As October draws to a close, we’ve got some last-minute “musts” to squeeze in before the month is out.
From conversations celebrating the power of women and a new opening from Noma-vetted chef Santiago Lastra to the heady scent of ANINE BING’s latest fragrance, here’s what’s peppering our week at CF.
BOOK THIS KOL
Set over two storeys on Seymour Street, Kol is the first permanent venture from chef Santiago Lastra (for the uninitiated, Lastra was Noma’s René Redzepi choice chef when he decided to open a Noma pop up in Mexico back in 2017. From Noma Mexico to London’s Marylebone, the menu Lastra has drafted at Kol showcases Mexican dishes made with the finest of British ingredients and craftsmanship. Championing wild food and seasonality to create dishes that reflect the bright, fresh flavours of Mexican cooking, diners can expect moreish dishes including short rib flauta with quince mole and kohlrabi ceviche. On site, you’ll find a tortilla factory and an open kitchen. The chef’s table is located sub-terra – if that’s not how you’re choosing to dine make sure to head to the basement post-dinner to sample a rare selection of agave spirits and cocktails at KOL’s Mezcaleria.
COMMIT WITH THIS Kimaï, Perfectly Imperfect
Founded in 2018 by Jessica Warch and Sidney Neuhaus, Kimaï set out to reimagine the world of fine jewellery. The result: an ethical jewellery brand built on the pillars of transparency and ethics. Pieces are made with lab-grown diamonds and recycled 18kt gold and supporters of the brand – by way of female investors – include Diane von Furstenberg, Rebecca Minkoff, Fidji Simo, Celine Lazorthes and Coralie de Fontenay. This week, they’re launching their first line of engagement rings – Perfectly Imperfect. Handmade in their Antwerp atelier, these pieces are uniquely crafted in wave shapes, carefully designed to direct away from the hand to elongate and flatter the finger. You can purchase your symbolic promise of love and commitment from £1,500.
BOOK THIS Joali, Maldives
The Maldives has been added to the UK’s quarantine-free list, as of 25 October, so naturally we’ve started compiling our winter travel agenda – starting with Joali Maldives. A worthy winter-sun detour, we can’t wait to check in to Joali’s overwater and beach villas designed by Istanbul-based design studio Autoban (the team behind London’s Duck + Rice and Baku’s epic airport). Connoisseurs of luxury, Maldivophiles are sure to have had this spot on their list for some time now. Joali is on its own private island, Muravandhoo, in the Raa Atoll and of all the resort’s swoon-worthy offerings – of which there are many – it’s Joali’s ‘destination dining’ concept that packs the biggest punch. As a Joali guest, you’re invited to choose any alluring spot on the island for a moonlit dinner. Turn up barefoot or get dolled up – at Joali, it’s dinner (and life) according to you.
SHOP THIS ANINE BING, Pure Noir
ANINE BING’s second fragrance Pure Noir is deep and sensual, yet feminine and versatile enough for everyday wear. “Pure Noir is such a personal scent. It reminds me of my travels to all of my favourite cities around the world, staying at cosy boutique hotels, exploring new neighbourhoods. It embodies the spirit of Copenhagen and Paris, which is ripe with possibility,” notes Founder and Creative Director Anine Bing. We concur. From our first inhale of Pure Noir’s black baccara rose, papyrus, and spicy saffron blend we were hooked (and instantly transported to our favourite European cities).
ATTEND THIS Power of Women
Taking place on 28 and 29 October, this year Variety’s Power of Women luncheon has been reimagined as a virtual summit. Conversations will ‘celebrate female executives, producers, and talent who create content that inspire and promote social good’. Some highlights of the virtual summit include a round table discussion with the Women of “Grey’s Anatomy”, celebrating the show’s influence throughout the years. Featuring Ellen Pompeo, Chandra Wilson, Debbie Allen, and Krista Vernoff, they will explore what’s to come for the upcoming season and how the show has always empowered dynamic female leadership – in front of and behind the camera. Another notable panel: The Women in Music Roundtable, which will cover a conversation with female leaders in the music industry on how to advance and create space for more female artists to succeed within the business.
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