People

KEN HOM
My London

The very successful, very talented celebrity chef Ken Hom gives us a peek into his likes and love of London dining...

My Chic City pays homage to a brilliant mind, the first master chef, instructor, ambassador, author and the man who brought Wok's to British demand.

Since the beginning of Ken Hom career, he has managed to take his cooking knowledge worldwide. The American chef started by learning to cook at the age of 11 in his uncle's Chinese restaurant in Chicago. When he was of the age, Ken moved to California to study History of Art, but found a way to be a culinary instructor and no longer was a student in food!

As Ken came to London in the early eighties to be auditioned for a Chinese television series called Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery. He had it a popular demand for everyone watching to want to cook quality Chinese, which then came to the publishing of his cookery book.

"The best treasures are found when you are not looking for them."

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My London

RICHARD BURTON
My London

London based jewellery designer Richard Burton talks Brick Lane, bagels and bicycles...BY ANDRIANA KYRIACOU

Traditionally a carpenter Richard Burton has always been a skilled craftsman.

Pursuing his passion for intricacy and design he studied under some of the UKs leading jewellery designers at Hatton Gardens, allowing him to debut his own jewellery label RICH in late 2012.

This unique brand offers beautiful hand crafted diamond jewellery, combining ancient technique with a distinct and contemporary aesthetic.

" The most romantic place in London has to be Hyde Park on Christmas Eve, especially if it's been snowing."

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My Space

WIZZY SHAWYER
My Space 

Gracious, inspiring and ever creative, Wizzy Shawyer, Head of Costume for the English National Ballet, speaks to My Chic City about her life behind the velvet curtain... BY AINSLEY CAMPBELL

It was a busy Monday morning in the costume department at the English National Ballet, with the small team in a hive of activity stencilling fabrics and pinning details onto coloured bodices.

Amidst the activity, Wizzy Shawyer, head of costume, appears elegant, friendly and most importantly calm. She had just come from the Coliseum where the company is performing the Christmas season of the Nutcracker. Costume Design wasn't always where Wizzy saw herself heading - after graduating from Bradford College

“Sometimes you see something in a magazine that inspires an idea, but mainly it is researched based...”

with a Bachelor of Art and Design she initially planned on being a textile designer, but after finishing her studies gained work designing and fitting theatre costumes....

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My Space

BEN JOHNSON 
My Space 

Ben Johnson, a London based artist, who has exhibited at the National Gallery, the V&A and the British Museum, talks of his work, his family and how he would love to fly... BY NATASHA COLYER

Ben's renowned subject matter of buildings and architecture are widely credited, he is the only painter to have been made an honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and he has been exhibiting his beautiful pieces for over thirty years.

Ben recently had his first solo show at the Alan Cristea Gallery and has also exhibited at many venues including the National Gallery, the V&A and the British Museum, as well as galleries in countries such as Paris and Hong Kong.

“I'm inspired mainly by the people around me...”

His studio is any artist’s desired haven- bright, airy, spacious and filled with his fabulous pieces in various arrays of completion. Here he answers some questions on himself, his art, and London life...

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My Style

CLEO BARBOUR
My Style 

Sassy London shoe designer Cleo Barbour talks to us about her brand and style - and lets My Chic City raid her wardrobe... BY ANUSHA COUTTIGANE

From her iconic cassette motif heels to her hand-painted high-top trainers, Cleo Barbour’s vibrant shoe range is über urban and über trendy.

Her eye-catching signature palette of turquoise, pink and purple combines with a choice selection of silks and leathers to complete her collections, showcased biannually at LFW. A regular gallery-goer and art fair attendee, the inspirations behind her ‘Cleo B’ brand also include 80s hip-hop and street-style.

“My style is bold, funky and colourful...”

We visited Cleo at her West London home, where she shared her brand story and eclectic wardrobe with us...

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My London

SABINE ROEMER
My London

Talented, German-born jewellery artist Sabine Roemer tells My Chic City about her favourite London hangouts... BY AINSLEY CAMPBELL

Sabine Roemer is truly one of a kind - strikingly beautiful, extremely talented and a genuinely lovely person - it's hard not to be jealous of her success.

Deservedly, Sabine has had quite an illustrious career despite being so young - she was the youngest female to ever graduate with a Masters from Germany’s prestigious Pforzheim Goldsmith and Watchmaker School, and has had top jewellery companies and celebrities swooning after her designs ever since.

Her first collection was launched by Harrods and led to Sabine being nominated as 'Jewellery Designer of the Year'.

Here she tells MCC where to find the best treasures in London, her perfect weekend and where she goes to be pampered.

