspiration from the ethereal beauty of Iceland’s natural landscapes. It is also the expression of Guðbjörg’s own passion, creativity and genuine commitment to the earth.

In this Women Worldwide interview, Team Coco sits down with Guðbjörg to talk about her love for jewellery, how Aurum is promoting environmental and ethical sustainability across all areas of its business, and how Aurum serves as a platform to showcase the beauty of Icelandic culture to the world.

“To be an innovator and a designer is to be constantly growing and learning and to be patient. It’s important to be passionate about the job, to be industrious, to successfully execute ideas, and to learn by doing. Work hard, make original work and be patient.”

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

I finished my goldsmith and jewellery design education in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1996. Between 1996 to 1999, I opened a studio in Copenhagen and worked on my first 2 collections Isold and Heida. I moved back to Iceland in 1999 and launched Aurum the same year.

I fell in love with jewellery making after I spent a year in high school on Bainbridge Island in the US. I took a jewellery class at school, and I had a Norwegian teacher, who was an amazing woman who had a big influence on me. When I came back to Iceland after spending a year abroad, all I wanted to be was a goldsmith.

What does Aurum stand for? How does this philosophy inform the way you approach your business?

Aurum stands for Ambition, Understanding, Responsibility, Unity and Mindfulness. Aurum puts great emphasis on that ambition through our design, product development, quality, and customer care. We show that we understand the needs of our clients and customers with respect and empathy and that we are helpful and flexible.

We show responsibility across the business by developing a positive and respectable working environment that encourages collaboration and cooperation between employees. Aurum sources materials from certified fair-trade companies and provides environmentally friendly packaging for our clients and customers.

Aurum displays unity with our community by supporting charities with short and long-term projects, and then donating all profits from those projects to selected causes. Aurum is an equal-opportunity company and encourages a mindfulness and prejudice-free environment where everyone has a voice.

How important is sustainability to you and Aurum?

We want our customers to be confident that they are dealing with a company that continues to reduce its carbon footprint in all aspects of its production.

Sustainability is at the heart of our brand values. For example, we only use recycled gold and silver, which is something we have been doing for the past 16 years. We only use lab-grown diamonds offered by members of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

We also package our jewellery in sustainable mulberry tree paper, which is made without cutting down any trees; and finally, we offset our carbon emissions by planting trees, via our partnership with UK-based non-profit TreeSisters.

Being eco-friendly is but one aspect of our corporate social responsibility policies. We have permanent and campaign-based collaborations with several non-profit partners.

Where does the inspiration for your unique packaging come from?

Our very special packaging is modelled on Icelandic stones which I discovered on an Icelandic beach in West Iceland. They are made out of ‘Saa Oaoer’ or Mulberry Paper which is the best fibre of the Mulberry tree. Collecting the fibre doesn’t interfere with the ecosystem as not a single tree has to be cut down. Only the leaves are harvested while the tree continues growing.

How does your Icelandic heritage inform your design process?

The Icelandic energy provides me with endless creative ideas. To sense the beauty and experience all the beautiful forms and the quietness in the countryside. This is especially true when I visit my summerhouse in the western part of Iceland, which gives me a break from my busy life in the city and where my creative ideas start to flow.

From the comments that I get from my customers from all over the world, I can tell that my ideas resonate with them, and that they can sense the Icelandic nature and culture in my jewelry design and that is a good feeling. As one of my customers recently said about the jewellery:

“It truly is reminiscent of why we love Iceland, for its natural beauty.”

“It’s impossible not to think of Iceland every time you wear it.”

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

Covid-19 has been challenging but with the hard work and great support of our team, everything has been working smoothly. The challenge for Aurum is to keep up with the growth of the company. We have to be open to new opportunities and keep on developing The Aurum Brand and focus on our core values every day.

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

We will continue to grow Aurum by Guðbjörg and focus on our online business.

Our new Basalt collection just came out last month and the next one is coming out very soon. I am very excited about the new collection, the design process takes such a long time so it is always a thrilling moment when I release them, I cannot wait!

I am also excited about the future as we have a lot of positive interest so now, we are carefully stepping into some new directions.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own jewellery brand?

To be an innovator and a designer is to be constantly growing and learning and to be patient. It’s important to be passionate about the job, to be industrious, to successfully execute ideas, and to learn by doing.

Work hard, make original work and be patient.

WWW.AURUMICELAND.COM

Behind the bar December 6, 2021

Down the rabbit hole with Queen of Hoxton’s Alice in Winterland pop-up

Queen of Hoxton, the queen of cool East London rooftop hangs, is welcoming the return of its winter Alice in Winterland pop-up, which took TeamCoco babe Hannah Tan-Gillies down the rabbit hole (in this case up) into the wonderful world of Lewis Carroll’s fantastical tale.

