Colour is big news this summer and Shade Station is spoiling you with our on-trend colour palette and amazing selection of designer watches and sunglasses. For your fashionable summer wristwear look no further than Adidas and their new Oddity Candy range. The equivalent to Lancôme’s Juicy Tube Lipgloss for lips these brightly coloured watches will arm you with perfect digital timing and the necessary pop of colour on your wrist to embrace this season's trend.
"But I don't 'do' sport!"
Yes, that may be the case but we bet you still wear Adidas shell toes to the pub and have worn an adidas tracksuit or hooded top to the supermarket at some point. Adidas is of course the premier sports label, however it is also a lifestyle label. Stella McCartney and Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto both know this, as does glossy magazine, Instyle, which featured the Adidas wrist-candy in last months issue. The point is; Adidas Oddity Candy watches are both functional and superbly fashionable.
With a rainbow selection of hues, the Oddity Candy range has colours to suit all tastes, from turquoise and dusky red to green and baby pink. For those with more traditional tastes, white and black are available and those who embrace colour will love the Adidas Oddity Candy watch in ‘vibrant orange’, which is exclusive to Shade Station.
For all your pursuits this summer, colour is a must and the easiest way to wear it, is a burst of Oddity Candy on your wrist!
Friday, 12 June 2009
Friday, 5 June 2009
Tom Ford
Tom Ford seems to effortlessly transcend the gap between being an established designer and that of a relative newcomer. You could categorise him with the old guard like, Armani, Valentino, Cavalli and Lagerfeld simply because he is such an established name and has had success within groups and independently. However you can also bunch him together with the likes of Stella McCartney, Luella, Giles Deacon, Marc Jacobs and DSquared, because in reality, he’s not that old and hasn’t been in the business for decades either.
Tom Ford sits in a rare place within the design industry for just this reason. He demands respect because of his success, his designs are timeless and classic and yet he’s as quick to push the boundaries as any other young aspiring designer trying to make a name for themselves.
For proof of his success you can look to the time he was Creative Director at Gucci in the Nineties. At the time Gucci was a big name, however it was virtually bankrupt and didn’t have the youth vote at all. Enter Ford. He injected a fresh optimism and pizzazz into the Italian design house and as a result made a name for himself and seduced an entire generation to Gucci’s charms. Remember the velvet slim line hipsters and the skinny satin shirts loved by Gwyneth Paltrow and her contemporaries? Tom Ford helped Gucci become the A-Lister’s label of choice.
In 2004 Ford left Gucci and started his own label. His previous success enabled him to hit the ground running and within very little time ‘Tom Ford’ became an established, sought after label. From his accessories range to his menswear and sunglasses collection, every piece screams style and panache. The most recent offering from Tom Ford is a ‘Made to Measure’ service for men’s dress shoes. Dress shoes are traditionally conservative and there is little choice between styles. Again, step forward Mr Ford. This inspired collection will offer no less than 18 different styles and will be made to the exact foot size specification. Once again Tom Ford stamps his mark in the world of fashion and shows both the dinosaurs and the young pretenders just who’s really boss.
Many celebrities are fans of Tom Ford’s designs, including Brad Pitt. This spring saw the actor dressed head to toe in Tom Ford, from his sunglasses to his shoes at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. Pictured wearing a pale pink ‘Spencer’ suit with an open neck white shirt, Brad Pitt looked dashing and modern, accessorising with a pair of the very latest Tom Ford aviator sunglasses and a grey cashmere scarf. Brad Pitt rarely pus a foot wrong when it comes to fashion and by wearing Tom Ford when he’s under the glare of the camera lense, Pitt ensures he remains fashion’s darling and every women’s fantasy.
You may not have the status or cash to rival Brad but you can certainly give him a run for his money in the sunglasses stakes. Tom Ford sunglasses are incredibly stylish and also the choice of eyewear for another ladies man, James Bond! Ford’s sophisticated range of shades is ultra modern whilst also remaining slightly retro and classic. The aviator is a must in every man’s summer wardrobe and Tom Ford delivers, with varying styles of aviator shades within his men’s collection.
Tom Ford sits in a rare place within the design industry for just this reason. He demands respect because of his success, his designs are timeless and classic and yet he’s as quick to push the boundaries as any other young aspiring designer trying to make a name for themselves.
For proof of his success you can look to the time he was Creative Director at Gucci in the Nineties. At the time Gucci was a big name, however it was virtually bankrupt and didn’t have the youth vote at all. Enter Ford. He injected a fresh optimism and pizzazz into the Italian design house and as a result made a name for himself and seduced an entire generation to Gucci’s charms. Remember the velvet slim line hipsters and the skinny satin shirts loved by Gwyneth Paltrow and her contemporaries? Tom Ford helped Gucci become the A-Lister’s label of choice.
