Designers to watch: Judy Wu

With the world’s fashion series in full swing- it’s that beautiful time of year where wonderfully talented emerging designers like a breath of fresh air interject a new take on the coming season.

Having completed two lengthy runs at New York Fashion Week & London Fashion Week- I came across the wonderment that is Judy Wu. A graduate from Central Saint Martins, Judy Wu’s debut Autumn/ Winter 2013 collection “A Crack in Time” caused a storm with its Chinese Totem inspired designs. 

With a range of innovative new-age techniques applied to a typically classic aesthetic, her debut collection has played an integral part at international fashion fairs and continues to “Wu” a firm following of fashion favorites.

With the turn of the season upon us, or at least I hope, Judy Wu presents some of my favorite pieces for Spring/ Summer 2014. My top picks from the collection include this dainty yet edgy Porcelain Print Dress

Rock on the shores of Cannes this Spring with flowing tresses and Colour Block Heeled Sandals for instant fashion brownie points!

Unable to flee the country? Not a problem, keep your pins warm in these beautiful porcelain print leggings

And keep the winds at bay with this delectable Double- breasted Coat 

from her A/W debut collection.

Judy Wu’s new collection is elegant and versatile, perfect for all occasions from a Formal Event to a Saturday Night Date. 

Finding a well balanced symbiosis between modern Eastern energy with cutting edge Western designs, Judy creates inspirational pieces for women that will remain classic through any dressing period.

To find out more visit: www.judywu.co.uk 

Vegetarian Feast at Hutong, The Shard

I’m having a moment with Asian food.

My palette cravings tend to bounce around countries dependent on the weather- and with this abysmal gale force wind that’s threatening to off-shore my little 5ft 3 [and a crucial half inch] frame to the far coast island of Bora Bora- I find myself craving something spicy! Something to keep me warm in these sub-zero conditions and set my taste buds on fire.

Brrr.

I’d heard about Hutong in The Shard from a few friends who’d eloquently described it as “The best frigging Chinese restaurant with the best frigging views” - so I thought I’d get myself scrubbed up, head down to Hutong [or more aptly- up as it’s on the 33rd floor] and see what all the fuss was about. They were not wrong.

After an aimless totter around London’s most prominent skyline feature- The Shard

We finally came to the revolving door rabbit hole that would lead us to our hunger oasis. Entering The Shard always feels like you’re transported to another country- the staff are extremely friendly and inquisitive which proves for some well needed chatter while you patiently wait for the lift.

As you descend the lift you’re presented with the most stunning panoramic view of London.

With our stomach’s growling as we passed the other tables to our window view seats [surveying the food competition], we took our seats and broke The Hutong Ice with a bottle of full bodied Merlot.

Wine with a view- bliss.

Incessant chattering, one [two] bottles of Merlot, and frequent laps from our waiter later we finally got down to surveying the menu for the all important food ordering.

The Dim Sum Platter- a special hats off to the Crystal Crab Meat Dumpling which was absolutely incredible!

A portion of Vegetable dumplings for my vegetarian counterparts...

Dangerous looking  vegetarian spring rolls...

Deliciously gloopy tofu pieces... [I was being punished for having vegetarian friends.]

And my favourite of them all- Crunchy Lotus Root fried with chilli, green pepper and spicy sauce.

Crispy and Spicy- just the thing to bat away my winter blues.

A few posy pictures later- we retired to the aqua bar located on the floor below to extensively sample the cocktail menu and gaze and gawp at our beautiful city.

Before the glorious rain kicked back in...

Despite the lack of meat on my table [the price I pay for having vegetarian friends], I was seriously impressed by Hutong. The service was speedy, the waiters were extremely polite and the food lived up to the “frigging delicious” label.

However I will most definitely be going back to sample some of the more, ahem, meatier dishes- so watch this space!

Curse me for my vegetarian friends!      

R & R à la The Berkley Hotel.

After what can only be described as a whirlwind hop, skip and a bop across the pond to New York for a long weekend- to say my body was in need of some tender love and care would be an understatement. As much as I love the nomad lifestyle, flying quite frankly reeks havoc on your body!

Dehydration, poor circulation and all of the rest of those lovely side effects are just the necessary hit that we need to take in order to be lounging on a beach somewhere- but the most important part is the recovery! On a mission to perk up my body, I decided to check myself into The Berkley Hotel’s Bamford Haybarn Spa to let the healing process begin.

Located on the 7^th floor of the iconic Berkley Hotel Knightsbridge, open the chez long adorned lift doors and step into the ultimate rejuvenation paradise. 

Airy, white and bright- The Bamford Haybarn Spa encompasses a refreshing take on the world of relaxation with a strong country cottage feel to the decor. 

Splashed with a soothing shade of white, the walls are laden with white varnish wood and soothing still life and scenic photography... 

Ofcourse the perfect setting to stash the communication and photography device and detach from the world...

Just kidding I couldn’t do that to you guys...

 Enter the changing room, and slip into a big fluffy white robe, choose your treatments of choice, fill out a speedy consultation form and be led to nirvana by a masseuse of your choice- it sounds too easy to be true but trust me the seamless execution is just what makes the Bamford Haybarn Spa a must experience in Knightsbridge.  

With a vast array of treatment techniques, oils and treatments- the geranium full body massage was my favourite- your masseuse will tailor each aspect of your treatment to your body.

Top it all off with a trip to the poolside on the rooftop of The Berkley Hotel and be engulfed by the soothing sounds of lapping water and the stunning panoramic views that span the entirety of London.

Survey a simplistic wine list and a selection of light bite meals that include a scrumptious Puy Lentil salad or a zesty baby squid in mild Chilli. I went for the Grilled Tiger Prawns Salad...

Yes it was as scrumptious as it looks.  

The Bamford Haybarn Spa at The Berkley Hotel is definitely my top place to rejuv in London at the moment- What's your favourite place?