A firm fixture in London’s nightlife calendar, the fabulously immersive Alice in Winterland pop-up is appropriately over-the-top and transforms Queen of Hoxton’s rooftop garden into a world of mind-boggling possibilities. After climbing the spiralling staircase, guests are rewarded with a special drink – and can only guess whether they shall shrink or grow, as they enter a red and white circus tent – filled with floating teacups, cards and everything else you can imagine.

Here, you can meet the White Rabbit, explore vibrant visual displays, get a glimpse of the Cheshire Cat, peek into the keyhole and explore a world where nothing is quite what it seems.

To celebrate the pop-up, Queen of Hoxton has also launched an appropriately ‘mad’ cocktail menu which offers a few jaw-dropping potions to tantalise your tastebuds. We loved the ‘Wonderland Winter Warmer’ which was a warm, bubbling spiced rum and sherry concoction, perfect for drinking around the rooftop’s fire pit. ‘Alice’s Awake Potion’ is the pop-up’s version of an espresso martini, complete with a salted caramel twist, while the ‘Always late After 8’ is a dangerous blue-green vodka and crème de menthe blend.

The ‘Jam Jar Jabberwocky’, a blend of Kopparberg Gin, apple and lemon juice and topped with ginger beer is as easy on the eyes as it is on the palette while the ‘Mad as a Hatter Mule’ blends portobello and blueberry gin for a sensationally delicious take on a Moscow mule.

The Alice in Wonderland pop-up also offers a short but satisfying menu which includes the Wonderland Burger, Queen of Hearts Katsu Burger and Mad Hatter’s Vegan Burger – all wonderfully hearty – and perfect for a night out in winter.

So, grab your watches and take a trip to Winterland where you can go on a truly mad tea party – unlike anything London has ever seen.

To book visit https://queenofhoxton.com/

Accessories December 2, 2021

17 Festive gifts to make your mum smile this Christmas

From toddler tantrums to pandemic breakdowns, our mums are with through thick and thin. This Christmas, Team Coco has rounded up some of the best festive gifts out there to really make your mum special. Because we believe that while every mum makes Christmas as magical as can be, they deserve some Christmas sparkle too.

1. Marylebone 1596 Pyjama Set from Fable & Eve available at https://www.fableandeve.co.uk/

2. Large Format Triple Wick Candle by Acqua di Parma x Emilio Pucci available at Harrods https://www.harrods.com/

3. Micro-Needling Serum Serenity Kit by Environ available at https://www.environskincare.com/uk/

4. Disco Small Earrings by Monica Vinader available at https://www.monicavinader.com/

5. Multi-Coloured Jumper by Belle Modelle available at https://belle-modelle.co.uk/

6. Crossover Bag by Meg & Bee available at https://megandbee.co.uk/

We absolutely adore Fable & Eve’s super stylish and cosy pyjama sets that can go from bed to lounge with ease, and we’re sure your mum will too. Also, who doesn’t love a large triple wick candle from Acqua di Parma and Emilio Pucci’s stunning new collaboration to elevate your Christmas with the fam. It is the perfect festive gift.

We love female-owned independent fashion Belle Modelle’s joyful, brightly coloured knitwear that’s totally flattering and affordable too. Leila Gregory is the creator of Belle-Modelle’s joy-inducing collection and her mission is to inspire real women of all shapes and sizes to embrace stylish, colourful clothing.

Meanwhile, Meg & Bee’s leather bags, which feature vibrant multi-coloured straps that can easily be mixed and matched – can be worn with any outfit. The perfect festive gift, Meg & Bee boasts a variety of different-sized crossbody bags named Major Kit, Classic Kit, Mini Kit & Limited Kit as well as their New Mobile Kit, all of which can be customised with various straps, tassels and charms. Each design bears the brand’s unique signature gold star disc charm, the hallmark of a Meg & Bee bag.

7. Luxury Hamper from Wild Cornwall available at https://wildcornwall.net/

8. Woven Tie Front Quilted Jacket by Lyle & Scott available at https://www.lyleandscott.com/

9. Hand Sanitiser from Never Go Alone available at https://www.nevergoalone.com/

10. Dark Green Watch by Maurice Lacroix available at https://www.mauricelacroix.com/

11. Liga Tea for 2 Set by Liga available at https://loveliga.co.uk/

12. Hug in a Box Gift Set by Atlantic Blankets available at https://atlanticblankets.com/

Mum will swoon with Wild Cornwall’s luxury gift hampers which are filled with a curated selection of delicious, locally sourced foodie treats, while the Liga Tea Set will surely elevate her next cuppa. Never Go Alone’s minimalist hand sanitisers will also work well as a last-minute stocking filler for mum – which will undoubtdely become a staple for her purse in these covid times.

What mum wouldn’t appreciate a ‘hug in a box?’ which is exactly what Atlantic Blankets are offering with this fabulously cosy festive gift set.

