Sterling Global

Category: Luxury

  • LONDON’S FIRST BARRE CLASS ON ICE – Sterling Media

    LONDON’S FIRST BARRE CLASS ON ICE – Sterling Media

    Ice Rink Canary Wharf and luxury D&D restaurant, Plateau, have announced an exciting collaboration with the explosive new fitness brand DEFINE.London, to bring a barre class to the ice, followed by a plant-based Botanical Brunch on the 3rd February.

    The event will see DEFINE.London founder, Ashley Verma, take to the ice to lead an hour-long session at Ice Rink Canary Wharf later this month. The class, which will take place under the emphatic Canary Wharf skyline, will be followed by a well-earned Botanical Brunch, courtesy of luxury French restaurant Plateau.

    Former American Broadway actress, Ashley Verma, will be welcoming people to the ice to take part in a class made up of two 30-minute sessions, on yoga mats (without the need for ice skates!). The first of the sessions will be comprised of a half hour barre-based full body workout, incorporating a combination of postures inspired by ballet and other challenging fitness disciplines. Guests should be prepared for a head-to-toe body blazing session combining an intense mix of isometric moves, thigh and glute sequences, chiselling arm and abdominal moves, and elongating stretches throughout the class – all aimed at increasing strength and flexibility.

    The second session will be a relaxing 30-minute stretch class to help increase muscle control, flexibility and range to ultimately allow muscles to recover, all whilst taking in the spectacular scenery of the ice rink, fairy-lit trees and towering buildings around Canada Square Park.

    After the session, Ashley will be hosting the group at the D&D London restaurant, Plateau, for the restaurant’s recently launched Botanical Brunch. The menu offers a supreme concoction of brunch classics with the addition of new vegan dishes including Crushed avocado on sourdough toast; Buckwheat galette with spinach and salsify; Beetroot tagliatelle, smoked beetroots topped with toasted pine nuts; and Almond milk ‘riz au lait’ for dessert. Guests will be welcomed by a cocktail of Tanqueray botanical gin and FeverTree’s Indian tonic, or a choice of Seedlip mocktails including the Garden Mojito or Hibiscus & Elderflower spritz.

    The collaboration is part of D&D London’s Mindful City campaign, a series of activities and events throughout January and February focusing on wellness and fitness for the body and soul, together with the launch of Plateau’s botanical Saturday brunch menu – available for guests to enjoy until the end of March with a selection of healthier and vegan options on the menu. #MindfulCity18.

    This unique workout session on the ice comes ahead of the highly anticipated launch of DEFINE.London’s Fitzrovia studio in February. Through years of teaching fitness in New York, highly sought-after fitness expert Ashley Verma incorporated what she already knew with her physical therapy routines to launch the DEFINE.London brand, which now has 10 unique class concepts under its umbrella. With a core remit to ‘Aspire to Inspire’, DEFINE.London is changing the way we see the fitness game. Classes will be led by the music, maintaining an upbeat mood and ensuring exercise is fun and inspiring.

    This exciting new luxury fitness brand is perfectly reflected by the impressive ambiance of the ice rink it is scheduled to host a session on. Ice Rink Canary Wharf is London’s longest-running seasonal ice venue, open for 16 weeks spanning from the 4th November – 24th February. As it stands, Ice Rink Canary Wharf not only ranks as the longest in London at 80 meters but is also the only remaining seasonal ice rink open in the capital city. The clear, cathedral-style roof means skating can continue regardless of the weather.

    Speaking ahead of the event, DEFINE.London founder Ashley Verma said: “We are extremely excited for this special, unique event. It’s not every day that you have a fitness session on the ice, so I cannot wait to get out there. What better place to do it than the iconic Ice Rink Canary Wharf as well – the scenery is truly something to behold.

     “What’s more, we are incredibly grateful towards the D&D restaurant, Plateau, for opening their doors to welcome us for brunch – the menu looks incredible and I can’t wait to try their dishes. Now it’s just a case of choosing what to have!”

     Lorraine Crighton-Smith at Ice Rink Canary Wharf, said, “We are delighted to host this high energy barre class to the ice. At this time of year, fitness and self-improvement is at the forefront of many of our customers’ minds. This day is the ideal opportunity to do something for your physical and mental well-being whilst still having fun.”

  • Harrods Unveils Superbrands

    Harrods Unveils Superbrands

    To showcase the most seasoned and luxurious international brands including Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior, Harrods is delighted to announce the completion of Superbrands, a new luxury department dedicated to outstanding international brands.

