This stunning model also happens to be the mascot for Kensington’s Bodo’s Schloss and considers it her “home”. Marlborough educated Davies is signed to Elite London and can also regularly be found at Tonteria on Sloane Square. A true firecracker.
Tag: society
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Georgia Davies
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Dr. Vanessa Neumann
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. -
We're backing Frankie
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.
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Legged off
Fashion writer Jacinta de Vere looks into the perils of wearing leggings, jeggings and meggings
What is up with women who assume leggings paired with a short top or crop jacket is a good idea for a night out or a trip to the supermarket? Leggings are not trousers, ladies. Leggings are actually the least flattering item in anyone’s wardrobe.
Unfortunately, most women do not realise that most leggings are made with very thin fabric. I was in the middle of Marks & Spencer buying my grapefruit when one woman dropped her apple. She bent over in front of me and I almost puked. I saw the personal bits that her gynaecologist and waxer normally see. It was not a pretty sight.
Similarly, I was at my local watering hole and had a table next to the dance floor. Some chick in her heels bent over to do some asinine dance move and of course, thanks to the flashing lights and disco ball I was also privy to her modesty while her bum was in my face. Seriously, if you are going to wear leggings, wear a thong. Even better yet, do not wear leggings at all.
Maybe the only people who can get away with wearing leggings with a short top are women who have long thin legs and a great bum, which are generally accompanied by a kick-ass body. These women go to the gym almost every day and rarely eat or have amazing genetics. These items are meant for the gym or to lounge around at home. However, if you are planning your wardrobe around finding a comfortable waistband, then that is your sign to wear a longer length sweater, boyfriend blazer or tunic top that covers your bum.
To make matters worse, some moron invented jeggings. It is a fashion mutation between jeans and leggings. If you think buying these is a good idea, then run and get your head checked. With all of the options available in the trouser section of most stores, I would question anyone who seeks out a jegging. Jeans are great; they are comfortable and look good when paired with a nice top and jacket. However, I struggle to find any combination where jeggings are a hot look. Instead, what comes to mind are muffin-tops and drumsticks. Jeggings are not forgiving to anyone’s imperfections. If you put them on, be prepared to be ridiculed and have young children run away in fear.
Even Kim Kardashian, who has a rather large bum, chooses to cover it with a sweater or a jacket. She knows her body and how to accentuate her best assets. A large number of women have no idea what looks good on their body shape, have a herd mentality and just follow trends. Ladies, this old trend, if followed, must be done with caution.
Another fashion travesty that occurs with leggings is wearing them with Ugg® boots. Uggs are Uggly. I have seen women walk around town with their children in matching Uggs and leggings. It makes me want to cry as I witness society deteriorate to a leggings and Ugg wearing generation. Where has the elegance and style gone? I have strong feelings about these unattractive boots and will spend more time on them in another piece at a later date. If you are not convinced, let me throw an image at you.
I did not want to make the male readers feel left out. This article would not be complete without a proper discussion on meggings: leggings for men. Apparently, this “hot, new trend” is crossing the Atlantic thanks to Uniqlo. I seem to recall this trend originating in the UK in the 80s and then going to America. I guess payback is a bitch.
When I see pictures of men who chose to don these appalling tights, I feel like I am looking at soft porn. As mentioned above, it is not cool to see your kibbles and bits whilst you are allegedly wearing clothing.
Whether comprised of sequin, crochet or flannel, they do not belong on anyone’s body except your favourite Raggedy Ann doll. Even then, I would question your taste. Let us examine this fine specimen in the following photograph. It does not matter how “hot” he is, I would rather chew off my right arm than be seen in public with a man wearing meggings. Gents, please ask yourselves: “What would Frank Sinatra or Humphrey Bogart do?” Whatever they would do or whomever they do, I doubt they would do it in meggings.
So, if you find yourself in a boutique thinking about purchasing leggings, jeggings or meggings, please think twice before you buy. Ladies, please channel you inner Audrey Hepburn or ask yourself: “What would Grace Kelly do?” If either of them were alive, they would buy a pair of skinny jeans or cigarette pants, a crisp white shirt, a boyfriend blazer and Chanel flats. You would not see them in leggings and Uggs.
