The Steeple Times

Category: MOVERS & SHAKERS

The snakes and ladders of society.

A chronicle of drama, scandal and success in London, Paris, New York and elsewhere

  • Bringing out the Branston

    Bringing out the Branston

    Profile: The very well connected Jacqueline Branston

     

    Jacqueline, Jackie to her friends, Branston is a lady described by the Who’s Really Who author Richard Compton-Miller as being one that: “hears, sees and says nothing.” Discretion is a key part of her makeup and with the launch of her new concierge business, many others will undoubtedly benefit from her access to the highest echelons.

    Jacqueline "Jackie" Branston

    Aged 15, Branston was discovered by a talent scout whilst on a secretarial course. She appeared in an advertisement for The Cutty Sark clipper ship in Time Magazine and was then headhunted by the Lucie Clayton modeling agency.

     

    In turn, huge success followed. Branston starred in commercials for Cadbury’s, Fry’s Turkish Delight, Bisto and Peter Stuyvesant cigarettes and was photographed by Patrick Anson, the 5th Earl of Lichfield. She dated both Warren Beatty and George Hamilton.

     

    A move to New York followed and Branston became friends with Andy Warhol, who sketched her, and involved in all manner of activities in the arts. A career change after gaining an art degree from the Institute of Contemporary Art led her into organising exhibitions for emerging artists. These became renowned not only because of the quality of the works of those she represented but also due to the gravitas of those who attended them.

     

    In the social whirlwind that ensued, Branston was even kidnapped by the Berber tribe whilst at the 50th birthday party of publisher Malcolm Forbes in Tangiers. She successfully turned her hand to charitable fundraising as well, helping Helen de Rothschild with the restoration of Versailles and in raising funds for statues of Mozart in Orange Square, SW1 and Raoul Wallenberg in Great Cumberland Place, W1.

     

    Back in London, today, Branston is utilising her connections to help visitors from China, Russia and the Middle East. With her chauffeur driven Mercedes, she offers access to the best events, restaurants and clubs. She can secure access to the most elusive theatre tickets or provide introductions to personalities and most of all show you a London that you never new existed.

     

    Jacqueline Branston is truly a lady for all seasons. Make sure you’ve got her details in your Rolodex.

     

    For more information on Jacqueline Branston’s concierge service, email her at: [email protected]

     

    Follow Jacqueline Branston on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/jackiebranston

     

  • Bricking it

    Bricking it

    The case of Samantha Brick

     

    This probably will be one of the shortest pieces I ever write, as, frankly, I don’t want to give Samantha Brick any more publicity than she’s already brought upon herself.

     

    Samantha Brick pictured with her gun wielding husband, Pascal

     
    Brick, a Daily Mail journalist, wrote a piece on Tuesday in which she proclaimed that she was “beautiful” and that other women hate her as a result. She arrogantly concluded the piece by stating:

     

    “Perhaps then the sisterhood will finally stop judging me so harshly on what I look like, and instead accept me for who I am.”

     

    The article attracted a huge amount of attention and over 5,000 comments. It even trended on Twitter but what the press and public seem to have failed to realise is that this is nothing other than a publicity stunt created by her employers in order to boost sales. Everyone, it seems, has fallen for this hook, line and sinker and the key beneficiary is indeed none other than the Daily Mail.

     

    Ms Brick, when she wrote her article, knew exactly what she was doing and I assume she’s been paid handsomely in return for the abuse that has followed. I, for one, had never heard of her until yesterday and I hope now that she’ll fade back into much deserved obscurity. Those I dined with last night thankfully felt the same.

     

    The Daily Mail created the “beautiful” Samantha Brick. Please, now, can they take her away?

     

    Read Samantha Brick’s original piece at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2124246/Samantha-Brick-downsides-looking-pretty-Why-women-hate-beautiful.html

     

    Follow Samantha Brick on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/SamanthaBrick

  • Keep flying

    Keep flying

    The suicide of Andrew Embiricos

     

    I was saddened this morning to read the news that my friend Andrew Embiricos (1985 – 2011) had committed suicide.

     

    Andrew Embiricos (1985 – 2011)

    Andrew, the grandson of Rita Heyworth, was witty and positive and planning a trip to London in the coming weeks. That he decided to end his life is puzzling to say the least and it is just dreadful to think that no one saw the signs that he felt compelled to take this way out.

     

    Passionate about flying and aircraft, Andrew’s Facebook page always provided witty updates about his globetrotting ways and the posts there often detailed amusing street signs and mocking remarks about “scallies” and ASBOs. His humour was dry and his manner always amusing and this indeed makes his passing all the more tragic.

     

    Rest in peace Andrew: you were one of a kind and now you’re in the first class lounge in the skies watching over us.