Corinthia Hotel London, London’s newest five-star luxury hotel, recently hosted an A-list charity gala evening in support of the Gender Rights and Equality Action Trust (the G.R.E.A.T. initiative).

Corinthia Hotel London, London’s newest five-star luxury hotel, recently hosted an A-list charity gala evening in support of the Gender Rights and Equality Action Trust (the G.R.E.A.T. initiative). Trustees Mariella Frostrup, Jason McCue, Karen Ruimy and Marc Carter hosted international and UK celebrities, influencers and philanthropists at the celebratory gala including Colin and Livia Firth, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Chris Evans, Jemima Khan, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Laura Bailey.

Upon arrival, the evening’s guests were warmly received at a reception in the hotel’s specialty Mediterranean fish restaurant Massimo where champagne and canapés designed by Chef Patron Massimo Riccioli were sampled inside the spectacular space of soaring ceilings and original columns. Guests were then ushered into Corinthia’s majestic ballroom and treated to a private performance by Mark Knopfler, who played classics to the assembled lucky few that had managed to get tickets for the sell out gala. A three-course dinner created by Corinthia London’s Executive Chef Garry Hollihead was served, followed by a welcoming address by Mariella Frostrup, who presented G.R.E.A.T.’s recent missions, achievements and objectives. Two short films presented by Renée Zellweger were shown, from her trip earlier this year on a G.R.E.A.T. mission with Mariella and Karen Ruimy in Liberia.

The highlight of the evening took the form of a spectacular auction, featuring one-of-a-kind lots donated by the stars and G.R.E.A.T. supporters, including Mark Knopfler’s guitar from his evening performance, a role as an extra in the upcoming Bridget Jones 3 film, and art work from leading artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Jonny Yeo. The bidders were spurred on through a video message from G.R.E.A.T.’s patron, Annie Lennox, who urged all to support G.R.E.A.T. and gender equality around the globe. Proceeds from the auction will directly support the G.R.E.A.T. initiative’s goals including the FAS NGO Pan African Centre for Gender, Peace and Development and specific grass root projects on the ground.

The charitable night is reflective of Corinthia London’s core values of warmth and hospitality, which are the basis of its exceptional service. General Manager Matthew Dixon said, “We are honoured to support such an important cause as the G.R.E.A.T. initiative, and hope that tonight’s gala event helps raise the profile and funds that enable the organisation to reach a global audience. As one of London’s newest leading five star hotels, we are delighted to open our doors to G.R.E.A.T. and offer them our hospitality on such a significant occasion.”

Jason McCue, Trustee of G.R.E.A.T., thanked Corinthia London during his speech to the guests saying, “Thank you, Corinthia, not just for your charitable support of GREAT, not just for providing us with a wonderful and undoubtedly the best venue in London, not just for all your exquisite hospitality but for also giving our event some style.”

Corinthia Hotel London is fast becoming the capital’s hottest luxury destination, having already hosted a number of celebrity events during its pre-opening period this spring. The exquisitely designed restaurants, bars and ballroom provide the perfect setting for London entertaining at its finest. For further information, visit www.corinthia.com/London.

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Jimmy Choo bought by luxury goods firm Labelux

UK shoe maker and retailer Jimmy Choo has been bought from TowerBrook Capital Partners by luxury goods group Labelux.

The size of the deal, which should be completed in June, has not been disclosed.

Jimmy Choo was founded in 1996 in London by current chief creative officer Tamara Mellon, a former Vogue editor, and shoemaker Jimmy Choo, who sold his interest in 2001.

Labelux was founded by Germany's billionaire Reimann family in 2007.

It is based in Vienna, Austria, and its other investments include shoemaker Bally.

Ms Mellon and chief executive Joshua Schulman will stay on in their current jobs as part of the deal.

TowerBrook Capital Partners bought Jimmy Choo in 2007 for £185m.

It has developed the company into a global brand, which last year reported net sales of £150m.

The brand was founded in 1996 by Jimmy Choo and Tamara Mellon

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HEATHER Small former M People singer perform at an exclusive concert at restaurant Polo House.

