The colour this year is bright, bold and very distinctly red. As just a hint of red can make an impact, we bring you the pick of our best red alerts….
Ralph & Russo
Couturists Ralph & Russo, fresh from the catwalk at Paris Couture Fashion Week, are the perfect choice for updating a lacklustre wardrobe and throwing in a vivid splash of colour. From stunning ball gowns to perfectly tailored jackets, making a statement has never been so much fun!
Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore!
www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/isabella-blow-fashion-galore
Entrance £12.50; concessions £10; £6.25 on Mondays; until 2nd March.
Somerset House is presenting a major fashion exhibition, called Fashion Galore!, celebrating the extraordinary life and wardrobe of the late British patron of fashion and art, Isabella Blow. With a thirty year fashion career under her belt, Blow is credited with discovering model Sophie Dahl and launching the careers of Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy and Julien Macdonald, to name a few. With hundreds of pieces from her rich collection showcased, this is a rare opportunity to sneak a peek into the wardrobe of one of the world’s most fashionable women.
Isabella Blow, 1997 (c) Mario Testino
Burberry at Monnier Frères
www.monnierfreres.co.uk
If ever an excuse was needed to buy a new tote, we like the Salisbury by Burberry. Perfect as a desk-to-bar bag, the luxurious leather bag ensures you can fit almost anything in!
Carven
Léonie Sunglasses by Carven at www.monnierfreres.co.uk, £156
Escaping the northern hemisphere for some winter sun? Don’t leave home without these sunglasses from Carven. Whether worn for their intended purpose, or simply perched atop your head as an accessory, these sunglasses will see you through the summer and beyond.
Baume & Mercier
If you’re not the biggest fan of red, try a Baume & Mercier Linea watch on for size. A rich red leather strap, along with a clear face, mean you can rock the red trend without feeling like you’re overdoing it.
Vashi
Now, from watches to other jewellery. The Valentine’s Collection from Vashi is a glittering array of jewels that are sure to impress the lady in your life. Rubies and diamonds cluster on white gold settings, and the sparkling collection encompasses necklaces, rings and earrings (like the ones below, worn by actress Paula Lane to the National Television Awards). Diamonds are forever, after all!
Burberry
Burberry Mega Scarf at www.monnierfreres.co.uk, £250
To add a splash of bright hue to an outfit, Burberry’s Mega scarf is the perfect, inter-seasonal accessory.
Vertu
www.vertu.com, £4200
If you’re going all-out red, then make sure your phone doesn’t let you down in the style stakes, with this release from Vertu.
Campari
If you’re hitting the town, make sure your drink matches your dress, with Campari. Uma Thurman was recently used as the face of Campari’s 2014 calendar, and with previous “faces” including Penelope Cruz and Selma Hayek, this is a drink with some serious A-list endorsement.
Avakian
If it’s A-list looks you’re after, you can’t go too far wrong with jewellers to the stars Avakian, whose heart-shaped pieces make a statement. These are definitely not just for Valentine’s Day!
Smythson
If you’re looking to book a hotel over Valentine’s weekend, Dorchester Collection’s UK properties and Smythson have partnered together to produce an exclusive keepsake. Prior to a stay at The Dorchester, 45 Park Lane or Coworth Park, guests can contact their chosen hotel via Twitter using the hash tag #headoverheels in order to receive a complimentary Smythson Head Over Heels cross-grain leather flip book on arrival.
Bennison Fabrics
On the other hand, if you want to avoid the crowds and the inflated price tags by going out, try your hand at adding a little romantic warmth to your home with Bennison Fabrics’ Special Lipstick Pink Roses On Oyster print. Let your imagination run wild to create a stunning statement wall….or chair….or cushion….or dress….
La Maison du Chocolat
www.lamaisonduchocolat.co.uk, £68
Finally, we know it’s a bit clichéd, but let’s face it – it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day if there wasn’t a mention of chocolates somewhere! French chocolatiers La Maison du Chocolat’s coffrets are a divine mix of jasmine, violet and vanilla. One word – sublime!