    For over 160 years, Harrods has been a destination for stand-out collections, presenting customers with the most exclusive pieces from luxury brands around the world. Leading designers have showcased their collections in Harrods, in a world-famous womenswear department that has continued to change and evolve over the years. To continue the Harrods legacy of luxury and innovation, Superbrands has now opened with the finest selection of womenswear and accessories.

    Designed by Make Architects, this elegant and contemporary space stands apart from the rest of the renowned Harrods building, also known as the “Terracotta Palace”. In the stunning surroundings of marble walls, columns and floors, customers will find 17 exceptional boutiques, each with its own distinct décor. The interiors are beautifully designed, custom-made to suit the look and feel of the individual brands. Brands like Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Ralph & Russo display their most exclusive pieces in colourful and imaginative ways, showcasing them in their windows.

    Harrods Fashion Director of Womenswear, Accessories, Fine Jewellery and Childrenswear, Helen David, comments, “We are absolutely delighted to launch Superbrands; this unrivalled space houses the World’s most revered brands and is dedicated to the very best in luxury Womenswear and Accessories. This magical space has allowed us to expand each of the brands’ product offerings and create ‘world of’ shops within Harrods, allowing our customers an unrivalled luxury experience within their favourite brands. This new area further demonstrates our commitment to bringing our customers the ultimate shopping experience housing brands’ finest creations.”

    As guests walk along the corridors, they will find a range of boutiques that are truly exceptional, not only in their selection of products but also in their inspired design. For those who enjoy the art and expertise that goes into making such beautiful and timeless pieces, Superbrands is a sensational place to see these pieces in all their splendour.

  • INTRODUCING THE EXHIBITIONIST HOTEL – LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET

    INTRODUCING THE EXHIBITIONIST HOTEL – LONDON’S BEST KEPT SECRET

    The Exhibitionist Hotel is the next generation in luxury boutique art hotels. It expertly merges British heritage, unique design and an appreciation of modern lifestyle, within beautifully restored 18th Century London town houses in the heart of Knightsbridge on Queensberry Place.

    The Exhibitionist Hotel is the hotel destination of choice for today’s modern, busy traveller, offering a warm welcome, first-class hospitality and uber-luxurious bespoke touches, guaranteed to make your visit one to remember.

    Celebrating the limitless nature of the artistic license, The Exhibitionist Hotel promotes leading artworks with eight dedicated galleries within its walls, offering a blank canvas for iconic artists to exhibit their work. Currently corridors are adorned by the work of artists such as Sarah Pope, whose work has featured in the Saatchi and Saatchi Gallery, and the Paris based Mariana Thome, which will be transformed regularly with new artists, exhibitions and events, creating an exclusive experience for each guests’ stay. The Exhibitionist Hotel also features an eclectic concept room, The Backroom, which honours the craft of art with hand-inked wall paintings. Currently on display is an illustrative piece by Le Gun which, by blending punk, occult, pop and surrealist aesthetics, creates an idiosyncratic imagery.

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    With an intimate feel, The Exhibitionist Hotel has just 37 fantastically-designed bedrooms, all featuring bespoke furniture, fittings and custom-made headboards. Each room combines tranquil relaxation with ultra-comfort, including specially-designed cashmere and horse hair mattresses by Hypnos. Other quaint touches include a personalized scent for each room, in-room spa treatments from Viva Therapies and personal shopping by renowned VIP stylist Lucy Packman. Guests have the option to book such services before they settle-in either through the Hotel’s reception or via The Exhibitionist App, providing guests the ultimate level of personalization directly from their mobile. Offering the complete luxury get-away, guests can also avail of a concierge service.

    Contemporary design is at the heart of the hotel’s interiors and tailor-made furniture, complemented state-of-the-art technology, including a personalized iPad in each room, a Smart TV to seamlessly connect you to a range of catering and concierge services, and complimentary Freeview channels and wi-fi.

    A home away from home, The Exhibitionist Hotel features four unique luxury suites. The two penthouse suites of particular note are The Squint Suite and the Jimmie Martin Suite. The first is a colourful ensemble, with exuberant design and eye-catching modern art scattered across the room, whilst the latter is a darker, more eclectic space, infused with statement furniture. Both have roomy terraces with impressive London views, accommodating up to 25 guests for private events such as weddings, cocktail functions and meetings. The terraces feature outdoor TV screens, perfect for watching a film during a balmy summer evening, and an adjoined visitor bathroom, enabling total privacy for guests.