HEATHER Small is set to make Marbella proud.
Fans are being given the chance to see the former M People singer perform at an exclusive concert at restaurant Polo House.
The star – who shot to fame during the 1990s as the lead singer of the Manchester band – will be performing hits such as Moving on Up and One Night in Heaven alongside tracks from her solo albums, including Proud which became the theme for the Oprah Winfrey show.


Guests will have a five course dinner followed by an intimate concert at the event which takes place on June 7 and 8.

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They are among the world's wealthiest power couples with an estimated fortune of £165m. Homme by David Beckham, which will come out later this year.

But it seems that there is no stopping the Beckhams as David has revealed he will be following in his wife's footsteps by releasing his own fashion range and scent.

The 36-year-old footballer is to launch a men’s bodywear line and fragrance, called Homme by David Beckham, which will come out later this year.


Latest venture: David Beckham, has been working on a men's clothing line and scent

Making the transition from pop star to fashion designer has been a relatively smooth transition for Victoria and her designs have been hailed a global hit with celebrities from Jennifer Lopez to Halle Berry pictured in her creations.

But far from being threatened, Posh couldn't be happier with her husband's new plans.


 'David announced today he is launching his own bodywear range!!! x'

With their combined earnings boosted by £20 million this year alone it appears that Mr Beckham is keen to get involved in the industry.

He told WWD: 'I have had the idea of doing a bodywear collection for some time now.


 David fronted the Emporio Armani campaign in 2007 which helped double profits for the Italian company from around £14.1 million to £38.7 million in one year

'The push to do something of my own really came as a result of my collaboration with Armani.'

David fronted the Emporio Armani underwear campaign in 2007, appearing on giant billboards and magazine spreads, which resulted in a doubling of profits for the Italian company in one year, from around £14.1 million to £38.7 million.

Taking note, he has stated that he too will be the 'face' of his new brand which will sport a specially-designed logo, created by fashion designer Stella McCartney's husband Alasdhair Willis.

His Armani experience gave him insight into the fashion industry and he soon spotted a gap in the market for well-cut T-shirts and fitted boxer shorts.

He said: 'It proved to me that there is a real market for good-looking, well-made men's bodywear.'

The new fragrance meanwhile will join two existing Beckham-branded scents: David Beckham Instinct, and Intimately Beckham, co-launched with Victoria in 2006.



The London-born footballer, has been working with his and Victoria's business manager, Simon Fuller to launch the venture.

Fuller said: 'David and I have a number of ambitious and exciting ideas in development across a broad range of categories.

'The next 10 years will see David evolve into being recognised, not just as an iconic sports figure, but also as an important entrepreneur.'

If Victoria's fashion success is anything to go by this will be a lucrative move for the power couple.

It will also help secure the family, who are expecting their first daughter this July, long after David retires from his footballing career.

He said: ‘I'm getting older now and I don't have many years left. This is my last contract year, but who knows what will happen.’

And to ensure that everything goes to plan Mr Beckham, father of Brooklyn, 11, Romeo, eight, and Cruz, five, has been involved in the process from start to finish.

'With my team we have spent time working on the fit, the fabric and the style to ensure the product looks and feels the very best and I am hugely proud of the end result.

'I can't wait to show people the collection - although I'm not sure my mum will be too happy seeing a billboard image of me in underwear again.'

There is no launch date set for the clothing range but the scent will be released in September.

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US fashion retailer Hollister is poised to open a Regent Street flagship

US fashion retailer Hollister is poised to open a Regent Street flagship, its first central London store, after having agreed to take an assignment of National Geographic’s lease.

The retailer, which is the sister brand of Abercrombie & Fitch, is understood to have agreed to pay a significant premium to take the store at 83-97 Regent Street.

Hollister is set to move into the three-storey, 20,000 sq ft store, next year with 11-years remaining on the lease.

National Geographic opened its Regent Street store, which was its first in the world, in November 2008.

It is understood that the store was too big was National Geographic and the rent was too high. The retailer is understood to have been considering a move for some time.

CB Richard Ellis advises the Crown Estate; Capita Symonds acts for Hollister. Savills acted for National Geographic. All parties declined to comment.