In 2004 Ford left Gucci and started his own label. His previous success enabled him to hit the ground running and within very little time ‘Tom Ford’ became an established, sought after label. From his accessories range to his menswear and sunglasses collection, every piece screams style and panache. The most recent offering from Tom Ford is a ‘Made to Measure’ service for men’s dress shoes. Dress shoes are traditionally conservative and there is little choice between styles. Again, step forward Mr Ford. This inspired collection will offer no less than 18 different styles and will be made to the exact foot size specification. Once again Tom Ford stamps his mark in the world of fashion and shows both the dinosaurs and the young pretenders just who’s really boss.
Many celebrities are fans of Tom Ford’s designs, including Brad Pitt. This spring saw the actor dressed head to toe in Tom Ford, from his sunglasses to his shoes at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. Pictured wearing a pale pink ‘Spencer’ suit with an open neck white shirt, Brad Pitt looked dashing and modern, accessorising with a pair of the very latest Tom Ford aviator sunglasses and a grey cashmere scarf. Brad Pitt rarely pus a foot wrong when it comes to fashion and by wearing Tom Ford when he’s under the glare of the camera lense, Pitt ensures he remains fashion’s darling and every women’s fantasy.
You may not have the status or cash to rival Brad but you can certainly give him a run for his money in the sunglasses stakes. Tom Ford sunglasses are incredibly stylish and also the choice of eyewear for another ladies man, James Bond! Ford’s sophisticated range of shades is ultra modern whilst also remaining slightly retro and classic. The aviator is a must in every man’s summer wardrobe and Tom Ford delivers, with varying styles of aviator shades within his men’s collection.
Thursday, 4 June 2009
CocoMania!
This summer sees the release of 2 films about the life of Coco Chanel. Surprisingly neither looks specifically at her life as the world’s foremost fashion designer; rather they concentrate on darker, lesser-known periods of her life.
The first starring Audrey Tautou, famous for her starring role in Amelie, is entitled “Coco Avant Chanel” (Coco before Chanel) and explores Chanel’s life as she grew up in an orphanage in rural France and scraped her way to Paris, via odd jobs and wealthy men. The film bears witness to her transformation from effectively little more than a peasant girl to a woman who became known for her style and the embodiment of chic. Audrey Tautou was born to play Chanel. Like Coco, she has similar androgynous body measurements and an astonishing facial likeness with high cheekbones, dark hair and porcelain skin. Her wonderful turn as the headstrong designer, has elicited rave reviews from French cinema goers and critics alike.
The second film in a season of Chanel biopics stars Lagerfield muse Anna Mouglalis as Mademoiselle Chanel and is called “Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky”. Merging fact and fiction, the film follows the love affair between a young Chanel and the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky during the early 1920s. The film closed the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and was met with praise for its direction and set design in particular.
Both films are sumptuous tales depicting periods of Coco Chanel’s life, however it is entirely coincidental that they have seen the light of day at the exact same time. As it is, both pictures have begun this summer’s trend of ‘CocoMania’.
Although never far from the limelight, Chanel is currently having a HUGE fashion moment. In addition to both movies, the French design house is currently producing all the outfits for Penelope Cruz in her latest film with the Spanish director Pedro Almodovar “Broken Embraces”. Almodovar has praised Chanel as “One of the best inventions of the Twentieth Century”. The English National Ballet has also announced that all their dancers will be performing at Sadler’s Wells in June wearing Chanel Haute Couture, to celebrate the centenary of Ballets Russes – an early Twentieth Century Russian Ballet Company.
The fashion people are also hot on the Coco trend, at this years Paris Fashion Week, Jefferson Hack, co-founder of ‘Dazed & Confused’ magazine and father to Kate Moss’s daughter, held a party in Chanel’s private apartments in the Rue Cambon, to which, a host of French society, models and celebrities were invited.
Chanel has been a driving force in the fashion industry and has given society some of its most influential and iconic produce to date. No scent in history has had as much success as Chanel No 5, the black quilted chain bag has become a symbol of style and affluence, the little box Chanel jacket has been copied the world over…. And there’s more… Coco made pearls fashionable, stripes and the signature little black dress.
As summer 2009 implodes with CocoMania it is essential that budding fashionista’s are armed with Chanel fodder. Most designer pieces are far too expensive to enjoy, however sunglasses, as well as being a summer necessity, are an affordable must-have item, and they don’t come much better than Chanel. Shade Station will be stocking Chanel sunglasses for the summer, so you can indulge in your Chanel moment and keep abreast of the hottest trend this year.
