From beautiful shoes and watches to new clothes and hampers, Hetty Chidwick reports from the front line of luxury.
Watches fit for a Duchess
Kiki McDonough, The Duchess of Cambridge’s jeweller of choice, is celebrating her 30th year in the business with the launch of a pretty collection of watches. Limited to just 50 pieces, they are made with a Swiss-quartz movement and are available in either 18-carat yellow or rose gold. There is also one exclusive diamond piece, which will not be reproduced. Designed for everyday wear, they are available with a rainbow of coloured alligator straps. Plain yellow- and rose-gold watches, £2,900, gold-and-diamond watch, £3,500 (020–7730 3323; www.kiki.co.uk)
Shoeaholic?
If you have yet to see the V&A’s ‘Shoes: Pleasure & Pain’ exhibition, showcasing extreme footwear from around the globe, head to local restaurant Daphne’s, where, for £39 per person, including exhibition entry, you can enjoy a two-course lunch or early supper with a Stiletto cocktail a mix of Prosecco, wild-hibiscus tea, strawberry and vanilla bitters. Follow up with a spot of shopping: a girl can never have too many shoes! Tickets valid Monday to Friday, 2pm–6pm (020–7589 4257; www.daphnes-restaurant.co.uk/booking)
Booted like Bond
Fifth-generation Northampton shoemaker Crockett & Jones has provided footwear for the eternally well-shod feet of 007 in the 24th Bond film, Spectre, out on October 26. Daniel Craig wears the Alex, Norwich (below left), Camberley, Northcote, Swansea and Radnor styles the perfect shoes for a stealthy spy. From £345 (020–7976 2684; www.crockettandjones.com)
Winter wardrobe sorted
With nights drawing in and mantelpieces stacking up with invitations, it’s time to think about your winter party wardrobe.
Eponine, founded by designer Jet Shenkman, is based in south-west London, where everything is designed and made by an in-house team. Inspired by Jet’s love of 1950s and 1960s looks, each piece is designed for women who have individual style, but want a contemporary edge. The new collection will cover winter weddings, drinks parties and black-tie events. Skirt and jacket, £785 (07709 432715; www.eponinelondon.com)
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
When Raymond Blanc opened Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons at Great Milton, near Oxford in 1977, it became an overnight success. It’s one of the country’s greatest places to stay and the food, created from the house’s wonderful kitchen garden, is among the finest in the world. Raymond has the restless energy of all truly great men and is constantly improving the hotel and grounds. Now, an amazing orchard of heritage apples and pears has been added and there is a new canapé class at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School, running on November 25 and December 9. Get prepped for the festive season ahead. Classes are £185 per person for a half-day’s tuition. Rooms from £555 (01844 278881; www.belmond.com/lemanoir). MH
For sporting enthusiasts
Fortnum & Mason has teamed up with gun-maker and shooting expert E. J. Churchill to create two sporting companions for the season ahead. The Gamekeeper hamper, £250, includes E. J. Churchill shooting socks, a hunter flask and some Fortnum’s sustenance for the day ahead. The Shooting Party hamper below, £500, contains extra goodies such as a brass cartridge position finder, terrines, pies, salamis and cheeses, not forgetting Sipsmith sloe gin and Highland single-malt whiskey (020–7734 8040; www.fortnumandmason.com)
New smellies
The White Company launched in 1994 as a simple, 12-page mail-order catalogue celebrating all things white and luxurious. Since then, it has grown into one of the most desirable and trusted British lifestyle brands. To celebrate its reaching the ripe age of 21, Chrissie Rucker, the founder, has launched the Twenty One scent collection. Described as ‘fresh, bright and happy’, it sounds ideal for perking up an autumn day. Candle, £35, eau de toilette, £30 (020–3758 9222; www.thewhitecompany.com)
The Fat Duck
Yesterday, The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire, reopened its doors after a total refurbish-
ment. Its chef, Heston Blumenthal, is renowned for creating tastebud-tingling experiences. Gone, but not forgotten, are the famous snail porridge and bacon-and-egg ice cream these have been replaced by a new and intriguing menu in the form of a map. It centres around a nostalgic day from Heston’s childhood expect theatrical moments, with all aspects of the front-of-house service playing key roles in the four-hour meal. Menu (food only) £255 per person to be purchased as a ticket at time of reservation online (www.thefatduck.co.uk)
