Moda 360: International Designers Gather In New York To Show Collections

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Designers from around the world are joining international artists to show their work at Moda360 at The Carriage House, 149 E. 38th Street in New York, June 30 -July 1.

Capsule runway presentations will take place in the art gallery setting, with exhibits of apparel and accessories set off by the resident artists of the Carriage House and a New York furniture designer and a UK textile artist. Hollywood celebrity stylist Melissa Laskin will combine pieces from all the collections to create a special collective runway with the theme “Well-behaved women rarely make history” (Leslie Ulrich Thatcher). International videographers will show their creativity in a continuouloop of videos played at the event. Moda 360 is a unique, and growing, platform combining art, fashion and video to show the art in fashion, and the lifestyle in art.

Tickets for Moda 360 are available, and a special ticket is available for both Moda 360 and the Friends of the Congo fundraiser reception on June 30.

Participating artists and designers include:

Tee Njoroge – NCIIRA
Tee Njoroge, is a 22 year old London based graduate who is currently working on building her fashion brand called NCIIRA. Her work is highly inspired by architecture, shapes and structure. The brand’s aim is to empower and represent the inner strength and confidence of an individual through their way o f dressing. The designs are a mixture of elegant edgy, feminine, bold and daring.

Sara Hegazy
Sara Hegazy is Dubai fashion designer and a student at London College of Fashion Student. In her short career, she has been nominated MENA’s Next Top Designer, and was appointed first fashion designer and consultant at Asfour Crysta International & Egyptian Fashion Entrepreneur. She launched her international brand SARA HEGAZY and was the first Egyptian couture brand on the London Fashion Week catwalk in 2013. Currently, she is launching her fourth collection, “Cleopatra” which enjoyed a successful pre-launch at Asia Fashion Jewelry International Fair in Hong Kong.

Eva Cammarata
Eva Cammarata is a London womenswear designer. Born in Sicily, Eva graduated in Italy but earned a Master Degree in Womenswear Design at the “Istituto Marangoni London Campus” and a MA in Digital Fashion at the prestigious London College of Fashion. Eva began her career working at Giles Deacon and Erdem, and in 2010, launched her eponymous brand, showcasing in Paris, London and New York. Eva Cammarata is an ethical luxury label, using organic and biotech fibres tha moisturise the skin of the wearer. Eva’s collections adhere to impeccable quality and sustainability through the entire manufacturing process, producing in UK and Italy, and reflecting her commitment to the environment and fair trade.

Melissa Laskin – Elvislaskin, abstract artist
Melissa Laskin has enjoyed success in a multi-hyphenate career: stylist-designer-artist. She achieved tremendous success as a Hollywood stylist, working with A -list celebrities and media outlets, as well as creating looks for well-known advertising campaigns. While recovering from a serious car accident, Melissa began painting, creating bold abstract art. She quickly translated her artwork into a successful line of t-shirts, tunics and dresses, in contemporary silhouettes she was unable to find elsewhere for styling. Her eye for color and composition continues to bring her success with her artwork featured in art galleries around the country, and her elvislaskin collection sold in prestigious boutiques.

Designer, Juan Pablo Martinez
Juan Pablo Martínez studied Fashion Design in Bogotá in the early nineties and then moved to Milan to study pattern making and sewing. After completing his studies, he moved to Paris to practice design at the Atelier Chardon Savard, and worked wit Christian Lacroix at his Prêt-à-Porter studio. In 1999, Juan Pablo returned to Bogotá and opened his own atelier, designing and creating men’s suits. After 12 successful years in tailoring, Juan Pablo felt the need to pursue fashion differently, with focus on sustainable fabrics and fair labor. His collections combine the exquisite tailoring found in the finest menswear with sustainable fabrics sourced in Colombia, recycled cotton PET from recycled plastic bottles, and baby alpaca hand woven by local artisans. The inspiration for his collection marries his passions: hard rock music and draping over the body; the Trucker Jacket meets Madame Vionnet.

Natacha Arranz Atelier
Natacha Arranz was born in Valladolid, Spain, and studied Fashion Design at Saint Martin School of Art , in London, with post graduate study in fabric techniques at the University of Barcelona, and in cinematography and aesthetics at the University of Valladolid. Natacha designs prêt-à-porter, haute couture and millinery in her atelier and teaches fashion design in “La Escuela de Diseño.” She is an award winning designer, winning first place in Castilla y León. Valladolid (Spain), the Youn Designer’s award in Zaragoza (Spain), and the Creativity Award from the El Corte Inglés. Valladolid (Spain), as well as winning t he “Prêt-à-porter Award” at Miami Fashion Week.