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My Kitchen

Natasha Corrett 
My Kitchen 

The vegetarian chef Natasha Corrett opens her house to My Chic City, cooks for us and gives us her tips and best addresses for healthy eating... BY MICHAEL ZODIATIS

We met Natasha Corrett on a sunny Tuesday morning at her lovely house.

Natasha is an extraordinary chef, founder of Honestly Healthy, an alkaline food range created with her godmother Vicki Edgson.

Natasha is talented, but how could she not be as she is the daughter of the famous interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

“When we paid her a visit she kindly cooked for us and also gave us her kitchen and shopping tips...”

Her father, Graham, owned two restaurants in London and Natasha discovered the joys of cooking at a very early age...

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People

CHRIS DYSON
Architect

Chris Dyson, one of London's most fabulous architects, tells about his style and shows his collections…BY NATASHA COLYER

Stepping onto the threshold of Chris Dyson’s house in Spitalfields, I was both amazed at just how fabulous it truly was, and also silently wondering if he would fancy sprinkling some of his architectural magic over my own home.

For the whole house is simply oozing in charm and character, holding just the right mix of being perfected and homey, yet not ‘show-room like’ and pretentious.To describe it as ‘beautifully organised clutter’ seems fitting, for although the three storeys are bursting with interesting homey objects and

"An architect is an artist. Architects need to be knowledgeable, thoughtful, peaceful and passionate..."

treasures, everything has its place, and the mix of modern and eclectic items work perfectly. Chris himself is truly inspiring, telling of his architectural practice and love for antiques and quirky objects ...

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London's finest

PATRICIA MICHELSON
La Fromagerie

Patricia Michelson, founder of the charming La Fromagerie in Marylebone speaks of her shop, her wine, and her cheese secrets... BY NATASHA COLYER

Patricia Michelseon is the truly lovely and talented owner of ‘La Fromagerie’ a quintessentially charming wine and cheese shop nestled in the bustling Moxon Street of Marylebone.

Since first opening the shop in 1992 it has simply gone from strength to strength, generating a dedicated following with everyone from Nigella Lawson raving of its opulent allure and beautiful offerings.

"Our shop isn’t set out conventionally so it is nice to take your time "

Here, the wonderful Patricia answers some questions on her cheese and wines, her future plans, and she even spills some of her cheese and wine secrets...

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My London

ADETOMIWA EDUN
My London

The very talented and charismatic actor, Adetomiwa Edun, talks all about his London…BY NATASHA COLYER

Talented London Actor Adetomiwa Edun, has been on the scene since his theatrical debut in ‘Tiata Delights’ at the Almedia. Since then he has appeared at the National Theatre in Macbeth earning high praise for his charismatic persona and being a ‘fine verse speaker.’

His role as Romeo in the Globe Theatre was highly pivotal as he was only the second black actor to ever obtain this role. With television credits including ‘The Hour’ ‘Law and Order’ and a role in the popular BBC Television series ‘Merlin’ as the character of ‘Elyan’ he has had

"The Best treasures are found at the Battersea Arts Centre..."

an impressive career, and will surely continue to do so. He has both studied and lived in London, (graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Acting) and now he talks all about it, from the best place to eat breakfast to the last thing he purchased…

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My London

SARAH CAMPBELL
Textile Designer

Lovely, internationally acclaimed textile designer Sarah Campbell talks all about her London...BY NATASHA COLYER

Sarah Campbell is the amazingly talented Internationally acclaimed textile designer. After starting her business in 1960 with her sister Susan, they co-founded the influential Collier Campbell partnership and became the first female winners of the Duke of Endinburgh designer’s prize in 1984.

They went on to design textile patterns for an impressive range of clients- everyone from Yves Saint Laurent, Liberty, Habitat, Jaeger, Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser wanting a piece of their artistic magic.After the sad death of Susan in 2011, Sarah is now working

"The best treasures are found in the National Theatre bookshop..."

independently, undertaking one-off special commissions for hand-painted fabric pieces and stationery, to patterns and textiles for the high Street.

One thing is for certain, she is simply unstoppable, and doubtlessly influential. Here she talks about her London…

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Interview

MEG ANDREWS
Antique Textile Dealer

Antique textile dealer Meg Andrews talks to My Chic City about her unusual and fascinating business...BY ANUSHA COUTTIGANE

Visiting Meg at her home in Dalston, north London, I see that her extra-ordinary collection is all carefully stored in wooden cabinets and upstairs in her loft-studio, despite having moved into the Grade II listed property only recently. Many of her rare fabric cuttings, European shawls (her favourites) and Regency costumes have already found their place.