The first starring Audrey Tautou, famous for her starring role in Amelie, is entitled “Coco Avant Chanel” (Coco before Chanel) and explores Chanel’s life as she grew up in an orphanage in rural France and scraped her way to Paris, via odd jobs and wealthy men. The film bears witness to her transformation from effectively little more than a peasant girl to a woman who became known for her style and the embodiment of chic. Audrey Tautou was born to play Chanel. Like Coco, she has similar androgynous body measurements and an astonishing facial likeness with high cheekbones, dark hair and porcelain skin. Her wonderful turn as the headstrong designer, has elicited rave reviews from French cinema goers and critics alike.
The second film in a season of Chanel biopics stars Lagerfield muse Anna Mouglalis as Mademoiselle Chanel and is called “Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky”. Merging fact and fiction, the film follows the love affair between a young Chanel and the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky during the early 1920s. The film closed the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and was met with praise for its direction and set design in particular.
Both films are sumptuous tales depicting periods of Coco Chanel’s life, however it is entirely coincidental that they have seen the light of day at the exact same time. As it is, both pictures have begun this summer’s trend of ‘CocoMania’.
Although never far from the limelight, Chanel is currently having a HUGE fashion moment. In addition to both movies, the French design house is currently producing all the outfits for Penelope Cruz in her latest film with the Spanish director Pedro Almodovar “Broken Embraces”. Almodovar has praised Chanel as “One of the best inventions of the Twentieth Century”. The English National Ballet has also announced that all their dancers will be performing at Sadler’s Wells in June wearing Chanel Haute Couture, to celebrate the centenary of Ballets Russes – an early Twentieth Century Russian Ballet Company.
The fashion people are also hot on the Coco trend, at this years Paris Fashion Week, Jefferson Hack, co-founder of ‘Dazed & Confused’ magazine and father to Kate Moss’s daughter, held a party in Chanel’s private apartments in the Rue Cambon, to which, a host of French society, models and celebrities were invited.
Chanel has been a driving force in the fashion industry and has given society some of its most influential and iconic produce to date. No scent in history has had as much success as Chanel No 5, the black quilted chain bag has become a symbol of style and affluence, the little box Chanel jacket has been copied the world over…. And there’s more… Coco made pearls fashionable, stripes and the signature little black dress.
As summer 2009 implodes with CocoMania it is essential that budding fashionista’s are armed with Chanel fodder. Most designer pieces are far too expensive to enjoy, however sunglasses, as well as being a summer necessity, are an affordable must-have item, and they don’t come much better than Chanel. Shade Station will be stocking Chanel sunglasses for the summer, so you can indulge in your Chanel moment and keep abreast of the hottest trend this year.
Celebs, Sunglasses, Cannes!
If you’re celebrity savvy like me you will have been watching all the action at the recent 2009 Cannes Film Festival with interest. The stars, the dresses, the parties and the gossip kept me entertained for at least, oh, a week!
Angelina and Brad put on a show of togetherness in answer to reports of an imminent split. Penelope Cruz braved the festival whilst suffering with flu. Twilight’s Robert Pattinson’s non-stop partying was widely reported. Surprise at the pairing of Hero’s Hayden Panettiere and T4’s Steve Jones, seen canoodling onboard David Furnish’s yacht for the duration of the festival. Paris Hilton and her beau Doug Reinhart courting the paps as usual and Mariah Carey promoting her new film ‘Precious’. As well as 2 films depicting the life of Mademoiselle Chanel and an appearance from Chanel ‘s Creative Director, the unflappable Karl Lagerfeld, made for an exciting week.
The French Riviera was awash with Hollywood Glitterati and the sun shone brightly, so unsurprisingly we were treated to a role call of the latest, most fashionable sunglasses as modelled by the A-Listers.
Police sunglasses were a popular choice amongst the men, with director Quentin Tarantino, rapper Neyo and the newly reformed Spandau Ballet all sporting various cool looking styles. Brad Pitt took to the Red Carpet for his movie ‘Inglourious Basterds’ wearing top to toe Tom Ford including a sharp looking pair of Tom Ford style aviators. Both Robert Pattinson and Orlando Bloom flew the flag for Ray Ban, with the Twilight star rocking some Ray Ban Clubmasters and Bloom wearing nothing but swimming shorts and a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers.
