Fashion lovers take note: ‘Valentino: Master of Couture’ opens

Posted on November 30, 2012February 28, 2018 by Dukes Blog

More than 130 delicate haute couture designs worn by top icons such as Grace Kelly, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sophia Loren will be showcased by the Italian fashion designer Valentino at a new major exhibition celebrating his life and work. Valentino: Master of Couture opens its doors at the Embankment Galleries in Somerset House, The Strand today and will run until 3^rd March 2013.

Valentino is the founder of SpA brand and company and his main lines include Valentino Garavani, Valentino Roma, and R.E.D Valentino. The Italian fashion guru has one simple principle when it comes to design “I know what women want, they want to be beautiful.”

Valentino has designed for princesses, first ladies and Hollywood icons and has often been described as having an ‘abundance of raw talent.’ His dresses are described as clean and modern but completely feminine.

The exhibition will be divided into three sections. The first section offers fashion lovers the opportunity to privately view Valentino’s world through photographs from his personal archive, giving an intimate portrait of his life.

In the second section, Valentino rebels against the typical fashion show by reversing the roles of the visitors and the models. Visitors will be the ones walking the catwalk to view an astounding 130 pieces of haute couture designs.

The final section then unravels the intense yet detailed and precise processes of crafting couture, illustrated initially by the magnificent wedding dress of Princess Marie Chantel of Greece. Visitors will also be given the chance to view a select group of films that peep behind-the-scenes of being a designer.

Highlights of this exciting exhibition include the vintage dress worn by Julia Roberts when she won the Academy Award in 2001 and Jackie Onassis’s wedding dress from Valentino’s 1968 White Collection. Valentino: Master of Couture promises a voyage into the mysterious world of Italian couture.

This elite, fashionable experience is being held at Somerset House, The Strand, London, WCR 1LA, with tickets costing £12.50.

After enjoying some of the world’s finest fashion designs, why not pay our chef Nigel Mendham a visit and enjoy some of the world’s finest tasting cuisine, too?

Image courtesy of Georges Biard

Sleeping Beauty becomes a ballet masterpiece

Posted on November 28, 2012March 11, 2019 by Dukes Blog

A world premiere of the timeless classic Sleeping Beauty has been reformed into a captivating ballet masterwork by the award-winning choreographer Matthew Bourne. His troubling new production has been described as “a gothic romance; a supernatural love story that even the passage of time can not hinder”.

In 1980 the enduring classic tale of a girl cursed to sleep for one hundred years was first revolutionised into ballet. Now, Bourne’s story commences at heroine Aurora’s christening where fairies and vampires feed on gothic imaginations. Bourne’s adaptation rebels against the idea of love at first sight. He claims once Sleeping Beauty goes to sleep nothing more happens after that. His haunting production is a Gothic romance for all ages, and especially for those who feast on dark, twisted love.

Bourne is widely known to be one of the UK’S best choreographers, receiving multiple nominations and awards including the Laurence Olivier and Tony award. He started training in dance at the age of 22 and went on to dance professionally for 14 years. Sadler’s Wells have decided to host talks throughout the year to look at aspects of his work and his background to celebrate the 25 years of Matthew’s Company New Adventures. The talk features Alistair Spalding talking to him about his newest piece, Sleeping Beauty, and his prospects and ideas for New Adventures.

Bourne’s enchanting Sleeping Beauty will feature designs from Olivier award winners Lez Brotherston (set and costumes), Paul Constable (lighting) and sound design by Paul Groothuis, and brings the audience into the core of his work, leaving them dazzled by the alluring movement.

Bourne is renowned for his radical, entertaining updates of classic work and his new version of Sleeping Beauty promises to be fantastic, like his previous versions of Swan Lake and the Nutcracker.

The running time of Sleeping Beauty is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £12 to £60. Family tickets cost £140. This enticing classic is running from Tuesday 4^th December to Wednesday 26^th January 2013 at Sadler’s Wells, Roseberry Avenue.

After one of the finest nights of ballet to remember, why not unwind properly with one of Alessandro’s world-famous classic Martinis over in our DUKES Bar?

‘Tis the season to be jolly at Harrods’ wine world

Posted on November 19, 2012February 28, 2018 by Dukes Blog

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without a festive tipple. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply just an enthusiast then Harrods store in Knightsbridge is offering you a chance to discover and enjoy a number of wines at the newly launched ‘Wine World.’

With on hand expert advice, you are bound to find the perfect white to accompany your Christmas turkey or a sparkling vino to bring in the New Year.

Harrods Wine World is also offering exclusive wine tasting events complete with canapés and on hand advice to help you become an expert taster, giving you the extra confidence when purchasing wine.

The experts will give you and your friends “an introduction to production techniques, wine styles, wine regions and food and wine pairing.” However, if you prefer a glass with a little more fizz the team will also offer Champagne tasting, where you can indulge in some of the world’s finest Champagnes.

Once you have selected your perfect accompaniment for the festivities, the experts will advise you on the ‘Perfect Glass’ to enhance your drinking experience to the maximum, from the ‘Vinum Pinot Noir Glass to the Eve Decanter,’ there will be the perfect match for your perfect grape.

With it being Christmas, you can take advantage of the full package and explore the range of sweet sensations Harrods has to combine with your wine. It has the Perfect Port, Charming Chocolate and Splendid Sweets – each are seductive in taste and are the perfect pairings for the ultimate Christmas treat.

Amplify your taste buds, set the mood and enjoy the ‘most wonderful time of year’ with London’s finest department store, set to provide everything you need to make the season jolly and bright.

For more information on Harrods Wine World, visit the website or for the ultimate experience in sophisticated drinking head to our very own DUKES Bar to try one of our world famous Martinis before heading back to one of our suites to discover what luxury really is.

Experience the real Winter Wonderland in London

Posted on November 8, 2012February 28, 2018 by Dukes Blog

The capital city is once again getting itself ready for another festive season by preparing for its own version of a Winter Wonderland.

Featuring many attractions like the Ice Age 4 ice rink, the observation wheel, rides and the Christmas Circus, visiting Winter Wonderland is a family must this Christmas.

New this year is the Ice Kingdom, a unique feature that allows you to experience real ice and snow in a way you have never seen before. From ice castles to themed rooms and amazing visuals, Lapland has never seemed close to home.

In the evening Zippo Cirque Berserk produce their own unique, gothic twist on classic fairy tales, like the Brothers Grimm. The show also features the death defying motorcycle stunt Globe of Death for those who like to get the adrenaline pumping. You can add a touch of luxury to the show by purchasing tickets for a VIP box which comes with a bottle of champagne and chocolates.

No other city offers such a wide range of Christmas fun for all the family. As well as daytime and night time activities you have the option to really sit back and let your hair down with a range of charming one off bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Providing a mix of festive treats such as warm cider, mulled wine, farmhouse foods and a selection of DJs and live music, it provides a Christmas experience like no other.

When your day is done, come back to one of our suites where you can relax before venturing down to our award winning restaurant or to DUKES Bar to enjoy one of our world famous Martinis, making it an extra special Christmas trip for you and your family.

Image courtesy of MrT HK