The Film: Jobs

Complete with the tagline, ‘Some see what’s possible, others change what’s possible,’ Jobs is billed as the inspirational movie of the summer. Charting Steve Jobs progression from College dropout to billionaire via a few bumps along the way and starring Ashton Kutcher, the fascinating man behind one of the world’s most famous brands is brought to life.

Jobs is in theaters August 16th

The Exhibition: American Modern: Hopper to O’Keeffe, MOMA

Drawing on what the New Yorker refers to as it’s ‘peerless’ collection of modern American Art, Moma’s latest exhibition focuses on some of America’s most influential artists found working between 1915 and 1950. Covering Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Charles Sheeler, Alfred Stieglitz and Andrew Wyeth among others, the exhibition brings together both renowned and little known paintings, photography, prints, drawings and sculptures in an exhibition that shows the best of American art from a pivotal period in history.

American Modern: Hopper to O’Keeffe, The Museum of Modern Art, August 17–January 26, 2014; moma.org

The Book: The White Queen, Philippa Gregory

Get swept away from your sunlounger and into the drama and intrigue of 15th century and England’s War of the Roses in Gregory’s latest historical novel. Telling the story of Elizabeth Woodville, the secret, beautiful and ambitious new wife of Edward IV, it explores the famous mystery of the two young princes kept in the Tower of London. Corset heaving drama, indeed.

The White Queen is available here: http://amzn.to/16cPo3v

The Inspiration: CZ Guest, American Style Icon by Susanna Salk

Published earlier this year, this compendium of images featuring the style icon CZ Guest proves a masterclass in understated chic. Known for her love of country living as much as her life as one of America’s most swan like socialites, Guest was and is a true style icon. Famed for her pared back look, her approach to dressing was unstingtingly precise and chic. As she once put it, “I like the classic look. Keep it simple. There’s only so much you can wear.”

CZ Guest, American Style Icon is available here http://amzn.to/18w8gLb

The Destination: Formentera

As the party crowd look for their must visit summer spot, there’s usually only one island on everyone’s minds come August: Ibiza. But the chic set, well they head nearby to the tiny island of Formentera just a 30 minute ferry ride away, an oasis of calm within reach of the party island, it’s a favourite with the likes of Kate Moss and Consuelo Castiglioni, the Marni designer who has a house there.  Tiny (just 19 km long,) blessed with whiter than white beaches, a clear turquoise sea and an extremely dramatic cliff dotted coastline, it’s famous for it’s tiny fincas, laid back approach and barefoot approach to luxury. The fashion set like to stay at luxury eco resort Es Ram (esramresort.com) a B&B and group of villas known for their whitewashed walls and impeccable service. The sceney lunch spot is Juan y Andrea, a beachfront restaurant known for it’s delicious fish (and people watching opportunities,) whilst El Tiburon is a more laid back option with stunning views. Come evening? It’s all about dinner under the twinkly canopy of restaurant Can Carlos (cancarlos.com) and a stroll around Es Pujols and it’s waterfront bars. That, or hopping on a ferry to the bright lights and big clubs of next door neighbour Ibiza.

And the guilty treat…: The Duffin

You’ve heard of the Cronut – but now comes the Duffin. Well, across Kotur’s desk it does. A donut/ muffin cross (that comes with or without jam, however takes your fancy,) this baked take on the donut is as delicious as it is DIY friendly.

Find the Recipe here: http://bit.ly/wJIdAg

Treepod dining at Soneva Kiri Koh Kood, Thailand

Got a head for heights? Book Treepod Dining at the heavenly Soneva Kiri and be seated in a bamboo pod winched up to six metres in the air so you can gaze down on the rainforest and waves below while an acrobatic waiter serves your meal via a zip line.

Dress code Soneva Kiri’s motto is ‘no news, no shoes’, so think casual – sundresses, shorts and sandals are perfectly acceptable.

Top table Seriously, you can’t beat star gazing from your private pod nestled high in the jungle’s canopy. 

Dress code International urban chic (linens, neutrals) with a colonial flourish (blazer, shiny shoes)

Top table All tables come with jaw-dropping vistas, but window seats offer pole-position, especially the more copious corner spots. Book ahead for intimate booth tables adjacent to the bar or one of the private dining pods lining the open kitchen.

Underwater dining at Anantara Kihavah’s, Maldives 

The Sea restaurant at this boutique oasis of luxury ocean facing villas in the impeccable Maldives excels in seasonal five-course lunches and four-course dinner menus, all served in glass-walled splendour three metres below the waves.

Dress code Crisp linen for him; billowing silk for her.

Top table Book a window seat in Sea for oceanic submersion without getting wet. Fish will float dreamily past as you dine on lobster lunches and degustation dinners, paired with the sommelier’s choice of 6,500 bottles of wine.

