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Accessories, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, Stores

Chopard at The Dorchester

January 15, 2014 by cheriecity

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, as they say, but surely they’re even better if they come straight from The Dorchester.

While the younger generation of luxury and design hotels are adding florists, bookshops and concept gift stores to their public areas, The Dorchester keeps it old school with an elegant new store by Chopard.

‘Chopard at The Dorchester’ is the very first high-end jewellery boutique in the UK by the Swiss jewellery and watches house. Designed by Thierry Despont (The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane and Harry Winston), it is an intimate, refined space that offers an exclusive selection of pieces from Chopard’s Haute Joaillerie collection.

The interiors remind me of an ornate jewellery box with its plush red velvet furnishings, wood panelling and gold engraved logos.

Chopard co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele said: “The Dorchester is a timeless, magical place – the backdrop to a sequence of spectacular moments and home to the world’s most stylish travellers. ‘Chopard at The Dorchester’ will be a globally renowned destination where jewellery lovers and connoisseurs will be invited to discover Chopard’s designs in the most elegant of settings.”

Parties who wish to browse privately can request a personal viewing outside of standard opening hours. With the BAFTAs and Valentine’s Day coming up, ‘Chopard at The Dorchester’ is sure bring some extra sparkle to London.

For more information, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com

Designers, Events, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2013 Final

November 4, 2013 by cheriecity

The final of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize is always an exciting moment and this year, the competition was so strong that it was difficult to predict a winner. Having followed the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize since its birth three years ago, I was delighted to be invited to the final as a guest of The Dorchester in London.

The evening began with Champagne and delectable canapés – including amaretto pumpkin ravioli, crab and avocado on toast, truffle cheese gougères, wagyu beef and creamy lobster – in the beautifully-designed Crush Hall. We then moved into the elegant Ballroom for a catwalk presentation from the four shortlisted designers – Barbara Casasola, Fyodor Golan, Emilia Wickstead and Huishan Zhang.

Kinvara Balfour hosted the show, wearing a divine, shimmering dress by Mary Katrantzou (shortlisted for the prize in 2010), while each designer was introduced by The Dorchester’s doorman, looking dapper in the hotel’s signature green uniform and top hat. Observing the designs closely were the esteemed judges including Frederic Aranda, Lorenz Baumer, Derek Blasberg, Fabia Di Drusco, Jean-Pierre Greff, Daniella Helayel, Stephen Jones, Margherita Perico, Rupert Sanderson and Stephen Webster.

The show started with vibrant fuchsia and deep orange organza dresses by Barbara Casasola, while Fydor Golan brought a street style edge with a slouchy FG logo luxe-sweatshirt and colourful feather skirt.

I couldn’t help gasping ‘wow’ when Emilia Wickstead showed her sophisticated candy stripe dresses and trapeze-line jackets. Huishan Zhang closed with a covetable collection of feminine lace and blush sheer fabric pieces and embellished cocktail dresses, keeping the look fresh and understated with low-heel silver sandals.

The judges retired for around 10 minutes to agree on the winner and we were treated to some exquisite Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize macarons – a perfect way to pass the time. Their task was to choose the designer that most evokes the Dorchester Collection’s spirit of individuality, luxury, style, innovation and craftsmanship.

Chinese designer Huishan Zhang was named with winner and received an endowment of £25,000 from Dorchester Collection’s chief executive officer Christopher Cowdray, plus a Baccarat crystal trophy and a stay at a Dorchester Collection property. A new element to the prize this year is invaluable one-to-one mentoring from a selection of the judges, which will no doubt strengthen Zhang’s position in the industry.

Christopher Cowdray said: “We are delighted to help a burgeoning young brand at this critical time of its growth whilst strengthening Dorchester Collection’s ties to the fashion world. Huishan Zhang will undoubtedly have a thriving career, as have the previous winners,” said Christopher Cowdray, Dorchester Collection’s chief executive officer.”

Next year, the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize will be hosted by another property in the luxury hotel group’s collection and I’m looking forward to seeing which promising designer will be next to receive their support.

Watch the highlights of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2013 here:

Chérie City was a guest of The Dorchester

Photos by The Dorchester and Chérie City

Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury

Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2013 Designer Shortlist

July 23, 2013 by cheriecity

The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize has quickly become the competition to watch for the next big thing in fashion, and this year’s designer shortlist is stronger than ever.

The international judging panel, including UK judges Stephen Jones, Rupert Sanderson, Caroline Issa, Stephen Webster and Daniella Helayel, selected the very best entrants from across ready-to-wear, couture and accessories. The designers to reach the final of the prestigious fashion prize are Barbara Casasola, Fydor Golan, Emilia Wickstead and Huishan Zhang.

The Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize nurtures designers whose brands have been established for at least two years but need support to take it to the next level. All shortlisted designers have already received industry and public acclaim and have been stocked at luxury designer stores such as Browns, Harvey Nichols, Moda Operandi and Joyce.

