London & Partners

ShoppingWith Caroline MerrySHOPPINGWhat’s hotWhile most of us can’t wait to shed our winter woolies, trendsetters turnto the next chilly season when London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter2012 struts into town (17-21 Feb). If you haven’t been graced with a ticket,fear not, for Vodafone London Fashion Weekend (23-26 Feb) gives thegeneral public the chance to be part of the catwalk action. The event seesSomerset House full to the brim with brands, all of which are available tobuy. Tickets from £12.50.Somerset House, Strand, WC2. 08712 301 558. londonfashionweekend.co.uk Ë t Charing Cross. Map C6.TOP IMAGE COURTESY OF VODAFONE LONDON FASHION WEEKENDA woman’s touchSay, “I love you” with a little something fromWempe’s By Kim collection, which now featuresnew creations such as the range of ringstitled Sunshine (pictured right).Pairing traditional techniquesof jewellery making with stylesthat capture the spirit of currenttimes, each piece is the workof creators Kim-Eva Wempeand Catherine Plouchard.43-44 New Bond Street, W1. 020 7493 2299. wempe.com Ë Bond Street. Map C4.Hot dateRoses are red, violets are blueIt’s that time of year again whenwe shower our sweethearts withextra special gifts. Here’s ourpick of the top presents forValentine’s Day:LIBERTYAny gift from Liberty wouldbe gratefully received, but WoopStudios’ print A Flutter Of Love(pictured below 1) should proveextra special.Liberty, p. 59.LONDON GLASSBLOWINGSTUDIO & WORKSHOPSee your gift take shape in frontof your very eyes at Peter Layton’sglassblowing workshop. Plus,until 14 Feb, enjoy glass formsby Katharine Coleman and morein its exhibition Heavenly Sent.(pictured below 2)London Glassblowing Studio& Workshop, p. 60.close and Prestat’s gorgeousgoodies are no exception.Pairing pretty packaging withflavours to make the mouthwater, its Heart Assortmentbox (pictured below 3) suitssweet-toothed partners.14 Princes Arcade, SW1. 020 8896 8699. prestat.co.ukË Piccadilly Circus. Map C5.THOMAS LYTEFamed for offering nothingbut the finest quality andcraftsmanship, this Englishbrand is the place for luxuriousgifts for loved ones. We adoreits Love Notes envelopes(pictured below 4).12-13 Burlington Arcade,W1. 020 7751 8844. thomaslyte.comË Green Park. Map C5.It’s love at first scent at London’s latestperfumery, Les Senteurs, which brings itssecond boutique to pretty Portman Village.Specialising in fine fragrances since 1984, it’sa one-stop shop for those seeking somethingextra special, with luxurious offerings sourcedfrom independent artisans. Better still, thein-house Scent Salon is devoted entirely toexhibitions and events, including Shaken AndStirred on 14 Feb, an evening of cocktailsto celebrate St. Valentine’s Day.2 Seymour Place, W1. 020 7183 5842. lessenteurs.com Ë Marble Arch. Map B3.NOBLE MACMILLANSpecialising in lovely leatherofferings like albums, diariesand more, customers can gettheir purchase embossed instore. Why not have your lovedone’s name added to a LuluGuinness journal?9 Elvaston Mews, SW7. 020 7581 4178. noblemacmillan.comË Gloucester Road. Map D2.PRESTATDiamonds may be a girl’s bestfriend, but chocolate comes pretty4132February 2012|LONDON PLANNER|visitlondon.com | 57