Jacinta de Vere is a lover of haute couture and all things fashionable and decadent. She is based in London.
Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/jacintadevere
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Dominick Dunne (1925 – 2009)
This “Boswell of the bluebloods” was a writer whose tips came from unnamed sources and “waiter[s] serving [him] risotto at dinner parties”. (more…) -
Patricia Kluge (née Rose)
The rise and fall of the “wealthiest divorcee in history” has been extraordinary. A former nude model for her first husband’s Knave magazine and star of adult films such as “The Nine Acres of Nakedness,” Patricia Kluge is the daughter of an Englishman and a Scots-Iraqi. She married her second husband, the late John Kluge, chairman of Metromedia and once the richest man in America, in 1981 after belly dancing for him at a dinner party in New York. As part of her plan to dovetail herself into the top drawer of American society, the couple built a 24,000 square foot mock 18th century English-style mansion, Albermarle, in Virginia and stuffed it full of Chippendale furniture. She got this as part of her $100 million divorce settlement in 1990 and wisely invested part of the payoff in a highly successful business trading football cards but then vanity struck. The Kluge Estate Winery project that she started with her third husband, William Moses, bankrupted the pair in June 2011 and the Bank of America foreclosed on her properties. A lifeline came from “longtime friend” Donald Trump who purchased the vineyard and employed her, but even he’s now uttered the words: “You’re fired!” and sent her packing. Of her newfound predicament Kluge commented: “What did we lose? Material things, nothing too important. When something like this happens you really see who your friends are, those you can rely on, and we have many friends.” Here is a lady with fortitude that can only be described as admirable. It’s probably best, however, to keep her away from the cash register. -
John Gaze (1947 – 2011)
A gent who operated by routine, whisky and 40 cigarettes a day. This clubman’s knowledge of London history was phenomenal and he was dedicated to his role as parish clerk at St. Michael’s Cornhill. Gaze, a Russian icon dealer with a shop in the Piccadilly Arcade, lived a life full of dramas that included being kidnapped by a lunatic named Sacheverell de Houghton and entertaining drag queens in his set of rooms, formerly occupied by Edward Heath, in Albany, W1. Here was a bohemian character who stopped traveling after smoking was banned on aircraft and whom loved both Beethoven and The Beatles. -
Urs Schwarzenbach
This Swiss born son of a printer has spent over £85 million buying up properties in the Henley-on-Thames area of Oxfordshire. Schwarzenbach also owns 123,000 acres in Australia, 26,000 acres in Scotland and has his own polo team, the Black Bears. This financier’s foreign exchange dealership, Interexchange, is the biggest in Switzerland and betting against the dollar has brought much success. He supposedly even named his Gulfstream G650 “George” as “ultimately it was Bush who paid for it.” Whilst Schwarzenbach’s Grand Hotel Dolder in Zurich wins plaudits galore. an investment in Mayfair’s Café Grand Prix was less successful. It is, however, for philanthropy and discretion that Schwarzenbach and his wife, a former Miss Australia, are known best. -
Oliver Estreich: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times asks contemporary artist and founder of theNativeSociety Oliver Estreich: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom.” Oliver Estreich, what’s your guiding force?
Creativity and sex.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Think rich, look poor” and “Nothing exceeds like excess.”
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2012?
Who is Kerry Katona? … For me, it has to be the amount of hype over Facebook and other social media ventures.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I live in the moment so I have no regrets but I think about my Snoopy stuffed animal I had when I was a kid… He spurred my imagination.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
One night in Bangkok… Wait, I’ve already done that. My definition of “wealth” is: “One who is rich in friends, family and passion. “
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?
Trump caused it.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
“Same shit, different day.” You might as well be a zombie or in a grave if you say or believe that.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home.” What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
Charity is vital to society – if you actually get your hands dirty. Simply donating to a cause to look like a “charitable” person is hogwash. I am a huge advocate of Humane Society and Special Olympics.
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?
Can’t live with it, can’t live without it.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
Ernest Hemingway, Sir Richard Branson, Hugh Hefner and Andy Warhol.
