Nobis Hotel, Copenhagen

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The Nobis Hotel in Copenhagen excels at design in every way. Even before entering our room for the weekend, I was stunned by the chic minimalist entrance and stylish common areas. The hotel, which opened in September 2017, is housed in the iconic 1903 building which was once home to the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music. It was the first concrete building in Denmark, and there are still original features, like the sleek concrete check-in desk, to be admired inside.

Nobis Copenhagen

The hotel has 77 rooms including 13 spacious suites. We were very at home in 318, a deluxe room on the third floor. All the rooms are decorated in moody blues with design details and attractive furniture. The room had plenty of natural light and a cosy feel, a huge four poster bed took centre stage and a small desk and TV were tucked in one corner.

Perhaps my favourite part of our room was the bathroom, a stunning pale grey marble wet room. There was a small bath and rain shower, Byredo toiletries and Meraki bath bombs. It was an immaculate showroom of beauty and design.

Nobis CopenhagenNobis Copenhagen

Before leaving we were given a viewing of the indulgent Nobis Suite, an expansive room with grand living area and huge grey marble clad bathroom. For a special occasion this room (which was once an old music classroom) would be perfect, and I can see why it is a popular choice for events.

Nobis Copenhagen

Each morning we feasted on the breakfast buffet downstairs, which included streaky Danish bacon and eggs, pastries, fruit and yoghurts. If you have time try the modern Scandi-style food of Chef Jeppe Foldager at the hotel restaurant Niels. The glamorous bar has a menu of creative cocktails, we loved chatting to the mixologist here and trying his delicious drinks. On the ground floor there is also a small luxury spa for the use of all hotel guests, we spent a few hours relaxing in the sauna and plunge pool.

Nobis Hotel is in a prime location, nearby to the famous Tivoli Gardens and nearby to many of the cities greatest museums and sights, rent a hotel bike to see the city the way the locals do. The Nobis Copenhagen exceeded all my expectations, and I wish I’d had longer to enjoy all the lovely facilities.

More information and book a room at the Nobis Hotel Copenhagen here.

(I was a guest of the Nobis Hotel Copenhagen.)

Myla and Davis, East Dulwich

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Myla and Davis East Dulwich is a short walk from my flat, it is a local I feel lucky to have. This salon is one of three from owner Katya Davis, who also started up my favourite neighbourhood restaurants, Llewelyns in Herne Hill.

Myla and Davis

I visited one February afternoon for a hair cut and colour, and was amazed to find the salon completely full, despite it being a Winter weekday afternoon. Within minutes I was sitting at a comfortable mirror facing seat sipping a cup of tea and chatting to Polly, who was in charge of doing my hair.

Myla and Davis

Myla and Davis use a selection of Bumble & Bumble products, a brand which I have always found to be reliable haircare, but also great for creative styling. I umm-ed and ahh-ed as Polly talked me through all the different options. She was wonderfully patient and reassuring as I tried to decide between a ginger transformation, subtle low lights or just returning to my natural hue.

Eventually we decided on a rich red-brown shade to moisturise and nourish my strands while also covering stray grey hairs and adding a depth of colour to my hair. A dramatic colour change but nothing too radical. I knew I didn’t want too much off the length, so Polly opted for a inch off to keep it healthy looking but still easy to tie up.

Myla and Davis

During my time at Myla and Davis East Dulwich I was kept in constant supply of tea and brilliantly gossipy magazines… which is exactly how I want to spend my time at the hairdresser. Polly worked quickly and methodically through my hair, explaining everything as she coloured and cut my hair.

The best part, as always was a thorough wash and head massage at the high-tech horizontal chairs. Polly also gave my hair an Olaplex treatment which (especially when paired with a colour treatment) adds strength and hydration to worn out hair.

After a few hours at the salon my hair was bouncy, light and rich with colour. Anyone living in South London should take advantage of the great Myla and Davis boutique salons.

More information and book a cut, colour or treatment at Myla and Davis here.

(I was a guest of Myla and Davis.)

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams‎, V&A

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This year the V&A has welcomed another legendary fashion exhibition to its galleries. Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams showcases the designs of the world famous fashion house, from 1947 to the present day… documenting the stories and people behind the dramatic garments.

dior

This exhibition is the largest ever UK presentation of Dior, the grand rooms of the V&A are filled with precious sketches, accessories and dresses, all giving an amazing insight into the genius of this couturier. The V&A team was led by fashion and textiles curator Oriole Cullen and set designer Nathalie Crinière, and together they reimagined the previous Dior exhibition, Christian Dior: Couturier du Rêve, organised by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. This show, however, features many more rediscovered haute couture pieces, every single garment in the show is handmade.

Dior

It is quite startling to see so many couture dresses all in one place, 70 years worth of Dior lines every wall. Amongst the pieces are dresses worn by Princess Margaret on her 21st birthday and Jennifer Lawrence’s red carpet couture dress, and there are others you may recognise from magazine covers or iconic events. Princess Margaret was a fan and client of Christian Dior and it is clear he relished the opportunity to design for her. The style of Britain very much influenced and fascinated Christian Dior, he loved the British women’s fashion, their contradicting tweed outfits and ballgowns.

Later in the show, the other artistic directors of Dior are given a chance to shine, and it is amazing to see how Christian Dior’s thoughts and motifs are still so alive in the current day designs.

Through this show viewers are given a look into the world behind the dresses. We learn about Mr Dior himself and how his thoughts and processes defined, and still define, the brand Dior is today.

Designer of Dreams‎ continues until Sunday 14 July, book tickets here.