SoniaM
Sonia grew up in Italy, where beauty and style is part of the culture, surrounded by creative people, and both of these have instilled in her a sense of aesthetic sensitivity and judgment through an understanding of visual and structural values. In 2003 she graduated from Central Saint Martin’s as a textile designer specialising in knit. During her final year she experimented with unusual yarns such as wire, copper, Lurex, paper and plastic and is still using these materials to design accessory pieces for Fashion and Interiors. Since graduating SoniaM has accumulated a vast spectrum of experience working for LFW – London Fashion Week – from 2005 to 2010 with various fashion designers styling their catw alk shows and for UFFR – United

Fashion Forum Russia – styling catwalk shows at the Victorian & Albert Museum and for LFW off schedule show. From 20010 till 2013 SoniaM was the Head Stylist for FF – Fashions Finest and AFWL – Africa Fashion Week London – creatin individual and unique looks on the catwalks.

Josephine Adebolu – JoDeLyn London
JoDeLyn London is a contemporary jewelry collection designed and handmade by Josephine Adebolu. She produces a catwalk and diffusion range of exquisite contemporary jewelry pieces and uses them as a means to communicate and express her passion for identity and individuality. Josephine is a graduate with honors in Silversmithing & Jewelry. Her main inspiration comes from the contrasts that exist in textures, colors and materials in nature, cultures and everyday life. She combines different contrasting qualities; rough with smooth, light with dark, hard with soft, resulting in unpredictable and beautiful possibilities. She creates bold, stunning statement jewelry that ind ividualizes and distinguishes the wearer from
others.

Laura Buffa – Alter Equo
Laura Buffa launched Alter Equo in response to the emergency of the waste collection system in Rome. Rome is scattered with discarded plastic bottles that become first hand ma terial for the Alter Equo sustainable fashion project. The bottles are cut into shapes that are revealed in the plastic or cut out according to the designs previously imagined and sketched. The shapes are then worked with heating tools, allowing the plastic to react to heat according to its chemical weight. Finishing touches are semi precious stones (quartz, amethyst, carnelian, pearls) or rhinestones. “We are artisan women combining business and sustainability. We know our action is just a drop in the ocean yet we care for the environment and try to preserve it. We get inspired by the shapes and colors of the bottles to create PET plastic jewels, eco designs and home complements. We manage to find the “soul” even in a disposed plastic bottle, the symbol of massive consumerism.” Laura Buffa

Foldi Kinga – Baharat
Baharat is an haute couture and luxury prêt à porter brand. Designer Foldi Kinga is an award winning designer and costumer who handcrafts collections with an to detail, using traditional as well as unique techniques and often build upon a particular traditional decorative technique such as origami, pleating or lace-making. The designer pursues ethical principles, creating her designs in collaboration with local artisans and using left over sartorial material in the Baharat jewelry collection. The silk jewelry is crafted from two layer laminated silk, with each component part cut and ironed by hand, and strung together to create a shimmering rainbow of color.

Bethany Walker – Mixed Media Textiles
Bethany Walker is an exciting emerging Mixed Media Artist best known for her ‘signature’ combination of materials – cement and textiles. Bethany has developed her individual hand techniques, each piece is individual and creates intrigue with its integral shape, colour and relief. Bethany’s work explores connections and contrasts in the urban environment – things we all observe daily but often overlook. The dynamics of the graphic and organic; the old and the new are an endless source of inspiration for the ar tist. Endeavouring to break new ground, Bethany is pushing the boundaries of contemporary textiles – blurring design disciplines, breaking preconceptions and traditionalist viewpoints to create pleasantly stunning pieces.

Manny Flaherty – Furniture Artist
Founded in 2010 by Manuel Flaherty, Mi Mesita is a small furniture company dedicated to producing high quality, hand-made furniture that is accessible and affordable. Using traditional building techniques and domestic woods, Mi Mesita creates furniture t hat will withstand the test of time, both structurally and aesthetically. As a New Yorker, all designs take into consideration the limited space available in many NYC homes. Even in a little apartment, one
should be able to decorate with unique, beautiful, functional, and quality long lasting furniture. Each piece is hand built, and all designs are customizable to meet your needs.

