Tag Archives: couture

Salon Couture High Tea with Suzie Turner at The Savoy

Posted on by

The selection of decadent afternoon teas on offer in London is second to none. The finest hotels and top restaurants present beautiful themed cakes, sandwiches and scones to suit every occasion and celebration. The Savoy, one of cities most prestigious and beautiful hotels to dine in, has recently introduced the Salon Couture High Tea with Suzie Turner, a fashion focussed tea for London’s stylish trendsetters.

Savoy tea

This special tea is inspired by the salon-style fashion shows of the 1950s and harks back to the stunning soirees and shows held within The Savoy decades ago. The high tea launched on July 4th and takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, with one sitting at 5.30pm. Guests relax in the radiant, glass-domed Thames Foyer, nibbling on immaculate finger food, whilst stunning models present a catwalk show showcasing iconic gowns from British couturier, Suzie Turner’s magnificent collection.

Savoy teaSavoy tea

The tea includes a fruity cocktail, luxurious sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream and a selection of bespoke eclairs, delicately decorated with patterns to match the Suzie Turner designs. I particularly loved the Duck pastrami with herb cream tartlet from the savoury plate, and the warm apricot scones were dangerously moreish, especially when layered with dollops of rich clotted cream and homemade lemon curd!

Savoy teaSavoy tea

My sister and I watched in awe as the tall, slender women sauntered past us, dripping head to toe in jewels and lace. I thought the exclusive fashion show perfectly suited the setting and complimented the array of delicious food, even if I did feel a little guilty eating so much whilst the models walked past looking much more in need of feeding than me! The show was accompanied by a talented saxophonist, who moved around the room belting out soulful riffs and jazzy melodies.

Savoy tea

Afternoon teas can be tedious to review time and time again, but this chic offering from The Savoy offers so much more than just tea and cake, I loved the glamour and glitz, and the food was fresh and tasty too.

More information and book afternoon tea at The Savoy here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 206 – Sretsis

Posted on by

If you love shopping Bangkok is the ideal place for you, many tourists visit Thailand’s capital city JUST to shop. The huge, shiny, air-conditioned shopping malls Siam Discovery, MBK, Central World, and Siam Paragon are all found in the Siam district, connected by convenient walkways. Others centres such as the more boutique Emporium is found in Sukhumvit. I was initially put off by these overwhelming stores housing many international designers, but if you look hard you can discover local brands that are inspiring and interesting.

In Paragon Department Store, within the Paragon complex, I found Sretsis… Sretsis is a collaboration between Pim Sumhahuta and her two sisters, Kly and Matina. The brand name is sisters spelled backwards and represents the strong bond they have. Sretsis creator and lead designer Pim Sukhahuta graduated from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York in 2003 already with a store, two fashion shows, and a covetable internship with Marc Jacobs to her name. Her achievement with this successful and innovative brand is testament to her talent and vision.

Pim’s eclectic East meets West background and studies are realised in her colourful and imaginative designs. The flamboyant clashing patterns and excessive frills of previous collections reminded me of the bold but pretty designs by Brit, Luella. This season Sretsis presents ‘Children of the Stars’ for Spring / Summer 2014. A collection of quirky and girly ready-to-wear clothes and whimsical, imaginative accessories. Thin tops are adorned with glistening chunky rhinestone crystals, whilst flimsy playsuits are made from tropical exotic silks and edged in lace. The shop was quite simply my dream wardrobe. Accessories can be found in one corner of the shop, heart shaped sunglasses, and studded sparkling rings. I couldn’t resist getting the green heart ring, which seemed reasonable, costing £40. Most garments cost between £70-200.

Sretsis is a breath of fresh air in the suffocating streets of Bangkok. Psychedelic prints, delicate designs and a lot of personality… I fell in love with the whole collection.

Visit the Sretsis website for more information and to see the whole collection: www.sretsis.com

Valentino, Somerset House

Posted on by

I only had the chance to race round the Valentino exhibition at Somerset House. The show conveniently coincides with London Fashion Week, and I’m sure, like me, there are many journalists keen on seeing both.

This major new exhibition celebrating the life and work of Valentino showcasing over 130 exquisite haute couture designs worn by icons such as Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren and Gwyneth Paltrow in an exciting installation created specially for Somerset House.

The initial room displays photographs from his personal archive and invitations from influential fashion editors, designers and famous fans. It is interesting to observe these artefacts, the focus is shifted away from the clothes and instead offers a rare glimpse of the man, the genius behind them.

Upstairs a role reserval leads visitors down the catwalk, while they observe the dresses displayed on mannaquins on either side, including the cream organza evening ensemble with flower detailing worn by Audrey Hepburn, the white ecru georgette evening dress with lace applique worn by Jacqueline Kennedy and the black velvet and tulle evening gown with white ribbon detailing worn by Julia Roberts. Every dress has a story to tell. The catwalk seats are adorned with handwritten notes naming the influential women who have been a part of Valentino’s rise to the fashion throne.

Even if fashion is not your ‘thing,’ it is impossible not to admire these striking and sophisticated designs. I was pleased to notice that visitors ranged from keen students to animated children and adults in awe. Valentino is a designer with something for everyone to love. As you wander out, the show concentrates on the painstaking processes of crafting couture exemplified by the stunning wedding dress of Princess Marie Chantal of Greece.

I’ve seen many of the fashion related collections here but I must admit there is something special about this Valentino exhibit. And though it is a relatively small show for your £12 entry fee, the grandeur, beauty and exquisite tailoring on display is catwalk couture at its very best.

Continues until 3rd March, book here.