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The Beckhams look set to celebrate American Independence Day in style – with the birth of their first daughter.

According to The Sun, Victoria has preliminarily booked a C-section on July 4 at an exclusive LA hospital.

David and Vic were originally planning to come back to the UK so the baby could be born in London’s private Portland hospital, but now it seems they want their little lady to be an all-American girl.

A friend told the paper: "It's going to be a massive family affair in America. While the date hasn't changed, it was decided an LA clinic would be best for the immediate family.

"Vic and David love America, its culture and her people, who have welcomed them with open arms.

"The most important thing is the health of mother and baby and things can always change last minute.

"But if it's possible for the baby to be born on Independence Day, Vic and David will be thrilled."

While Indie would seem like an appropriate name for baby Beckham, Atlanta is tipped to be top of the family’s wish-list.

‘Atlanta’ (or whatever they choose) will be a little sister for Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight, and Cruz, six.

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ICON launches London restaurant site

After Rome’s celebrated La Rosetta and 40 years of culinary excellence, chef Massimo Riccioli brings to London the exclusive specialty restaurant that bears his name.

Massimo Restaurant and Oyster Bar is all about style and Italian passion. Set in an inspiringly elegant ambient that combines fine marble decorations with richly-textured fabrics, the restaurant offers tantalising dishes that satisfy the very best of gourmets.

Teaming up with ICON, a Malta-based web development firm, Massimo has once again served excellence, this time in the form of a beautifully-crafted website that matches the restaurant’s interior in artistry. Using ICON.snap, a flexible content management system, ICON’s talented designers have embedded a winning blend of water-colour splashes and free-hand drawn illustrations into the restaurant’s portal. An eclectic blend of colour and fully optimised pages to ensure positive search-engine rankings make the site chic and easy to use.

www.massimo-restaurant.co.uk is a website fine-diners should not overlook. With ICON’s e-News module Massimo can keep in touch with its clientele through their newsletter by sending regular gourmet updates on seasonal food choices. Integrated with OpenTable this Whitehall Place restaurant can also accept online booking making sure you always have a table ready for delicious culinary discoveries.

ICON’s collaboration with Massimo showcases success in ICON’s own internationalisation efforts as well as its ability to develop high-end, creative portals that brim with gusto.

 

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Where to save and splurge with London vacation packages

Fashion magazines say it all the time: When building an outfit, find items to splurge on and save on the rest. The same can certainly be said for travel. If you have a pricey destination like London on your bucket list, don't be discouraged. When it comes to going on your dream trip, smart travelers know that where there's a will, there's a way.

When it comes to flights to London, you - and your wallet - could very well be in luck. Because London sees so much air traffic, it's easier to find a good deal on airline tickets. If your travel dates are flexible, consider making the trip outside high season, which can help you save even more.

Other than your flight, hotels in London will likely be your largest expense, so it pays to be a relentless comparison shopper. Luckily, the Web makes this easier than ever. With just a few clicks on sites like Travelocity.com, you can have a list of hotels, arranged by price, at your disposal - and you can be sure that you're getting the best available rates. Hotels are a particularly great place to find savings, if you're an active traveler who wants to spend most of your time away from the room. Not only will you be able to cut back on amenities like room service, but you can also look for hotels slightly outside the center of the city and find savings - just use London's famous Underground to get around.

Since hotels and flights generally take up the biggest portion of your budget, consider London vacation packages, in which hotel and flights are bundled to give you a discount. If you're looking for ways to stretch your dollar the farthest, the savings a vacation package offers can be a smart solution. It'll still be a splurge, but looking for ways to save on high-cost items will leave you with a bigger budget for enjoying the city.

Exchanging money in London is a necessity, but one you shouldn't take lightly. You'll put yourself in a better position to save money by researching ahead of time to find out where you can get the best rates. Many times, exchange bureaus in airports don't offer the best rates; downloading an exchange rate app to your phone will help you know the difference. If you plan on using your ATM card, make sure it (and your PIN) be compatible, and talk to your bank about international withdrawal and transaction fees.

