The Steeple Times asks “Made in Chelsea’s” Jane Felstead: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
My conscience.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Revenge is a dish best served cold. (more…)
The Steeple Times asks matchmaker Deborah Walker: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
‘The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible”. (more…)
This talented analyst and writer specialises in “Latin America, terrorism, oil, US foreign policy, global security, transnational criminal organisations, the Middle East and asymmetric warfare.” The British press nicknamed Neumann the “Cracker from Caracas” when news of a relationship with Mick Jagger surfaced and the epithet has stuck. Combining intellectual might with glamour, this jetsetter is as likely to be found on Mustique or in 5 Hertford Street as she is in her post as senior fellow at Philadelphia’s Foreign Policy Research Institute.
The Steeple Times backs Frankie Dettori to win Celebrity Big Brother 2013
Though Frankie Dettori split from Sheikh Mohammed and Godolphin in October and was banned from racing for six months in December 2012, he began his comeback last night by entering the Celebrity Big Brother house.
Thomas James explores the winter holiday destinations of the jetset
The season is upon us and I like to think the thing that is most cherished of all this time of year is creating memories with those we love. Moreover, “my tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best,” once stated Winston Churchill. Therefore, the culmination of these two elements will produce a magnificent holiday. Gstaad, St. Moritz, and St. Barths, and Aspen are à la mode destinations to spend with family and friends during the holiday season.
Gstaad is an idyllic retreat. It is the crème de la crème in a sense because most people here wish to remain discreet, which denotes simplistic elegance. There is a discerning culture of understatement in Gstaad. The village is enchanting and reminiscent of a setting found in a storybook. If that were the case, the Gstaad Palace would be the majestic castle towering over the small village. The Palace’s unrivalled reputation of refined hospitality makes one’s stay all the more sublime. However, within the hotel is Greengo Club, where one will find the youth of today partying to music played by DJ Jim Leblanc. For those who ski, Gstaad is known for skiing and is home to one of the largest ski areas in the Alps with around 136 miles of pistes.
St. Moritz is also a small village located in Switzerland where the sun shines about three hundred days annually. The energy of St. Moritz is geared more towards winter sporting events, having hosted the Winter Olympics twice. An annual event beginning in 1985 is the Cartier Polo World Cup on Snow tournament, which is a highlight for many. The White Turf is another annual winter event dating back to 1907 where people gather to watch horse racing on a frozen lake listening to music, viewing art, and indulging on food. St. Moritz is very much “le scene” and there is a bit of pretense in the air. Skiing is a popular pastime, as the slopes in St. Moritz remain unsurpassed.
St. Barths is a tiny island situated in the West Indies. During high season, especially on Christmas and New Year’s St. Barths is essentially one soiree after another. If St. Barth’s were a club then it would definitely be Studio 54. The place to be on New Years Eve is in Gustavia Harbour on a yacht watching the firework display. Overall, the ambiance of St. Barths is quite relaxed and carefree. Saline is left undeveloped making it one of the most pristine beaches in St. Barths. It is very “natural” alluding to the nudity permitted at Saline. Many people are attracted to St. Barths because of its beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The cuisine is superb, the service exquisite, and everyone on the island is friendly.
Aspen is a world-class destination for skiing with over 5,000 acres of terrain. Originally, Aspen was a mining town until the Paepcke family traveled to Aspen and fell in love with the natural surroundings Aspen offered. They knew Aspen was a gem and began transforming and cultivating the town into what it is today. The natural surroundings provide a relaxing retreat from everyday life. One may choose to ski on Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk or Aspen Highlands, depending upon one’s level of expertise. One can purchase lift tickets online at Aspen Snowmass, which makes all four mountains quite accessible. Aspen offers a variety of options for one’s après-ski experience, from dining at Matsuhisa to dancing at Escobar. Aspen is the unparalleled destination for winter and no matter what your needs may be, Aspen holds the solution.
Remember, this season is about creating memories. For having special memories to cherish is the ultimate luxury.
This “Boswell of the bluebloods” was a writer whose tips came from unnamed sources and “waiter[s] serving [him] risotto at dinner parties”. (more…)
Andreas Kirchberger captures guests and performers at a private view of Zoobs: Hallowed Be Thy Name
On 31st October, Mews42 gallery and Northacre Plc hosted a private view titled Zoobs: Hallowed Be Thy Name in Battersea’s iconic Albion Riverside development.