When we arrive, Meg is in the middle of researching a large cream textile printed with a blue design. She holds up the piece: “This is Frank Lloyd Wright. It was originally for Schumacher,

"I try and buy quite unusual pieces. I’m not really interested in the norm."

who are an American fabric manufacturer...so obviously Schumacher sold the design rights to Sanderson. Now that, hung on a wall would look amazing, wouldn’t it?” The photographer and I nod in agreement, slightly dazzled by her wealth of knowledge...

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My London

CHARLI MATTHEWS
Walk Eat Talk Eat

Walk Eat Talk Eat author and food expert Charli Matthews reveals her top nosh spots and London landmarks to My Chic City BY ANUSHA COUTTIGANE

Forget lying in on a Sunday. Foodie fanatic Charli Matthews spends her Sunday mornings guiding a troop of grub-hunters through a meal maze of East London.

Charli, author of the Create Your Own Adventure food guide to East London’s scrummiest spots, leads small groups on a range of personalised food tours. These include everything from beer-tasting to cheese-sampling, and can take you from lunch through to supper. She also offers bespoke tour experiences for corporate groups.

"I seem to live only in places starting with the letter 'B'."

Here she talks to My Chic city about her favourite food haunts, her perfect weekend and living on a boat.

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My London

AMELIA ROPE
Chocolatier

Amelia Rope, one of London's most fabulous chocolatiers, tells of her business and her passion for chocolate…BY NATASHA COLYER

With a personality brighter than the wrappers of her chocolate, Amelia Rope is bursting with energy and enthusiasm, and it is clear to see this wonderful passion emitted into her work.

With a reason no simpler nor more complicated than a love for chocolate, Amelia began her business after a stint on Master Chef in 2005 where (although she was booted off after one round) John Torode told her she had ‘something about her' and thus encouraged, she went on a chocolate course at Valrhona

"Amelia’s true passion for chocolate is clearly evident in the interesting mix of flavours she has ..."

This led to her taking a box of her chocolate mint truffles to the food journalist William Sitwell whom branded her ‘The next Juliet Binoche’ and well, she hasn’t looked back since...

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Interview

RAY KELVIN
Founder of Ted Baker

In a rare interview with My Chic City, Ray Kelvin shares his business philosophy, the challenges he’s overcome, and the most poignant moment of his career... BY ANUSHA COUTTIGANE

A little history for you: In 1990, two years after starting a modest men’s shirt store in Glasgow, Ray Kelvin first opened the doors of Ted Baker in Covent Garden.

Today the international label boasts a sophisticated line of men’s tailor-ing, ladies’ wear and an adorable children’s range.

I first spoke to Ray Kelvin, the founder of the luxury retailer, during an uncommon public appearance in February 2011.

"I always wanted to have Ted to hide behind and create stories about."

I remember him distinctly as a jovial, inspiring family man whose humble attitude to his success was summarised in one line: “I'm not rich, I'm blessed.”

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My London

STUART PHILLIPS
'My Style'

The extremely talented, successful and intriguing Stuart Phillips, talks of everything from Jean Claude Van Damme to £20,000 for a haircut…BY NATASHA COLYER

From body builder, to hairdresser, to radio presenter, there is little Stuart Phillips hasn’t done, seen or hair he hasn’t styled. 

SAnd since opening his fabulous salon in Monmouth Salon seventeen years ago, there hasn't been a celebrity who has failed to step their Louboutin’ed toes over the doorstep.

With everyone from Janice Dickenson, Beverly Knight, Ronnie Woods, Girls Aloud, Jamie Oliver, Jonathon Ross, Jean Claude Van Damme (Stuart's personal favourite) and even The Hoff himself longing

"If there was one thing he would like his children or loved ones to inherit, it would have to be his artistic abilities..."

for Stuart to work his magic on their unruly tresses.

Stuart describes himself as not having any idols, instead making his own name- a feat he has most certainly achieved...

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London's finest

PATRICIA MICHELSON
La Fromagerie

Patricia Michelson, founder of the charming La Fromagerie in Marylebone speaks of her shop, her wine, and her cheese secrets... BY NATASHA COLYER

Patricia Michelseon is the truly lovely and talented owner of ‘La Fromagerie’ a quintessentially charming wine and cheese shop nestled in the bustling Moxon Street of Marylebone.

Since first opening the shop in 1992 it has simply gone from strength to strength, generating a dedicated following with everyone from Nigella Lawson raving of its opulent allure and beautiful offerings.

"Our shop isn’t set out conventionally so it is nice to take your time "

Here, the wonderful Patricia answers some questions on her cheese and wines, her future plans, and she even spills some of her cheese and wine secrets...

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My London

EDWARD BODENHAM
My London

Edward Bodenham talks of his family's business Floris, and answers some questions on himself and his London…BY NATASHA COLYER

Floris is a beautiful fragrance shop nestled in Green park.