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    The hotel’s most unique feature is its status as the only London hotel to have opulent double rooms with “plunge pools”, the Splash Suites. Located on the basement-floor, the suites come complete with their own private entrances for an exclusive, apartment-like feel. Accommodating approximately eight guests, the plunge pools are the perfect relaxation treat after a busy day of retail therapy or for creating that intimate party atmosphere. They are also the perfect romantic getaway. Guests can also indulge in the hotel’s in-room male and/or female option butler and bartender services direct to the suite.

    Away from the splendour of the bedrooms, the hotel also boasts three eclectic eateries and bars, including: the new Abstract Bar, the elegantly decorated Garden Room, located on the ground floor of the hotel, ideal for private dining and closed Door boardroom meetings, accommodating up to 12-15 people seated or 20 standing; and The Lounge Bar, a spacious seating area with decadent design features and snug armchairs. A stand-out feature is the hotel’s bar areas, which feature an array of tantalising signature cocktails.

    Guests can enjoy continental or A La Carte breakfast, and a 24 hour in-room dining service from a former Hilton Group chef who is experienced in preparing exquisite meals. A sumptuous Halal menu is also provided.

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    An idyllic alternative to the more bustling Park Lane, The Exhibitionist Hotel allows guests to explore and sample the delights of Knightsbridge. The hotel is conveniently located near to some of London’s most exclusive shopping districts catering to an ultra-high-net-worth and stylish clientele. Within minutes you can experience iconic landmark stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols and an array of designer boutiques on Sloane Street. The area is also world renowned for its cultural attractions housing The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum, The Victoria & Albert Museum and Royal Albert Hall to name a few. The hotel takes its name from the adjacent Exhibition Road, home to some of London’s most iconic cultural institutions.

    For further information, visit: www.theexhibitionisthotel.com

  • HARRODS LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

    HARRODS LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS WINDOWS

    The Harrods Christmas windows on the Brompton Road will set the scene for a world of moving puppets and performers. Inspired by the store’s “Once Upon a Christmas” theme, each window will feature a stage complete with performers, lights, scenery and red velvet curtains. Meanwhile, “hidden” beneath the floorboards is a magical world of Christmas mice, with Peter Pumpernickel returning to lead the entertainment as they play and prepare for their Christmas celebrations.

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    ALEXANDER WELLS-GRECO, HEAD OF VISUAL MERCHANDISING AT HARRODS, SAID: “This year, our customers are invited to become the audience and enjoy the festive season’s ultimate show. We want to continue to engage with families – children in particular. To achieve this, we raised the windows by 60cm to create the underfloor theatre scenes of Christmas mice preparing for the festivities, installed directly at a child’s eye level.”

    Along the Brompton Road, Burberry’s window depicts its Thomas bears enjoying a night at the theatre, while Balenciaga’s window houses a swinging circus performer who introduces key Christmas accessories from a trapeze. A production line of mice work on Christmas orders in their workshop in the Stella McCartney window, while Bottega Veneta’s AW15 handbag collection appears alongside the strongman’s weights in the Magical Marionette circus tent. An oversized gingerbread house created by Rosalind Miller takes over one of Harrods’ windows, delivering a Hansel and Gretel twist. The house stands nearly two metres tall and three metres wide. Constructed of more than 42 gingerbread tiles (weighing a total of 40kg) and with around 200 sugar roof tiles, it took 33 hours to bake and involved 20 hours of hand-piping. Alongside the house, an array of festive fare from Godiva, East India Company and Ladurée is featured in the wintry forest scene.

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    To coincide with the launch of the famous Harrods windows, the Festival of Christmas begins on Friday 6th November with the arrival of Father Christmas and the opening of The Harrods Christmas Grotto. Meanwhile, in Hans Crescent, festive characters will be dropping by over the weekend and there will be a variety of entertainment on offer for children. Families can meet Father Christmas’ reindeer, visit Snowball Alley, and have fun with the Wheel of Fortune and a festive photo booth.

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    In-store, each department will be running a number of activities, including face painting with Disney in Childrenswear on the Fourth Floor; sock monogramming at Pantherella in Menswear on the Lower Ground Floor; and calligraphic personalisation and monogramming across Crème de la Mer products in the Beauty Halls on the Ground Floor.