BE L GRAVI A RE S I DE NT S J OURNA L 011

makers
The
taste
When it comes to all things bright and
beautiful, Belgravia has more than its fair
share of brands, boutiques and individuals
with impeccable taste. The Belgravia
Residents Journal takes a look at
some of the most inuential...
IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN
Anthony Armstrong interviews one of the best curators
in Belgravia, Francesca Barrow, founder of Faonner
H
as brand become vulgar? I ask Francesca
Barrow the Belgravian curator of luxury
design over coffee at The Berkeley Hotel.
The point is that it shouldnt be. Its how one uses the brand
which is important, she says. In the 1950s, for example,
people contemplated brands with purpose. There was an
appreciation of quality, workmanship and etiquette. Now
there is lesser consideration of the history and material of
a product. Faonners purpose is to change that, she adds
enthusiastically.
Established three years ago, the business works
closely with leading brands to curate products for
presentation in high-end lifestyle magazines and for
display in Faonners exhibition space.
I ask what curating involves and discover that
to curate is to present a brand in such a way as to
bet its desired image, which, Francesca tells me, is
often marred by ill-considered promotion. Too often
nowadays the objective is to gain the audiences attention
through being controversial as opposed to being pure,
she confesses. As a result, a brand will approach me
for my honest contemplation of chic and for a more
sophisticated perspective.
Former shoot locations have included The Ritz and
No. 11 Cadogan Gardens, with every aspect overseen
by Francesca: the creative idea, choice of model, the
most effective photographer, the location disparate
elements that must be combined to produce a work of
art. Achieving the ideal scenario where the creative team
shares a fantastic chemistry, the photographer understands
the objective and the model moves perfectly, is difcult
sometimes, she admits. But that doesnt stand in my way
of realising my vision and Im always pleased with the
result. That result is of both style and substance.
Dedicated to the integrity of what luxury should mean,
Francesca eulogises about her clients, such as Champagne
producer Perrier-Jout. The artistry of the bottle alone is
inspiring, but I wanted to encompass its history by merging
a French and Japanese aesthetic within an Art Nouveau
location. I ended up choosing the bar at the Savoy. I could
think of few places ner.
Fashion has rules. If you believe it hasnt, you cant
encapsulate true style, she expounds. Turning up at London
Fashion Week with pink hair for eccentricitys sake purely
to get photographed isnt good promotion. Style should be
signicant, timeless and noticeable for all the right reasons.
Not everyone is able to grasp the rules of fashion, and
it would be easy for Francesca to slip into condescension, yet
her congeniality and genuine interest in aesthetics are so plainly
evident as to render any such tone non-existent.
The interview is drawing to a close, so I ask Francesca
to dene Faonner in a single word or phrase. Taste maker
she replies, aptly. I consider the literal denition of the
French innitive to shape, to fashion, to mould and,
come to further understand Francesca. Shes an aesthete.
She seeks beauty in every aspect of her life, and, most
importantly, in other peoples lives too. The culmination of
those desires is Faonner.
(faconner.co.uk)
A brand will approach me
for my honest contemplation of
chic
The
CURATOR
The Veil Shoot by Francesca Barrow of Faonner, featuring Piaget, Cartier, Chopard,
Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston, David Morris, Buccellati. Photographer: Roberto Aguilar;
Make-up artist: Lan Grealis; Hair stylist: Maria Kovacs
Francesca Barrow
BE L GRAVI A RE S I DE NT S J OURNA L 013
The
CRAFTSMAN
FURNITURE OF THE FUTURE
Briana Handte Lesesne interviews fellow Belgravian and interior
designer Vanessa Brady before she picks up her OBE at the Palace Francesca Barrow takes a look at LINLEYs latest
attempts to push the boundaries of both art and furniture
V
anessa Brady is an international, multi-award-
winning interior designer, business consultant and
founder of the Society of British and International
Design. Her London-based rm has a portfolio of
impressive projects that includes the Hard Rock Cafe, the
Design Council, Kabaret Club, The British Luxury Club,
Unilever and head of state palaces.
To say her CV is impressive is an understatement.