Teo González – Artist, abstract art
Teo González was born in Quinto de Ebro, Zaragoza (Spain), in 1964. He studied under Jordi Teixidor before moving to Southern California in 1991. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in Art from California State University, Bakersfield. He has lived and worked in Brooklyn since 1999. His work has been included in museum shows worldwide at institutions such as the Kemper Art Museum in Saint Louis, Missouri; the Borusan Contemporary in Istanbul, Turkey; the Katonah Museum of Art I Katonah, NY; the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Esteban Vicente in Segovia, Spain; and has been included in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, NY; the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles,

CA; the National Gallery and the Corcoran Gallery in Washington, DC; the Museo Pablo
Serrano in Zaragoza, Spain; the San Diego Museum of Art in San Diego, CA; The Achenbach Foundation in San Francisco, CA; or the New Mexico Museum of Art in Santa Fe, NM, among others.

Cristóbal Gabarrón – Artist, abstract art
Cristóbal Gabarrón was born in 1945 in Mula (Murcia), Spain, receive d his first training in Valladolid before pursuing his early artistic career in France and Italy. His current works are carried out primarily in Spain and the United States. Far from the aesthetic conventionalisms, of isthmuses or vanguards, Gabarrón’s work only understands life. His vision of art is clearly anthropocentric. The individual human life, and the coexistence and the development of human values, are the pillars on which his art and his personal convictions rest. The Olympic Mural for the Barcelona Olympic Games and the Encounter Mural for the Universal Exhibition of Seville (1992), the great sculptural project “Atlanta Start” (1996), the materialization of the wor “Hope for Peace” (1986) and the Official Poster for the Millennium Summit and the Millennium Chapel (2000-2001) are important milestones in his career, while beginning a fruitful creative period, which still remains today, marked by his collaboration with international organizations, such as the IOC or United Nations.

Tickets can be purchased via the links below….

Moda 360 tickets

Friends of the Congo fundraising evening tickets
press/buyers/magazines registration

General information: moda360intl@gmail.com

Is It Wrong When Women Swear?

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Credit: Nemo

There was a huge uproar when Dame Helen Mirren swore at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. Dinosaur Daily Mail journalist Quentin Letts wrote a piece criticising her, calling her an ‘”uneducated trollop”. Here is what Mirren said: “40 is good, 50 is great, 60 is fab and 70 is fucking awesome.” In an ageist, sexist society you have a sexy, beautiful, successful woman saying the word ‘fuck’ and a grown man just can’t handle it. Mirren is an advocate that getting older is great, that life just gets better, much better than the usual youth-obsession and droning on that getting older is awful. Dawn O’Porter also wrote an amazing piece for Glamour on Letts and swearing.

But let’s get down to what this is really about: sexist double standards. No one writes scathing articles when men swear but women are supposed to be ‘ladylike’. And when people say ‘ladylike’ what they really mean is quiet, well behaved and knowing your place. We have to wear the right things, have the correct manners, don’t be loud, don’t be opinionated, don’t draw attention to yourself. It is all COMPLETE BULLSHIT. I mean, are men like Quentin Letts gentlemen? No, there are barely any left, but women are still supposed to follow an ancient Victorian code that oppresses them under the guise of being a lady. I am a woman, not a lady and I am proud of that. Being a woman is far better. I have no interest in being a lady.

I am not saying I like ladette culture, in fact, I hated it. I am not saying all women should be loud mouthed and swear all of the time but a well placed fuck in the right moment makes all the difference. Never mind the fact that there is nothing sexier than someone who can swear properly. When you tell someone to fuck off it’s a command, not a suggestion. Punch it. True, not everyone likes swearing generally, but then again, not everyone likes chocolate or steak or yellow, that doesn’t mean other people aren’t allowed to like it. Everyone is allowed their own opinion on general swearing. For and against.

The real fact is, this is the only area where I blame my parents (blaming your parents for problems in your adulthood is juvenile to say the least). When I was growing up swearing was something that we were punished hard for but my parents were particularly hard on me, not my two brothers, always saying that it is ‘worse’ when women swear and not ‘ladylike’. This is, very probably, why my favourite word is ‘fuck’.

So the next time you have a point that would be greatly emphasised with a well-timed swearword, fucking go for it.

What do you think? What is your opinion on swearing?

Free Wimbledon Screenings In London

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Frostie

Head to One New Change to soak up the Wimbledon action and you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious cocktail courtesy of luxury strawberry cream liqueur, Tequila Rose.

One New Change will be hosting free Wimbledon screenings on its roof top terrace, which boasts panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the rest of the city.