Oliver Estreich If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
Hudut caught with friends and cooked off the coast of Caye Caulker, Belize. It would be served with Marie Sharp’s Hot Sauce and a refreshing Belikin beer.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
It’s always 12 pm somewhere in the world.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A martini straight up with two blue cheese olives and a French blond model on the side.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Saturday parties at Le Bilboquet in New York’s Upper East Side. It has a great atmosphere and great staff. It’s like home.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Everyone I surround myself with is positive. Attitude is contagious.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Too many to count.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
I have one – Asian symbol for love and pleasure.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A Ferrari Testarossa.
Cilla Black presented “Surprise, Surprise.” Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I sleep naked.
Finally, Oliver Estreich: What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A picture of my family next to a hundred other random items that serve some purpose.
Oliver Estreich is the founder of theNativeSociety and a contemporary artist specialising in pop art. Follow Oliver Estreich on Twitter at @OliverEstreich.
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Celebrating Champions in the Community
An event to support the unsung heroes in our community
On the 8th November, The Steeple Times will be the media partner for a fundraising event jointly hosted by Gina and Alan Miller and The Rt. Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP at The Hurlingham Club in London, SW6. 100% of the funds raised by the “Celebrating Champions in the Community” evening will aid charities supported by Miller Philanthropy and The Centre for Social Justice.
Gina Miller of Miller Philanthropy comments:
“We increasingly hear and read in the media examples of how our society is breaking down. Yet there are unsung heroes battling every day, on all our behalves, trying to reverse these trends. We invite you to celebrate and support these individuals so please join us for an evening of entertainment, celebration and inspiration. 100% of your attendance donation will be going to these community heroes.”
Gina Miller 
The Rt. Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP
This black tie event, whose principal sponsor is the luxury couture house Ralph & Russo, will include a drinks reception, dinner and auction as well as entertainment from the BRIT-Award winning singer Beverley Craven; Antony Costa, a former member of the pop boy band sensation Blue; the Magpie Dance company and Derek Paravicini, one of the great musical entertainers of his generation.
Beverley Craven 
Antony Costa 
Magpie Dance 
Derek Paravicini
A donation of £150 per person comes as the condition of attending, 100% of which goes to charities being supported.
Miller Philanthropy
Miller Philanthropy is a family foundation founded on passion and integrity with 100% transparency and 100% of funds raised going to charities and causes.
The foundation focuses on small community charities – the unsung heroes who undertake vital work at the coal face of the negative trends in our society; primarily, but not exclusively in the UK. Miller Philanthropy’s premise is based upon a strong belief that charity begins at home.
The foundation acts as a philanthropic incubator for chosen charities and projects who undertake transformational work but face a growing number of challenges and lack of resources. We mentor and partner these extraordinary individuals and organisations until they become sustainable.
Beneficiary Charities
- The AMBER Trust
- Best Beginnings
- Chernobyl Children’s Project
- Crossway Pregnancy Crisis Centre
- Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust
- HELP Counselling Centre
- Magpie Dance
- Pond Conservation
- Street Kids International
- Target Ovarian Cancer
The Centre for Social Justice
The Centre for Social Justice is an independent think-tank, established to put social justice at the heart of British politics. Moved by shocking levels of disadvantage across the nation, it studies the root causes of Britain’s acute social problems in partnership with its Alliance of over 350 grassroots charities and people whose lives have been affected by poverty.
This enables the CSJ to find and promote evidence-based, experience-led solutions to change lives and transform communities.
The CSJ believes that the surest way to reverse social breakdown – and the poverty it creates – is to build resilience within individuals, families and the innovative organisations able to help them.
Breakthrough Britain
In 2007, the CSJ published its landmark report Breakthrough Britain. This publication has had a significant impact on the previous and present government and has led to the current welfare reforms being implemented across the UK. In Autumn 2012, the CSJ is set to produce Breakthrough Britain II which will update its policy recommendations, with the aim of creating a cross-party consensus on some of the most important policy issues facing Britain today.
For more details about The Centre for Social Justice, go to: http://www.centreforsocialjustice.org.uk
For more details about Miller Philanthropy, go to: http://www.millerphilanthropy.comTo book tickets to the Celebrating Champions in the Community event, contact Rachael Dove of Miller Philanthropy on +44 (0) 20 7838 8650 or email [email protected]