She writes for multiple trade publications, is an
inspirational speaker and spokesperson for interior
design and has sat as an awards judge at the numerous
prize-giving ceremonies scattered throughout the design
industry calendar. As if that isnt enough she also holds
the role of British Ambassador for Design to France. If it
is British-made and trade-qualied it has a standard that
is dependable. The British bring trust and standards with
history, heritage and culture, she tells me earnestly.
With this in mind, I ask what advice she would
give to a young designer looking to join such an
impressive fold, were she a teacher. You need to
understand two emerging concepts: one is design-led
and the other is business-led. In the end, design-led will
lead, she explains, decisively.
Vanessa takes a holistic approach to design, I learn.
The home is a sanctuary, a place to feel safe; this is where
the axis should be in alignment, where function and form
meet. She subscribes to staying away from soulless
furniture and advises her clients to give each generation
one piece of furniture to be passed down, something with
sentimental value. For Vanessa, this piece will be her
childhood sleigh bed.
I was a little apprehensive before I sat down
with this interior guru, but Vanessa has a refreshing
humbleness about her. At rst she didnt realise who was
on the end of the line when the phone rang to announce
the intention to award her with an Order of the British
Empire (OBE). The caller introduced himself as a member
of the Civil Service. After explaining why he was calling,
she politely asked Who is this? as if he might have called
the wrong person. She hung up with a gracious Thank
you very much and unlike many of todays publicity
A
commitment to exemplary craftsmanship and
design best describes LINLEYs Extraordinary
Furniture collection and why it pleases me
so. The Grace Cabinet, Silhouette Chair and Quantum
Screen were launched at design fair Masterpiece London
this summer and pushed the boundaries of engineering
and innovation. The pieces are inspired by all of the best
things: mixed media design, texture, light and form.
The Quantum Screen is a particular exhibition
of these elements. The constructions ve-panel screen
is a 3D weave of ne materials; ultimately, this is art-
furniture. Each piece of veneer is selected to create a
gradient effect of colour, transitioning up the surface
of the screen. There is the illusion of movement in its
entirety, but on closer inspection, the details of wood
and metal become apparent. The other side of the screen
appears as a quilted fabric that fades in and out; again,
there is the sense of movement.
Designing uidity, movement and a quality of
iridescence into static pieces of furniture requires us to
experiment with new manufacturing techniques and
material application, Alex Isaac, creative director at
LINLEY begins. It also challenges us to look at how
we design and approach the process, even at conceptual
stages, he says of the latest innovative creations.
Im often fascinated by how fabric moves and is
affected by light, encouraging the viewer to touch and
explore the sculptural nature of the piece. LINLEYs
Extraordinary Furniture is an outstanding example of just
why it remains one of the best Belgravian design houses.
60 Pimlico Road, SWIW 8LP, 020 7730 7300
(davidlinley.com)
The home is a sanctuary, a place
to feel safe; this is where the axis
should be in alignment, where
function and form meet
INTERIOR MOTIVE
The
INTERIOR
DESIGNER
seekers, she needed time to take it all in.
Like a young school girl called in to meet the
headmistress, Vanessa is autter with what to wear on
the day she meets the Queen. She will shop for two
outts, two sets of shoes, two hats and two clutches. The
weather, seven months from now, will determine what she
ultimately dons on the day, but she assures me that it will
be classic and timeless. Two words that perfectly describe
her interior design style.
(vanessa-brady.com)
BE L GRAVI A RE S I DE NT S J OURNA L 015 BE L GRAVI A RE S I DE NT S J OURNA L 014
The
MOTORCAR
MUSES
The
DRESSMAKER
BENTLEY GIRLS
MAKING A STATEMENT
From high-speed racing to luxury handbags, Francesca Barrow
discovers that Bentleys original female muse continues to inspire the brand
Francesca Barrow takes a look at the latest offering
from Belgravian style icon Jenny Packham
T
he rst memory I have of Bentley is driving with
my fabulously chic mother to The Connaught
Hotel one afternoon for tea. I can still recall the
car exactly, a navy Bentley Turbo R with leather interior,
and how my mother, so slight as she was with her blonde
hair and chiffon scarf, looked radiant, smiling over at me
from the drivers seat. Even as a young girl I thought how
special it was for a lady to sit behind such a powerful
engine. Growing up, we had an array of exciting cars
(my father was a motor enthusiast). It is the reminiscence
of riding in that one with her, however, that remains the
highlight of my youth and I always hoped that one day I
might be just like my mother, Bentley and all.