13. Gradient Sunglasses from Longchamp available at https://www.longchamp.com/

14. Jurassic Quilted Coat from Temperley London available at https://www.temperleylondon.com/

15. Gold Necklace by Aurum available at https://aurumiceland.com/

16. Theragun available at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/

17. Nuit Bouquet by Shida Preserved Flowers available at https://www.shida.florist/

Mum will love this quilted Jurassic Coat from Temperley London which is a new feminine take on classic, robust outerwear. Not to mention, the beautiful coat is designed to train local talent in the craft via an apprenticeship programme, as every step of the garment-making process is rigorously sense-checked to minimise carbon and waste and to maximise local industry.

We love Aurum’s sustainable, Icelandic inspired jewellery pieces and we’re sure mum will too. Each piece is fully sustainable and was designed, with love, by Icelandic goldsmith Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, who is the feature of an inspiring Women Worldwide interview here.

Shida Preserved Flowers’ Christmas collections have been designed to add some extra luxury to the upcoming holidays. For the ultimate in Christmas luxe, the Nuit collection has all the drama! From the statement king protea flower and gorgeous black ostrich feather to the pretty black glixia flowers and lush eucalyptus greenery. Fluffy pink cloud bush adds a whimsical touch to this stand-out bouquet that mum will surely love.

Accessories December 2, 2021

Meet the duo behind enigmatic luxury bag brand Emotional World Vintage

Inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship yet with a decidedly modern aesthetic, Emotional World Vintage is undoubtedly the luxury bag brand of our dreams.

Founded by enigmatic duo Log and Liao and conceived to be a ‘cultural transmission’ of traditional craft cultures, Emotional World Vintage is a luxury bag brand brand that is so much more than just a passing trend.

Explaining the brand’s unique philosophy, A said: “Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.”

TeamCoco sits down with the fashionable trio to discuss Emotional World’s Eastern influences, its sustainable practices and also how fashion can be used to convey authentic meaning and culture in a world full of vapid excess.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background – what inspired you to start Emotional World?

Our common goal and original intention for the brand is cultural transmission.

Log: I live in Japan and have been deeply influenced by the lifestyle and attitude of the Japanese. Having spent a long time working the fashion and apparel industry, it has been my greatest wish to continue tradition of Japanese craft culture. I hope that through our Japanese-inspired craftsmanship and our natural and unique fabrics, we can preserve this traditional craft — whilst coming from a familiar aesthetic perspective that today’s luxury consumers would recognise.

Liao: I’ve always been deeply influenced by the heritage of European craftmanship and am inspired by traditional crafting techniques. I have a wealth of experience in the research and production of high-fashion products. I want to redefine familiar aesthetic elements through the lens of ‘remade craftsmanship’ and spread the charms of craft culture more widely. I have a lot of knowledge in bag production and to help preserve the environment, all Emotional World Vintage’s bags are made with only pure natural fabrics.

Where did the name Emotional World come from?

Quite simply, it conveys our wish for the world to be filled with emotions and vitality.

Why have you decided to launch a vintage luxury bag brand? What was the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far?

We have been exploring rare and unique fabrics and processes but didn’t want to be limited to any of them. We wanted to create a luxury bag brand that could be a cultural carrier that can simultaneously conform to modern aesthetics and offer more interesting designs and diverse products. We believe our brand vividly conveys the charm of craft culture.

Emotional World has a sustainable element too. Could you walk us through the production process of a bag in your line?

We source unwanted fabrics and bring them to our studio to be remade. We also use natural dye through an exclusive process that puts colour directly on the fabric. Afterwards, we invite craftspeople to transform the fabrics into bags with our high-quality accessories.

How would you describe the Emotional World aesthetic in three words?

‘Craftsmanship, nature and classic’ are the three words can express our luxury bag brand’s aesthetics.

Tell us about your Timeline Series – what makes this collection unique from other items in your range?

The Timeline series was inspired by Boro craftsmanship and represents the core of our Emotional World aesthetic, Boro craftsmanship is made through the Sashiko pure hand-stitch sewing process, wherein natural rags are woven and dyed through the natural dyeing processes, so that each Timeline series bag is presents a unique seam. From the texture to the fabric, each stitch embodies the human touch, reflecting the charm of traditional crafts and culture.

In your view – what sets Emotional World apart from other luxury bag brands today?

Our use of sustainable fabrics, mixed with traditional Japanese craftsmanship techniques, is what sets us apart from other luxury bag brands today. We really wanted to create something that was both modern yet celebrates the history of where we come from and shows where we are going.

Our focus on combining both sustainability and traditional craftsmanship techniques is something we feel that other luxury bag brands these days forego. Other brands simply follow trends and cater to the market, whereas our goal is to be ourselves and to attract people who can appreciate our original style.

What’s next for you and Emotional World? Any exciting projects in the pipeline?

We just launched a new collection that contains more than 100 styles. Everyone is welcome to check them out at our website at emotionalworldvintage.com and see the quality and craftsmanship of our bags for themselves!