Dinner on the Mekong at An Lam Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

French-Vietnamese cuisine is served on tables overlooking Mekong river life in this Saigon boutique hotel that steps back in time. In it’s open air Tram dining room, Vietnamese lanterns typify the hotel’s fusion of French and Vietnamese elements whilst boats float dreamily by. There are comfy rattan chairs with big cushions to sink into, perfect for long romantic dinners. (Start with gỏi cuốn, rice-paper rolls, and move on to succulent duck magret).

Dress code Cool and Continental: think a shift dress and Chanel references (pearls, ballet flats) for her; chinos, linen and cologne for him.

Top table Bag one of the three tables along the river in the ‘Luc Binh corner’ overlooking the water and the Buddhist temple surrounded by palm trees on the other side of the river bank. (Lucky Smith members get first-dibs on one of these tables each evening).

Country Splendor at Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons, Oxfordshire UK 

Celebrated chef Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is the grandest, oldest house in a small, secluded Oxfordshire village whilst his two-Michelin-starred restaurant serves a deservedly celebrated menu of modern French dishes. If you’re going all-out (and while you’re here, why not?) go for the nine-course Menu Découverte; if you’ve a smaller appetite, there are five, six, and seven course tasting menus, too. Think english country chic meets delicious french cuisine and you’ll get the drift.

Dress code Très élégant.

Top table Every table’s good, but the conservatory’s views of the gardens make it a top choice. Tables for two predominate; if you’re dining as a group, request the long table in the restaurant’s semi-private La Bourgogne room (for up to 12 guests).

Stunning sea views at Cape La Gala, Sorrento, Italy

Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, the main restaurant at five start Capo La Gala sits above the pool, with various seating areas dotted around the hotel, inside and out, including one down by the beach. Crisp navy tablecloths stand out against the white Panton chairs, and there are stacks of stripey blue and white cushions. It has a Michelin star to its name, so expect fine flavour combinations, such as tuna steak in herb pastry with caponata and candied tomatoes and ravioli with caciotta cheese and marjoram.

Dress code Pucci and Prada, worn with a tan.

Top table By the windows in the main restaurant, with views straight out to sea.

View details for all hotels on www.mrandmrssmith.com

www.luxecityguides.com  Along with our passports and SPF, a Luxe City Guide is a total travel essential as far as we’re concerned (see our interview with their founder Grant Thatcher here.) With guides to pretty much any city you might wish to visit, these pocket sized notes full of insider info and the odd quip do the same job as your fabulously travelled best friend might on holiday – they get you to the best of the best, quickly, and with a few adventures along the way.

www.mrandmrssmith.com The Grand Dame of boutique luxury, the places this website doesn’t list in locations all around the world almost aren’t worth considering. Brilliant for great reviews with incredibly handy hints on everything from room choices to local restaurants to kid friendly holidays, plus very easy bookings and totally tantalising pictures.

www.ahotellife.com  Newly launched A Hotel Life is the brainchild of Ben Pundole, the man behind Montauk hotspots Ruschmeyer’s and the Surf Lodge and features a highly edited selection of hotels with an emphasis on the cool. Each reviewed by tastemakers including interior designers, DJs and magazine editors, Pundole’s website is where to find out where the hip crowd are holidaying this summer.

www.theluxenomad.com A new flash sale website, The Luxe Nomad runs short sales on stays in heavenly resorts around the world with a special focus on Asia. From last minute trips to Thailand to jungle stays in Laos, this website will help get you there quickly – and on a fabulous deal.

Pictures: The Luxe City Guides, The Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany as shown on mrandmrssmith.com, Deetjen’s Inn as pictured on ahotellife.com and The Danna in Langkawi, Malaysia from luxenomad.com

Further down the street is another gem of a shop. The Pietro Collection is a total treasure trove, an interiors store that’s all about colour, taking European style pieces and delivering them with an Asian twist. Not shy of a statement, their huge space was full of oversized chandeliers and ceramic Chinese stools, mid century knick knacks and bamboo lamps, bright accessories and table accents, and if we’d had a container ready and waiting, we would have taken a hell of a lot of it home with us! For an incredible assortment of pieces full of life and colour and with a brilliant feel that’s both Asian inspired and rather 1960′s modern to boot, The Pietro Collection was a truly inspirational space.

Click through our gallery above for some of our favourite finds from both stores.

For information on both, please see below.