London is a great shopping city, and there's little doubt that you'll want to explore the endless array of boutiques. Start out by window shopping, even making a list on your phone or in a journal of the items that you like. Then, on your last day or two, narrow down your selections so that you get items that you want without blowing the budget. This is also a great way to see if the fascination with a particular item really lasts.

Dining in itself is a splurge-and-save proposition. If you want to book reservations at the hottest restaurants, you've got a few options. Check to see if they do lunch - you might find lower prices during the day. Otherwise, if you want to go all-out for a deluxe dinner or two, keep your other food expenses low by doing a bit of grocery shopping and picnicking - Hyde Park makes a lovely backdrop.

A travel budget is all about balance. Know what's most important to you and splurge on those things, saving on items that you aren't quite so concerned about. With this philosophy in mind, you can travel almost anywhere and stay right on budget.

 

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STRING of Hollywood stars is being touted to feature in a film that has the Costa del Sol at the centre of the action. Ralph Fiennes, Philip Seymour Hoffman and James Spader have all been approached to play the lead role

STRING of Hollywood stars is being touted to feature in a film that has the Costa del Sol at the centre of the action.
Ralph Fiennes, Philip Seymour Hoffman and James Spader have all been approached to play the lead role in The Enigmatic Mr Phelps, based on a series of novels inspired by Nerja.


Meanwhile British star Edward Fox has asked to have a role in the movie based on international fraudster Oscar Phelps, who uses Nerja as a frequent base.
Author David B Green, who now lives in Canada, spent three years as a resident of the town in the 1990s and still has a soft spot for the area.
“The atmosphere in Nerja is different to the rest of the Costa del Sol, it hasn’t been touched by development in the same way and has retained much of its character from the 60s and 70s,” Green told the Olive Press.
The film, described as ‘a classic crime mystery thriller with all the ingredients of the genre’, spans 14 years in the life of Phelps, a loveable rogue and cold-blooded killer.
Now Green expects the film, that is being made by Astral Media, will use Nerja as one of its main bases.
“Lots of action would take place around town and all of the old town would be used, including The Church of El Salvador,” explained the father-of-seven, who works in healthcare.
“The name for my first book 32-Red is inspired by the fabulous 34 Carabeo restaurant, which I always thought would be a great place for Phelps to be based,” he added.
The film, which could also feature scenes in Marbella, Malaga and Motril, is still in the early stages of development, with the cast selection process due to get under way next month.
“The company are already touting it as similar to The Talented Mr Ripley, which was a huge hit a few years ago,” said Green.

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Jaguar to begin production of its C-X75 Hybrid Supercar

The ultimate expression of Jaguar design and engineering innovation, the C-X75 ‘C’ for Concept and ‘X’ for Experimental was the highlight of the 2010 Paris Motor Show where Jaguar fans witnessed for the very first time the prowess behind the British Luxury sportscar makers sustainable mobility program.


While, most may have been quite skeptical about the turbine powered electric propulsion of the C-X75 ever making it to the assembly lines, Tata Motors Chairman, Ratan Tata made it aptly clear that the company only planned to showcase concepts that in all probability will go into full production. And Jaguar’s announcement that it will soon begin production of its most technologically advanced model to date is a clear indication of the fact that Tata Motors doesn’t really believe in raising any kind of false hopes for its customers.


However, for Jaguar to have achieved this feat, there have been some crucial steps that it has taken both in terms of technology and external aid to make this dream a reality. While, the original concept will remain unscathed, an innovative powertrain had to be developed to make the concept suitable for road use. Being the definitive hybrid sportscar of its time, the C-X75 now gets a carbon-fibre chassis to create an incredibly lightweight, yet rigidly strong structure.
 
 
 

 
 
 
With the technical specifications of the car in place for becoming a production friendly model, the Jaguar C-X75 will be developed with Williams F1, who will provide their engineering expertise in key areas like aerodynamics, carbon composite manufacture and hybrid technologies to further assist Jaguar in making its C-X75 model the most suitable hybrid sportscars for urban use.