Visitors will soak up the action with deck chair seating and large screens installed in specially customised retro caravans, where all the Championship action will be shown for two weeks from June 23^rd.

The Tequila Rose bar is at One New Change from July 3^rd until July 6^th, 1pm – 7pm and is an ideal retreat from shopping or work, where you can keep up with Federer, Murray, Williams and Sharapova while sampling a Strawberry Love cocktail.

The Strawberry Love is made with Tequila Rose – a natural strawberry flavoured cream liqueur with premium Mexican tequila – black raspberry liqueur and a fresh strawberry. If you’d like to re-create the Strawberry Love at home, here’s the recipe:

Strawberry Love

Ingredients (single serve):

· 60ml Tequila Rose

· 20ml Black Raspberry Liqueur

· 60ml Semi Skimmed Milk

· Fresh strawberry

Shake the ingredients with ice and strain into a cold glass, garnish with a fresh strawberry.

Tequila Rose is priced £14.99 for 70cl from drinksupermarket.

Dylan Thomas’s Last Days Inspires Novel by Award-Winning Screenwriter

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Frostie

EastEnders’s longest-serving scriptwriter, Rob Gittins is launching his brand-new novel, The Poet and the Private Eye at Dinefwr Literature Festival this weekend. The novel depicts the last three weeks of legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’s life, and is based upon real life events.

The year is 1953, and a private investigator takes on a tail job in New York City. His quarry is a newly-arrived visitor from the UK ̶ the private eye has never heard of him, but he will. The mark is the legendary Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, and in three weeks’ time, he’ll be dead.

“As far as the poet Dylan Thomas is concerned, nothing that happens in this story is invented,” explains author Rob Gittins, who published his first novel Gimme Shelter last year. “All of the events in the novel actually happened.

“In October 1953, Time magazine hired a private detective to shadow Dylan Thomas during what turned out to be his last visit to New York. Dylan had taken out a libel suit against Time because of a less-than-flattering profile the magazine had published about him some months before. Time intended to use any new material gathered by the detective to defend its portrait of Dylan who, they alleged: ‘… dresses like a bum… drinks like a culvert… smokes like an ad for cancer… sleeps with any woman who is willing… is a trial to his friends and a worry to his family…’.

“To shape the events into a fictional form, however, I have taken liberties in mixing events from different trips, as Dylan Thomas visited America four times in total. So taken as a whole, the story presents an accurate account of the poet’s time in the US. As little is known about the private eye, his character, background and history is, necessarily, entirely my invention.”

The Poet and the Private Eye tells a tragic, but ultimately life-affirming story. It also engages with an issue: how an artist can change the life of even the most hard-bitten and cynical onlooker – and how an artist’s work can then live on to change the lives of countless others.

Wales Book of the Year winner Wiliam Owen describes the novel as “…a gripping story which takes a highly original look at the unravelling of Dylan Thomas’s chaotic life and ultimate death. But central to the novel is the power of Dylan’s poetry and how it’s ultimately a force for hope, reconciliation and even redemption in the lives of the people it touches.”

Rob Gittins is an award-winning screenwriter who has written for numerous top-rated television drama series – including EastEnders, Casualty and The Bill – and film as well as creating and writing original drama series of his own. He lives in Rhydargaeau near Carmarthen. The Poet and the Private Eye will be launched in Newton House at Dinefwr Literature Festival this Saturday, 5.45pm and at Waterstones, Carmarthen on Thursday 17 July at 6.30pm.

The Poet and the Private Eye is available here.

Eat, Drink and Be Winchester Review

Posted on June 18, 2014 by Sarah Bacchus

We have a new cafe just opened here in Winchester and while the SLB Style team are moving to London very soon we still love to deliver amazing finds in Winchester. Eat, Drink and Be opened just 5 weeks ago and we where delighted when we got to sample the quality fair on offer. All the cakes are made by the coffee house themselves. Everything on offer is simply prefect and just amazing value for money.

What used to be an old jewellers at the top of the high street is now on of the finest cafes we have here in our little city. Offering delicious cakes, muffins, homemade soups and a range of freshly made salads.

When it comes to amazing places to eat and drink we do love to find the cool places to advertise and this one will keep you coming back for more and more we are sure. If you are planning a trip around The Great Hall and the Cathedral grounds then this is one place to really make a beeline for!!! Sorry we really couldn’t help that!! Eat, Drink and Be will have you fuelled up ready for a day of shopping and wandering.

