Edition No.10

IT WAS ALWAYS MONACO

We gain so much inspiration from being out and about, so we all looked forward to the debrief when our Founding Partner and Creative Director, Sharon Lillywhite, returned to the studio following her visit to the Monaco Yacht Show. The show always provides an excellent opportunity to explore the latest innovations, concept designs, and cutting-edge technology in the world of marine — and time for us to focus on our expertise in design and how this can add value in this exciting sector. While at the show, Sharon attended several events and launches, including The Circle lunch hosted at Panorama Properties Monaco, the OMNIYAT launch of The Alba at the Monaco Yacht Club, the Boat International party, and, of course, visits aboard some of the most noteworthy yachts in Port Hercule.

WALPOLE | The State of London Luxury 2024 Report

A highly recommended read, Walpole’s latest report, which has been commissioned in partnership with Cadogan, explores London’s position in the luxury sphere and the significant role that culture and creativity play. Following the event Sharon shared her thoughts and insights into our own experience of how having the finest arts and cultural institutions on our doorstep, is such an important draw in attracting UHNWIs to invest in the capital.

“London is an attractive location for investment where UHNWIs can be nestled within a stone’s throw of the most iconic and globally recognised galleries, museums, fashion houses, and fine dining establishments—providing unrivalled access to exclusive luxury experiences.

This cultural draw also attracts the finest British artisans and craftspeople, highlighting the convenience of sustainably sourcing from nearby cultural hubs for turnkey projects, thanks to their proximity and accessibility. Additionally, the presence of established showrooms, ateliers, and events like PAD London and Frieze London feed the cultural calendar, further establishing the destination as a creative hotspot.”

AUTUMN COLOURS

There are, of course, natural comparisons between fashion design and interior design, a love of colour, texture and detail to name a few.

With the finest fashion brands in the world hitting the catwalks, there has been much debate in the studio over the last few weeks on our favourite autumnal colours and chocolate brown and burgundy appear to be the favourites! It is fair to say that Stella McCartney’s gorgeous chocolate belted double breasted coat and Loewe’s Flamenco Clutch in burgundy, have been admired!

THE FAST LOVE BETWEEN F1 AND LMVH

Earlier this year, we wrote about our interest in the glitz and glamour of Formula One, where some of fashion's couture has become commonplace in the pit lanes. Naturally, we were intrigued by a recent article published in Business of Fashion, which announced LVMH’s new 10-year partnership with Formula One. This pairing isn’t entirely new, as their luxury brands have been prominent in F1 for many years. However, with a younger, more female-centric audience emerging, the link between the two is a no-brainer. We often discuss how Gen Z seeks luxury experiences that bring them closer to a brand, and aligning the likes of Moët, Louis Vuitton, and TAG Heuer with Formula One offers both the grit and drive of the sport while retaining the elegance and glamour of the brands.

HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR HOME?

We are delighted to see that, wellness-focused homes are continuing to rise in popularity. While previous considerations included non-toxic materials, indoor spas, and natural lighting, the new era of wellness is driven by science-backed research and studies. Positive Luxury’s recent webinar explored the WELL certification, a rigorous standard used to assess the wellness level of homes (and workplaces), evaluating key factors such as air, water, nourishment, light, movement, sound, mental health, and community, ensuring that every aspect of well-being is considered.

Our clients are embracing this ethos, and our thoughtful design approach ensures we create environments that support the highest possible standards of healthy living. Prime Resi, recently shared what they named ‘One of the world’s healthiest homes’ – a £15.75m North London mansion, which has just completed a health focused refurbishment. The property has been built under the principles of 'Building Biology’ including natural light-mimicking systems, electromagnetic-shielded wiring, and even a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

SCOTLAND IN THE LUXURY SPOTLIGHT

As home to some of the most iconic baronial-style architecture and breathtaking landscapes, Scotland has long been a destination steeped in tradition and history, attracting everyone from the Royal Family to visitors from around the world. In recent years, this stunning location has been gaining prominence within the luxury sphere, particularly with venues such as Gleneagles, attracting UHNWIs seeking secluded getaways. As advisors to some of the most affluent families, our work is increasingly drawing us closer to Scotland, where a blend of traditional craftsmanship, connection to nature, and stunning architecture is shaping it as a luxury destination. We’re interested to watch its development and see how the industry continues to embrace it.  

THE BLURRING LINES BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL AND HOSPITALITY

As one of our commercial projects nears completion, we’ve been reflecting on the increasingly blurred lines between residential and hospitality design. Many of our clients are requesting spaces that evoke a 'home from home' atmosphere—comfortable, relaxing environments even when far from home. It speaks to the growing need for spaces that allow for unwinding and resetting, no matter where life takes us. A sentiment that we understand fully. There’s truly no place like home, and our goal is to create spaces that emulate this sense of luxury comfort and familiarity.