Speaking at the announcement of the C-X75 Concept going into production, Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Brand Director, said “People expect Jaguar to be innovators, and that is when Jaguar is at its best. The C-X75 received an incredible reception as a concept car. We’ve been building on that momentum and there is a clear business case for this exclusive halo model. No other vehicle will better signify Jaguar’s renewed confidence and excellence in technological innovation than this.”
 
When C-X75’s motors and combustion engine combine, it will be one of the fastest production cars in the world, conquering an acceleration of 0 to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 328kmph. Crucially, this performance will be generated alongside incredibly low emissions, with a target of less than 99g/km CO2, thanks to Project C-X75’s lightweight construction and cutting-edge powertrain technology.

Only 250 examples will be built, each costing between £700,000 - £900,000 (51,541,795.4- 66,268,022.7 INR) depending on market and local taxes.

 

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Lamborghini have overtaken the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport by producing the world’s most expensive sports car costing £1.77 million.

Lamborghini have overtaken the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport by producing the world’s most expensive sports car costing £1.77 million.
Despite its hefty price tag and cutting edge technology, there is one major drawback with this luxurious car: it can’t be driven legally on US roads.
The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento boasts a top speed of 200mph and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds, but all of this speed and power comes at a price, as Lamborghini has had to dispense with normal measures when creating the car, which means it doesn’t meet the required standards to be driven on a public highway.
So it seems the world’s most expensive car will be forever resigned to being driven on private racing tracks, so if you’re looking for a expensive toy, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento may be just up your street.
With a 5.2 litre V10 engine and sleek carbon fibre body which weighs less than a tonne, it’s not surprising this sports car can reach impressive speeds in the blink of an eye.
The new Lamborghini model was first revealed as a concept car at the Paris Motor Show last year. Now the luxury Italian car maker has decided to go ahead with manufacturing just 20 of these state of the art cars.

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THE football star protected by a super-injunction over his affair with Big Brother star Imogen Thomas is about to be named.

The exposure in a popular Spanish newspaper is planned to coincide with an important date for the player, causing maximum personal impact to him and allegedly putting him off his game.

Tabloid daily newspaper El Mundo Deportivo will print the name of the Premier League idol who won a gagging order last month to suppress claims he cheated on his wife in a six-month fling with gorgeous Imogen.

But the injunction only prevents British publications from exposing him.

A Spanish media source said: “The newspaper is happy to print his name because they are published abroad.

“They are determined to print it on a date when they know it is vitally important for the footballer to be able to concentrate only on his game.

“The player will not want any distractions at this time so this will have a huge impact on his ability to focus only on football.

“I am sure he will be angry and upset about this but there’s nothing he can do about it.”

A Spanish website has already named the player alongside a sexy picture of Imogen wearing a see-through bra, G-string and black stockings.

Former Big Brother babe Imogen, 28, who has forged a career as a men’s magazine model, recently spoke about her relationship with the star who is described as a “family man”.

She told ITV1’s This Morning recently that she wished she had enough money to get a super-injunction to protect her name when the scandal broke.

Imogen said: “I had no intention of ever speaking about the man, I just wish that my name was protected.

“I didn’t have £50,000 to get an injunction. I feel like I have been thrown to the lions and told to ‘deal with it’.

“I’m coping with a lot of stress and pressure on my head at the moment.” Imogen said she had been subjected to “horrible abuse” on Twitter, being called a “slag” and a “whore”.

The footballer is already said to have admitted to his wife that he is the person with the super-injunction after she confronted him.

He is the latest in a string of celebrities who have taken legal action to gag people they have had affairs with.

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Galliano's Jewish lawyer quits weeks before anti-semetism trial

Disgraced designer John Galliano has been abandoned by his Jewish lawyer weeks before he stands trial for allegedly hurling anti-Semitic abuse in a Paris bar.

Stephen Zerbib had represented Galliano, left, since his arrest in February. The designer could face up to six months in prison and a £20,000 fine following two alleged rants against fellow drinkers. His lawyer has quit, with a source claiming: "Mr Zerbib has had enough."

Galliano, 50, who was raised in London and lives in Paris, is on bail. He was sacked from Christian Dior because of the alleged anti-Semitic rants and was fired as boss of his eponymous label.

 

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