Outside has been revamped into a little continental haven for people watchers and coffee lovers. Simply plonk yourself down and sit back, watch the stylish world pass you by with you sit, sip and rejoice at the wonderful views of this beautiful city.

Inside its a stunning beehive yellow with referenced to Bees everywhere you look.

We ordered Coffee, cakes, lemonade and spring water. We had decided to be a little good and have a healthy lunch when leaving home, especially when looking at all theses salads, just beautiful. The cakes got the better of us… tempting us away from any plans to diet yet again!

This place gets a big 4 stars from all of us at SLBStyle. If you would like a review of your fine dining or coffee shop please don’t hesitate in contacting us and we would be honoured to com and take some snaps. Follow us on Twitter @sarahbacchus @LottieSmith25 @ianbacchus and for all other photographic work contact me via www.sarahbacchus.com

Racism… What exactly is it?

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Errol Clarke

It has become the contrast of its own distinction. We either have heated discussions over it, or ignore it as best we can, but what is it? The dictionary says, “The belief that all members of each race possess characteristics, abilities, or qualities specific to that race, especially so as to distinguish it as inferior or superior to another race or races:” or even “Prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against someone of a different race based on the belief that one’s own race is superior:” Unfortunately 21^st century life has added splinters of this to make up the sum of the whole.

Racism.
Credit: wikipedia

Everything from governmental policies to sport and even entertainment has helped perpetuate the type of racism that should either be ignored, or addressed. A bold statement, you say… Ok, let’s have a look at politics. Government parties claim to have the betterment of the electorate for whom they are supposed to represent. Yet the ill of all that goes on seems to be directed toward immigrants and scroungers. The latter being painted in typical fashion that has become accepted!

The rise in electable anti-ethnic parties is unprecedented and they sway popularity with weak manifestos bolstered by ethnic reforms, which are unpalatable at best! Now whilst sport may be a difficult one to pigeon-hole, given the diversity of the sports and activities as a whole, the more popular the sport the more it seems to have a “Big Boys Club” mentality. This even puts the lack of female input to managerial and hierarchal appointments into the spotlight. So, given the diversity of the country as a whole, does it represent the people that pay to watch the sports? Obviously not, but that means we have accepted that things are OK! It is not to say there are not people qualified to do these roles, they just seem to be made available to a select few and when someone actually does get a role, if at all, it is scrutinised and made to feel that the role may not be o merit and for publicity and “ticking a box”.

Entertainment is, unfortunately, easier to highlight and has been under a huge spotlight in 2014! Everything from the awards to the fact Lenny Henry had to give a speech in BAFTA addressing the situation, which I found both entertaining and deeply saddening. In 3 years alone a recorded 2000 Black and Minority Ethnic actors have left the industry in the UK and that are only those that are known, whilst the industry has grown by 4000! Zero commissioners in the UK are of any minority ethnicity and funding has been found to not represent the criterion set out for the channels. They make up only 5.4% of the broadcasting workforce! That means in front of and behind the camera. With the rise in gang culture and the highlight for tougher sentencing, this issue could be squashed in a simple and effective manoeuvre.

Youth clubs and play areas will not only bring people together, it gives the young purpose and direction. I saw this issue arise as each government made their excuses for tearing down the structure that has been in all societies since man first colonised… let children be children and guide them as they enjoy their childhood. To make the stigmas of the adult populous those of the young has shown they are ill-equipped to deal with such matter and adding colour and race has made it far more volatile than the adults trying to impose their beliefs. Advertising is also an area that falls foul to the discrimination…

If you need to have proof then check the experiment from the University of Virginia. The experiment, conducted from March 2009 to March 2010, found that black sellers did worse than white sellers on a variety of metrics: they receive 13 percent fewer responses, 18 percent fewer offers, and offers that are 11 to 12 percent lower. These effects are similar in magnitude to those associated with a white seller’s display of a tattoo, which the authors included to serve as a “suspicious” white control group.Those corresponding with black sellers reacted much more negatively, implying less underlying trust.

Unfortunately this is reinforced by advertising agencies, as they never use any other ethnicity for advertising, unless it specifies a typical group. Unfortunately employment falls into the same category. A study was done with 2 exacting CV’s and the names were changed to be typically contrasting. 5000 resumes were sent out, which were to 1300 available jobs and the prospective employers were none the wiser of the experiment. Whilst the return rate of the CV’s were on average for both Caucasian male and female candidates (approx 1 call back in 10) the average for the ethnic male and female candidates were 25% lower. The experiment was carried out in July2001-January 2002. Unfortunately the experiment carried out in July 2011-January 2012 showed a significant increase in disparity from 25% to 50%, which shows how far the human species has come in regards to employment. Whilst these are only call backs, the numbers are compelling.