Established in 1730 it is still a family-managed business, working hard to ensure they retain the friendly and beautiful essence from when the shop first opened.

They sell a range of traditional English colognes, soaps and health and beauty products with a range of bespoke fragrances available.

Best treasures are found Joy Everley jewellers off Carnaby Street...."

Edward Bodenham, marketing director and son of Owner John Bodenham answers some questions on the business...

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My London

SARAH CHAPMAN
My London

My Chic City meets London’s most sought-after facialist…BY EMILY ROSE

Beauty and skincare expert, Sarah Chapman, is the owner of Chelsea Skinesis Clinic. Her impressive clientele mean that she needs no introductions.

Socialites to celebrities come from far and wide for Sarah’s renowned facials. The facials are bespoke and so successful that she was even awarded the title ‘The Facial’ in Tatler’s 2012 Beauty Awards.

Her Skinesis brand –the ultimate blend of science, nature and luxury – is globally recognised for providing high-performance results.

"I am a London Girl so am also happy spending time shopping, meeting friends, eating and absorbing London life."

As a Chelsea girl, Sarah told My Chic City what London meant for her and where the beauty expert herself would go to get pampered!

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People

PATRICIA GOMEZ-GRACIA
Profile

The very lovely Latin designer, Patricia Gomez-Gracia, talks to My Chic City about her clothing line... BY EMILY ROSE

Designer Patricia Gomez-Gracia is every inch the cosmopolitan glamorous woman.

Born in Madrid, but grew up in Miami, Patricia has finally settled in London as the perfect “transnational base” for her clothing line.

Her brand includes elegant and feminine designs in addition to exciting transitional pieces. Her styles have already frequented the red carpet despite only launching in 2008.

Our customers range from 18-75 years old and across all different shapes and sizes across the world. They are bold, confident and glamorous women.

Patricia took the time to chat to My Chic City about her influences and her own wardrobe essentials…

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People

KELLY HOPPEN
My London

The very successful, very talented Interior designer Kelly Hoppen gives us a peek into her London lifestyle...

Since beginning her career at just 16, Kelly Hoppen and her stunning interior designing skills have simply gone from strength to strength.

Not only does she have an impressive celebrity clientele under her belt (which includes the likes of Martin Shaw,) she has also designed the first class cabins for British Aitways and (among others) the Boutique hotel Murmuri in Barcelona.

As if this was not enough, Kelly also runs the fantastic Kelly Hoppen design school, and designs a range of home accessories such as wall paper, wall art and furniture.

With a philosophy of ‘creating calm balanced environments based on Eastern cultures’ and a fame for her neutral colour palette, it is clear to see why her designs are so favoured among many. Here she answers some questions on pampering, her treasures, and the best place for a Sunday lunch…...

"The best treasures are found in the most unexpected places..."

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My London

OLIVER LESNIK
My London

Oliver Lesnik, head chef of Great Taste at The Cadogan ...BY EMILY ROSE

Chef, Oliver Lesnik, has the passion for food in his blood – his father was a chef at Claridge’s for 11 years. Oliver himself has followed in his father’s footsteps and not only worked at Claridge’s but also received a wealth of experience from Petrus, the Connaught Hotel and Gordon Ramsey’s hospital road.

Oliver is now Head Chef of Great Taste at The Cadogan in Knightsbridge – a showcase restaurant highlighting award winning British producers. It is an exciting new concept with a twist: the restaurant joins forces with prominent foodies every 6-8 weeks, who work with Oliver to create a menu.

"They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and nowhere does it better than The Wolseley!"

The well established, Cadogan hotel, has a prime location on Sloane Street. The comforts of an English home have all been recreated for a quintessentially British experience. Therefore housing a marvellous restaurant with an outstanding chef is the jewel in the crown of hotel amenities.

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People

CHRIS DYSON
My London

As a classical-modern architect Chris Dyson is extensively published in literature and exhibitions around the world.  From his  award-winning Georgian townhouse in Spitalfields, Chris allows us to preview his lifestyle in his London... BY CAMILLA HARVEY THOMAS

As the driving force behind his own company, built from a career of knowledge. James Stirling, Michael Wildor and Sir Terry Farrel are just some of the reputable names Dyson has worked with, recently honoured as a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts.

Living and working in a neighbourhood that has possibly the most powerful sense of place in all of London, Chris Dyson is in a good place to be able to skilfully draw out the innate character of the capitals buildings.

His home is a perfect example of sensitive restoration and bold modernism, showing Dysons commitment to those who 'use, operate and experience the buildings'...

Every project is considered unique, balancing both context and users in an economic way.

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