Edition No.12
AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES, LONDON’S STREETS COME ALIVE WITH FESTIVE DISPLAYS, OFFERING BRANDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE THEIR UNIQUE TAKE ON SEASONAL MAGIC. BEYOND THE DECORATIONS, OUR CITY’S CULTURAL CALENDAR ALSO HAS MUCH TO OFFER, WITH EXHIBITIONS, PERFORMANCES,AND CELEBRATIONS ADDING TO THE ATMOSPHERE. FROM ICONIC COLLABORATIONS TO IMMERSIVE EXHIBITIONS, THERE’S NO SHORTAGE OF INSPIRATION. IN THIS EDITION OF OBS MUSINGS, WE’VE ROUNDED UP SOME OF THE STORIES THAT HAVE CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION, HOPING TO SPARK YOUR IMAGINATION THIS DECEMBER.
PAUL SMITH X CLARIDGE'S
This iconic Christmas collaboration has featured renowned designers such as Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano for Dior and Dolce & Gabbana. This year, Claridge's invited British designer Paul Smith to create their renowned Christmas tree. On display in the hotel’s foyer, the collaboration brings a fantastical touch to the tree, featuring mechanical elements and bespoke colourful birdhouses. Enhancing the experience, the lobby is filled with the sounds of birdsong and the Paul Smith fragrance, adding his signature playful style to Claridge’s this Christmas.
TAKE HOME A PIECE OF SAVOY HISTORY
The Savoy is heading to the auction rooms and giving us all the chance to take home a piece of their iconic history. Following the next part of their refurbishment, the hotelier is selling off furniture collections from their Personality Suites, which are named after some of their famous guests such as Sir Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Katharine Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. Everything from Regency writing tables to bespoke mirrors and silk drapes are available for purchase. Browse the catalogue and mark your calendars for the 11th and 12th December to place your bid!
VOGUE EXHIBITON
We are all hoping to squeeze in a visit to The Lightroom in the new year to see their latest exhibition, Vogue. Previously featuring a David Hockney experience where visitors could immerse themselves in his masterpieces, the space now invites guests to experience a journey through fashion history. Showcasing some of fashion's most talked about moments, the experience is narrated by Cate Blanchett and promises to be a winning exhibition for the fashionistas among us.
MEMBERS’ CLUBS AT HOME
We’ve noticed a growing trend in the popularity of members' clubs, where individuals join spaces that align with their lifestyles and offer opportunities to connect with like-minded peers. As many are attracted to the privacy and exclusivity that these clubs offer, some are taking this to the next level and creating similar spaces at home. Residences such as this property in St. John’s Wood features an Annabel’s style bar and is currently on the rental market for £40,000 per week. Whether it’s the vibrant palette of The Arts Club or the luxurious comfort of Maison Estelle, their influence is shaping residential homes, attempting to emulate the same unique experience and atmosphere.
LOUIS VUITTON KEEPING NEW FRONT UNDER WRAPS
Elsewhere in the world, Louis Vuitton is taking their decorations to new heights. Not just for Christmas, their temporary storefront in New York and hotel façade in Paris may look like 3D billboard trickery but are indeed, the real deal. The extravagant displays utilise their famous monogram trunk, creating awe-inspiring displays. We love the thought and investment they’ve taken to keep their presence known whilst undergoing the refurbishments.
GETTING TO KNOW MARTHA
Once viewed as the epitome of perfection and queen of the household, the Netflix documentary, Martha, has been one that we've all watched with great interest. We've been hooked on her story, which shares the details on everything from her time in prison to her unlikely friendship with Snoop Dogg. Unfortunately, Martha wasn't such a fan, labelling Netflix as "lazy" for its editing, poor music scores, and unflattering angles. We liked it Martha.
At Oliver Burns Studio, fragrance is something that connects us all, whether it is the bespoke scent we carefully create for a project or the familiar aroma of a candle burning in the studio. This shared experience of scent holds extraordinary power because it can unlock deeply personal olfactory memories and transport us back to a place or time. As part of our ongoing monthly theme, ‘Designing for the Senses,’ we’re focusing on scent and its essential role in design, recognising smell as a fundamental sense that shapes the experience of a space. As the fragrance market continues to grow, we turned to one of our favourite brands, August & Piers , to learn more about their personal experiences building the brand and their approach to designing fragrance.
At Oliver Burns Studio, fragrance is something that connects us all, whether it is the bespoke scent we carefully create for a project or the familiar aroma of a candle burning in the studio. This shared experience of scent holds extraordinary power because it can unlock deeply personal olfactory memories and transport us back to a place or time. As part of our ongoing monthly theme, ‘Designing for the Senses,’ we’re focusing on scent and its essential role in design, recognising smell as a fundamental sense that shapes the experience of a space. As the fragrance market continues to grow, we turned to one of our favourite brands, August & Piers , to learn more about their personal experiences building the brand and their approach to designing fragrance.
For many, the rise in prominence of English wines is a relatively recent thing as big international names look to invest in the UK market. It is fair to say that many of the UK’s most well-known producers have been at it for decades and it is not before time that those leading the charge are being recognised globally for the really excellent wines that they are producing. As we move towards the better weather, it felt like the perfect time to sit down with Gusbourne’s CEO, Jonathan White, to hear more about the exciting world of English wines.
For many, the rise in prominence of English wines is a relatively recent thing as big international names look to invest in the UK market. It is fair to say that many of the UK’s most well-known producers have been at it for decades and it is not before time that those leading the charge are being recognised globally for the really excellent wines that they are producing. As we move towards the better weather, it felt like the perfect time to sit down with Gusbourne’s CEO, Jonathan White, to hear more about the exciting world of English wines.
We are delighted to have launched our new brand identity. In OB Musings Edition No.3 we take a look behind the scenes.
We are delighted to have launched our new brand identity. In OB Musings Edition No.3 we take a look behind the scenes.