Recently, Bentley invited a few modern Bentley Girls
on an adventure, starting at the headquarters in Crewe
and ending at a renowned London restaurant. Landing at
the airport, we were whisked away in a Continental GT
Convertible, gliding through the English countryside with
L
ike any true artist, a fashion designer has a
notable hand; a signature that their collectors
respond to. Jenny Packhams feminine, uid
and classic contemporary style signies her mark as
a Belgravian fashion institution. And yet Autumn/
Winter 2014, though true to Packhams constant
aesthetic appreciation of gracefulness, has an edge.
Herein lies the mark of a real artist; one who
constantly evolves their hand within the realms
of reason. It all starts with inspiration, and this
collections was a 1970s Bianca Jagger. The darling
of New York society, Jagger contrasted the owing
fashions of the era with structure; tailored suits,
exotic turbans and opulent jewellery.
The latest offering imparts soft textures
such as silk satins and maltinto feathers with the
occasional glitter tulle and Swarovski scattered
mesh lace. These are balanced out perfectly by the
collections chic composition. The genius of deep
V-necks that remain girly yet sophisticated for their
loose-t and contemporary cut, the contrast of a
pretty little sequined T-shirt with an extravagant feather skirt and the
soft whisper of a long evening dress with the demanding presence of a
tailored tuxedo jacket creates a series of show-stopping ensembles.
Its modern elegance at its nest, but there is an exoticism to
Packhams palette. Yes, there are the beiges, rose-pinks and caramel-
creams but then coral-oranges, bluebird-blues and blacks permeate
through too. The collection remains coherent through its versatility,
which is perhaps one of its most pleasing elements; one piece ows to
the next seamlessly and with purpose.
Packhams latest offering is not about kowtowing
to a trend, its about timelessness and nothing could please me more.
75 Elizabeth Street, SWIW 9PJ, 020 7730 2264 (jennypackham.com)
Bach playing gently in the background. We were dropped
off at the home of Bentley Motors, the Mews, where
photographs of the original Bentley Boys line the walls
inside.
Daniele Ceccomori, head of product design and
the man behind the latest addition to the Bentley Girls
wardrobe, The Bentley handbag, joined us. Approaching
the car and then discovering its interior, I wanted to convey
the same story with the bag, Ceccomori explains. Its made
in two distinct styles, The Continental and The Barnato.
The latter is named after the original Bentley Girl, muse
Diana Barnato Walker (the rst British woman to break
the sound barrier in an aircraft and daughter of former
Bentley chairman Woolf Barnato). Known for her elegant
appearance, she would descend from the cockpit, make-up
perfect and ready to go.
Inspired by Barnato, we embraced our spirit of
adventure on the race circuit, following in the wake of
Bentley Motorsport drivers Guy Smith and Andy Meyrick
(the modern Bentley Boys). Both have reputations that
precede them and are full of tales of racing around the
world at unfathomable speeds. Meyrick took the turns
at breakneck speed and then put his foot down on the
straights at 160mph. The sense of thrill was infectious by
the time we hopped into new Continental GTs to take turns
around the track, testing our limits and endurance.
The feel of driving a Bentley is unique. Its an
exquisite cocktail of balance and speed, luxury and
power. Gripping the wheel has all the pleasure of holding
a delectable leather handbag. The details on the inside
are what make the car a perfect way to travel; the quilted
leather seats and wooden veneer dashboard. And the
additional functions such as massage chairs and built-
in sunglasses case, well, theyre just pure necessity for a
Bentley Girl.
All the talk on the way back to London was of speed
and the wind in our hair, sunglasses and chiffon scarves
and the thrill of the engines low purring. Over dinner
at Scotts, we shared happy memories of the day over a
glass of Champagne. From luxury handbags to high-speed
racing; Diana Barnato Walker would have been proud.
(bentleymotors.com)