If I were to label all the problems with policing then we would be here for a whole separate subject and conclusion. So, whilst I have seemingly dissected the flaws of modern day earth and strewn it out for all to see, it’s not all one-sided. There are people who, naturally, are able to judge someone on the content of their character and that is no surprise. Many ethnic groups are starting their own areas of business, which caters to people that are not represented in their field, but not excluding any colour, or creed, as it does not interfere with the progress of the company. And many of the youth consider the stupidity of the older generation for hating people for their colour not something they can get their head into and support! For those that question either the validity, or the impact of this subject. That’s easy, just try it for a while and see how long you last! If it is unacceptable then there must be something wrong with the way it is!

You are not expected to bear the burden of your forefathers and the mistakes of their past, but maybe the difference of peace and harmony can make the way of life easier and remember that we all only have a finite time on this planet. Illogical hate is something that is the epitome of racism. It truly is a state of regression and an excuse to express a primal behaviour! Anyhow a colour makes someone change their mind about a person, says more about the person attacking than the person being attacked. I was going to finish on a cliché of Martin Luther King Jnr, but I feel that something more prophetic is in order. So, when you go and have St George’s flag flying and puff up your chest about how he represents the fight and spirit of England… try to remember that he’s an Arab and born in Syria and venerated by Christians and Muslims.

L’Orchidee Westfield London | Restaurant Review

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

L’Orchidee is situated in The Village, the luxury arm of Westfield. It is in an island, giving you a great view of the hustle and bustle of Westfields, whilst also being a place of calm and serenity. It is incredibly glamarous and I feel like I am in an episode of Gossip Girl while I sit in the luxurious, beautiful surroundings, cocktail in hand.

A band is playing, usually it is just a piano, the lovely manager tells me, this time it is much noisier and a trumpet player had joined in the fun. The entire experience is wonderful and we haven’t even ordered any food yet.

I have the Lobster Brioche. Which is brioche with lobster, salmon roe and curried mussels. It is amazing and comes with a salad on the side with a great dressing. My colleague has Confit of Duck with Caramelized Onion. I am obsessed with anything curried favourite and I love lobster so the lobster brioche was perfect for me. It really was superb and unique. It was a good portion too, the lobster was great, as was the salmon roe and the curried mussels were perfectly judged: not too overpowering. The duck confit sandwich was also superb, it came with a good salad and dressing and some amazing terra chips. It is full of flavour and the duck is delicious and goes fantastically with the onion.

We also tasted some of L’Orchidee’s amazing cocktails. Two of our favourites were the English Rose cocktail – Syrup de Rose, Creme de Cassis, Prosecco and gin, finished with rose petals and the Hazelnut Alexander – Frangelico, dark cocoa liquor brandy, hazelnut puree, and double cream. There cocktails are brilliant. I am going to work my way through their entire cocktail menu.

For dessert I have the amazing Black Magic which is Dark chocolate and passion fruit, coconut scented base, topped with dark chocolate glaze and finished with passion fruit macarons. It was all kinds of wonderful and is one of the best desserts I have ever had in my life. I still have dreams about it. The passion fruit works very well and all of the ingredients work well together. My colleague had the Zoe: Tender chocolate and almond dacquoise biscuit finished by our apricot preserved chocolate ganache and raspberries. It was also very good.

We finished off with some macaroons. A passion fruit one and a ferrero rocher one. We will definitely be going back to L’Orchidee. We loved everything about it and definitely want to sample their Champagne afternoon tea – specialty mini pastries and macaroons from their chef’s selection, with the hand-picked distinctive Mecier Brut champagne. This is a wonderful Parisian patisserie in the heart of bustling Westfield. The one in Westfield London has just opened but there is also one in Westfield Stratford.

L’Orchidee is a must go: stunning food and cocktails, wonderful, relaxing surroundings and great service. We will be regulars now.

Cute Kitten Video Of The Day

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Frostie

We all need a little bit of cute in our life, which is why we have brought you this video of one of the cutest kittens we have ever laid eyes on. Her name is Octavia and she sure loves waving her arms around. We’re not sure if she is clapping or playing with an imaginary friend. She sure seems to be a natural star, and there is a cute shot of mum towards the end.

What do you think? Super cute or not?

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