Warehouse 17 - 2241 Pasong Tamo, La Fuerza Compound, Makati, Philippines, www.w17home.com

THE PIETRO COLLECTION - La Fuerza Compound, 2241 Don Chino Roces Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines  Phone: +63(2)3105164

The brainchild of Rose Carrarini and her husband Jean Claude, The Rose Bakery was opened near the Gare du Nord in 2002. Daring to tell the French how to eat, the couple (she is British, he French, they had previously worked in fashion and launched a cafe in London,) quickly became famous for their delicious salads and incredible treats (the lemon polenta cake and carrot cake being particularly well known highlights.) Quickly, it became a must do stop on the Paris visitors list -and a particular favourite of the fashion week crowd. The cafe’s understated look, impeccable fresh ingredients and simple but delicious food proved too much of a killer combo for most to resist. For those not currently heading to Japan or Paris, however, help is at hand. The cafe have published two books, the latest, How To Boil an Egg, just a couple of months ago, and they’re great. Simple, delicious recipes that are the chicest take on naughty eating we’ve ever seen. So good, they might convince even us to break out the baking trays.

To get you started, here’s their recipe for Carrot Cake:

Rose’s carrot cake

Serves 8

unsalted butter, for greasing
4 eggs
225g caster sugar
300ml sunflower oil
9 medium carrots, finely grated
300g plain flour, sifted
1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 rounded tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda, 1/2 tsp salt
150g finely chopped walnuts

for the icing

125g unsalted butter, softened
250g cream cheese
1/2 tsp natural vanilla extract
50-75g icing sugar

Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Butter a 23cm cake tin and line the base with parchment. Beat the eggs and caster sugar until light and fluffy. Pour in the oil and beat for a few more minutes. Fold in the carrots then the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt. Fold in the walnuts. Pour the mixture into the tin and bake for about 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool the cake in the tin before taking it out. To make the icing, beat the butter with the cream cheese and add the vanilla extract and icing sugar. Ice when the cake is cool.

All Pictures from: Breakfast, Lunch and Tea and How to Boil an Egg by the Rose Bakery

Books available at Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/How-Boil-Egg-Rose-Carrarini/dp/071486241X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y

http://www.amazon.com/Breakfast-Lunch-Tea-Little-Bakery/dp/0714844659

Long an avid supporter of Haiti’s own resources and the potential they hold for not only the country but also for designers who want to make fabulous products, Donna’s Urban Zen studio was filled with decorations, art and artefacts, all sourced from Haiti itself. Lucky enough to be one of the first to arrive, we were able to take in the full raw drama of the papier mâché lights hanging from the ceiling, the Haitian art adorning the walls, the pottery and candles scattered across every surface. One to put her money where her mouth is, Karan has already started producing items in the country, making jewellery on show on the night. As she puts it, the aim is “to help Haiti help itself by utilizing and organizing its artisans, natural resources and production potential to create business models that can be properly marketed and distributed throughout the US and Europe.” As we stood surrounded by the dramatic scenes that such natural resources can create, it seemed a mission that should be entirely possible.

One Million Hearts: Fashion for Haiti

One Million Hearts is a collaboration between Urban Zen, the CFDA and eBay, involving nearly 150 designers including Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch and Kotur. Each of us has customised a locally crafted papier mâché heart to make for beautiful, one off decorations full of meaning and purpose. All the Hearts for Haiti will be available to buy at auction on eBay between April 22 and May 2, 2013.

Please visit www.ebay.com/fashionforhaiti for more information.

Key to Annabel’s fame has always been its completely unique and entirely recognisable style. From Mabel the coat attendant to the famously brilliant barmen, from the art adorned walls to the old school menu, from the cut glass held cocktails to the cavernous, sofa filled nooks and crannies, the club in all its perfect glory was the vision incarnate of its founder – the inimitable Mark Birley.

Mr Birley sadly died last year, aged 77 and after selling Annabel’s and his other concerns (he founded the equally famous and chic London eateries Marks Club and George,) to the restaurant magnate Richard Caring in 2007. But, no matter that the places he founded had once hosted his current customers’ grandparents, no matter that his mantra had been to preserve the old fashioned way things had always been done, no matter that his empire had been sold before his death, right up until the end, Birley was a man whose name was totally synonymous with a particularly British sense of style.

That style is now on show, as Sotheby’s prepare to auction off the contents of his London home in a sale that takes in everything from his art to his nick nacks, his furniture to barware – each one, you guessed it, brilliantly chosen, perfectly kept and inimitably, old world chic. From David Hockney prints to a collection of cocktail shakers, small ornaments to cosy chairs, if you want a glimpse of how they used to do it, in a time when martinis were the perfect pre lunch aperitif, playing Backgammon, a valid career, and chic, the only way to go, it would well be worth taking a look.

Mark Birley: Private Collection goes on sale at Sotheby’s March 21st http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2013/mark-birley-collection/overview.html

Pictures:

The interior at Annabel’s

Mark Birley shot by Jonathan Becker for Vanity Fair

The interior at Annabel’s

Neisha Crosland fabric on the sofas at Annabel’s from mydeco.com

A Brazilian party at Annabels photographed by Norman Parkinson

Interiors at Annabel’s

The Entrance to Annabel’s

Click through our gallery to see images of the party and dinner at the White Cube gallery.