Like previous winners Thomas Tait, Anndra Neen and Augustin Teboul, the winning designer will receive £25,000 to invest in their brand, a two-night stay at a Dorchester Collection Hotel and for the first time, the prospect of one-to-one mentoring from a selection of the judges.

The grand final will be on 29th October at The Dorchester in London, where the shortlisted designers will stage a catwalk presentation.

It looks like the judges will have a tough evening, trying to choose between these brilliant and diverse designers. Perhaps a few of The Dorchester’s fashion cupcakes and macarons will help them reach a decision…

Which of the shortlisted designers is your favourite? Who do you think deserves to scoop the fashion prize?

For more information, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com

Bars, Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London, London Fashion Week

Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2012 Designer Cocktails

September 19, 2012 by cheriecity

Celebrating the short list of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2012, each of the five designers have created their own limited edition cocktail.

The designers collaborated with the bar directors and managers to create a cocktail that reflects the spirit and style of their brand. I was invited to 45 Park Lane for a cocktail tasting evening with delicious canapes from Wolfgang Puck’s CUT, served in the cosy, relaxing guest lounge.

My favourite cocktail was Black Southside, created by flamboyant fur designer Quentin Veron and the bar team at Le Richemond in Geneva. It’s a dark and mysterious blend of Plymouth gin, fresh lime, freshly-made blackberry juice, cherry syrup, mint and Agnostura Bitters, served in a large martini glass with a sugar and cracked black pepper rim. The elegant, intoxicating cocktail is designed to take you back to the prohibition era speakeasy clubs in America – the inspiration behind Veron’s collection.

Another deliciously dark cocktail is Nuit Noire by Les Garcons, a collaboration with William Oliveri at Le Meurice, Paris. The cocktail includes Eristoff Black vodka, blackberry liqueur blackberry coulis and lime juice, served in a long glass with a sprig of mint and a frozen sugar-coated blackberry. It’s so thick, rich and fruity that it tastes like a decadent alcoholic smoothie.

A lighter, refreshing cocktail is design duo Augustin Teboul’s Black Velvet, concocted by Stefano Cossio at 45 Park Lane. This tequila-based cocktail includes blackberries, thyme honey, crème de cassis and lime juice, served in a glass tumbler with an oversized block of ice.

The cocktail to get the party started is Calla’s wonderfully-named Milanese Calla-pirinha, created by Daniele Confalonieri of Hotel Principe di Savoia. The zesty, uplifting cocktail is a potent blend of Cachaça Velha, lime juice, orange, sugar cane and saffron, served with a cinnamon stick in a short glass.

The IRM Cocktail is IRM Design’s molecular trio of tastes, created by Thierry Hernandez at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris. The glasses include three shots of rum, sake and vodka and are presented on a clinical silver tray with three pipettes containing iris (I), rose (R) and mint (M) essences. During my visit, the hand-made essences were en route from Paris, so we didn’t have the chance to try the IRM Cocktail, however, it appears to be a real treat for the senses.

The limited editition cocktails are available throughout the fashion season in Europe, until 3 October. The winner of the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2012 will be announced at Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris, on 16 October.

For more information, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com

Designers, Fashion, Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, London

Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2012

April 9, 2012 by cheriecity

Dorchester Collection launched the 2012 Fashion Prize at Hôtel Plaza Athénée during Paris Fashion Week and entries are now open.

Following two successful contests, the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize is becoming known as the ‘one to watch’ for the most promisingly emerging fashion designers.

Anndra Neen, the luxury jewellery line by sisters Phoebe and Annette Stephens, won the 2011 Fashion Prize and have taken their brand to the next level with the support and buzz created by the prestigious competition.

Winner of the inaugural 2010 Fashion Prize, Thomas Tait has since been heralded by US Vogue, collaborated with Asos on its young designer initiative Asos Inc and shown his collections at London Fashion Week as part of BFC NEWGEN.

The Dorchester Collection has always been synonymous with style and helping the hotel find the best of the best is a judging panel made up of fashion luminaries and industry insiders. Former judges have included Manolo Blahnik, Giles Deacon, Daphne Guinness, Stephen Jones, Francisco Costa, Giovanna Battaglia, Derek Blasberg and Lauren Santo Domingo.

The 2012 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize will offer a €30,000 reward to an exceptional designer of ready-to-wear or premium accessories, selected by a panel of expert judges.

Each year, the Fashion Prize is hosted by a different Dorchester Collection hotel, beginning with The Dorchester in London and followed last year by The Beverly Hills Hotel. This year’s host, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has an unrivaled fashion heritage, with an enviable address on the Avenue Montaigne and being known as the ‘second home’ of Christian Dior. But who will be the judges? Can we expect Carine Roitfeld, Sonia Rykiel or Emmanuelle Alt to make an appearance?

Application details are available for download at www.dorchestercollection.com and registration will be open until 31 May 2012.

Entrants must be based in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg or Switzerland and have operated their brand for a minimum of two years.