As well as showcasing a variety of artworks, Ilona Pacia of Mews42 also displayed a range of bicycles from innovative manufacturers United Cruiser.
Guests at this Thameside event numbered Sonia Excell, Ray Henley-Smith, Klas Nilsson, Alex Peto, Masheed Shariat and Dame Vivienne Westwood DBE, RDI.
For more details about Mews42, go to: http://www.mews42.com
All images © Andreas Kirchberger/Photography-Factory 2012
Well-known for their numberplates “2 BE” and “NOT 2B,” this power couple live on Cheyne Walk and are a little bit like Marmite. In Chelsea, Bourne has aroused controversy by attempting to gain planning permission to turn George Best’s favourite boozer, The Phene, into a house and in Soho, Greene’s makeover of Ronnie Scott’s caused apoplectic outbursts amongst traditionalists. Labour supporting Bourne is described as a “property and leisure entrepreneur” whilst his wife just happens to control the luvvies favourite theatre, The Old Vic in Waterloo. Bourne and Greene are a duo who should not be underestimated.
Andreas Kirchberger captures guests and performers at the Champions in the Community fundraising dinner
On Thursday 10th November 2012, Gina and Alan Miller and The Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith MP hosted a dinner at London’s Hurlingham Club to raise funds for the charities supported by Miller Philanthropy and The Centre for Social Justice.
Guests at the event numbered Aliona Adrianova, Carlos Bey Fisher, Jackie Branston, Bridget Convey, Karen Cummings Palmer, Diane Henry Lepart, Katie Gerrard, Hannah Gerrard, Iain Gibbs, Mariana Haseldine, Christian Huhnt, Francesca Mathieu, Ferdinand Miller, Georgina Moffat, Charles Mitford Cust, Claire Rubinstein, June Sarpong, Angelo Valentino, Timo Weber and Haydn Williams.
Performances by Antony Costa, Beverley Craven, the Magpie Dance group and Derek Paravacini were interspersed with speeches from Gina Miller and The Rt. Hon. Iain Duncan Smith MP and items sold in the auction numbered a couture dress by Ralph & Russo, a long weekend on a country estate in Devon and a Rolls-Royce experience.
Of the success of the night, Gina Miller commented:
“The Champions in the Community dinner acknowledged the underappreciated individuals involved in charity in the UK. The evening was a great success in terms of raising funds and awareness for these unsung heroes and we thank all who attended and supported our efforts for those working at the coalface of the negative trends in our society.”
For more details about The Centre for Social Justice, go to: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk
For more information about Miller Philanthropy, go to: http://www.millerphilanthropy.com
All images © Andreas Kirchberger/Photography-Factory 2012
The Steeple Times asks model and personality Nicholas Gruber: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” What’s your guiding force?
I try to learn something from everyone I meet.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Life is short so enjoy a part of every day, even the shitty ones.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Picking on anyone less fortunate than you. That’s why the Republicans lost the election in the US.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
My grandmother, Judy Bolduc. She was the first lesbian in California to adopt a child, my dad.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Honey, pick up a paper: I did that already for some freedom.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank.” What’s your view on the banking crisis?
Greed is never good in any way, shape or form.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Thank you so much.” It seems insincere whereas just “thank you” seems genuine.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Toys for Tots because I know first hand what it feels like to be a kid with nothing under the tree.
The judge in “Law Abiding Citizen” states: “I can pretty do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
It is only appropriate to blow up terrorists.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My new boyfriend, John Luciano, and my former one, Calvin Klein. Now, that would be one hell of a ride.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Pasta from Bar Pitti. Two helpings. Plus a slice of German chocolate cake.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
I’m sober so for me that would be noon. Joking. I don’t drink but I also don’t judge.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
None of the above. I will take a coconut water please.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Calvin Klein. He might be three times my age but he can party like a rock star.
Who is the most positive person you know?
A tie between Calvin and John. They both believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Having a mob related boyfriend who allows me to have girlfriends.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A glass that was half full because that’s how I roll.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A smiley face.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I’m straight but bang guys.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Nothing. It’s all about no clutter.
Follow Nicholas Gruber on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/NicholasGruber