German born Diane Kruger is rarely seen without her Ray Ban Wayfarers and Cannes was no exception this year. Eva Longoria turned up the heat with a sizzling pair of large red Gina sunglasses by Louis Vuitton accompanied by her husband, basketball player Tony Parker. Red head Julianne Moore was pictured wearing a stunning pair of oversized black Gucci shades and singer Mariah Carey chose a fabulous pair of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses for her photo call. Closing this year’s festival was Chanel muse and actress Anna Mouglalis with her film ‘Coco Chanel & Igor Strvinsky’ wearing.... Chanel sunglasses of course!
Angelina and Brad put on a show of togetherness in answer to reports of an imminent split. Penelope Cruz braved the festival whilst suffering with flu. Twilight’s Robert Pattinson’s non-stop partying was widely reported. Surprise at the pairing of Hero’s Hayden Panettiere and T4’s Steve Jones, seen canoodling onboard David Furnish’s yacht for the duration of the festival. Paris Hilton and her beau Doug Reinhart courting the paps as usual and Mariah Carey promoting her new film ‘Precious’. As well as 2 films depicting the life of Mademoiselle Chanel and an appearance from Chanel ‘s Creative Director, the unflappable Karl Lagerfeld, made for an exciting week.
The French Riviera was awash with Hollywood Glitterati and the sun shone brightly, so unsurprisingly we were treated to a role call of the latest, most fashionable sunglasses as modelled by the A-Listers.
Police sunglasses were a popular choice amongst the men, with director Quentin Tarantino, rapper Neyo and the newly reformed Spandau Ballet all sporting various cool looking styles. Brad Pitt took to the Red Carpet for his movie ‘Inglourious Basterds’ wearing top to toe Tom Ford including a sharp looking pair of Tom Ford style aviators. Both Robert Pattinson and Orlando Bloom flew the flag for Ray Ban, with the Twilight star rocking some Ray Ban Clubmasters and Bloom wearing nothing but swimming shorts and a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers.
German born Diane Kruger is rarely seen without her Ray Ban Wayfarers and Cannes was no exception this year. Eva Longoria turned up the heat with a sizzling pair of large red Gina sunglasses by Louis Vuitton accompanied by her husband, basketball player Tony Parker. Red head Julianne Moore was pictured wearing a stunning pair of oversized black Gucci shades and singer Mariah Carey chose a fabulous pair of Roberto Cavalli sunglasses for her photo call. Closing this year’s festival was Chanel muse and actress Anna Mouglalis with her film ‘Coco Chanel & Igor Strvinsky’ wearing.... Chanel sunglasses of course!
Friday, 27 March 2009
Frame Acadamy
The Wahanda team rose early this morning and donned leg warmers, to check out Frame, the new dance, fitness and holistic studio in Shoreditch. Housed under the railway arches between Curtain Rd and Shoreditch High St, Frame is the coolest, cosiest dance studio we’ve ever had the pleasure of setting eyes on. Combining exposed brickwork and plenty of wood and glass, the building is a light, modern, happy place to be. One large dance studio dominates the space, with several further smaller studios designed for mat work and spin classes, and another for reformer pilates.
There are well designed changing rooms for both men and women, with showers, plenty of mirror space, hair straighteners and products. Tucked away up some stairs is a little nook with squashy sofas and a viewing gallery, designed as a communal area for members to kick back, relax, check their emails and/or have their hair and make up seen to.
The team behind Frame are two bright, sparky twenty something girls, Joan Murphy and Pip Black. Having both come from business and marketing backgrounds, they had a dream to create a hallowed place combining fitness, fun and convenience. It was as if they had climbed into Wahanda’s head and stolen all our ideas for a fabulous workout venue. In addition to a body popping, totally rocking array of classes, Frame serves up a ‘help yourself’ style breakfast bar every morning to set you up for the day ahead and then on Thursday and Friday evening’s there’s a team of hair stylists and make up artists on hand to beautify you before you hit the tiles… we couldn’t have organised it better ourselves!
Those annoying, stoic membership schemes are thrown out the window too as Frame have introduced a pay as you go swipe card that you can top up as and when you wish – so it’s goodbye to lengthy contracts and hello to fitness freedom.
Exercise has never been so fun and Wahanda can verify this having learnt a few Lindy hop moves this morning. Tone up with aerobic classes like the Jane Fonda Tribute and the Buff Workout, embrace your inner showgirl by learning burlesque, the lindy hop or the charleston and find your inner balance with acrobatic yoga and pilates. These are just a handful of classes for you to try and from £8 a class, prices are light enough to enjoy all that Frame has to offer.
There are well designed changing rooms for both men and women, with showers, plenty of mirror space, hair straighteners and products. Tucked away up some stairs is a little nook with squashy sofas and a viewing gallery, designed as a communal area for members to kick back, relax, check their emails and/or have their hair and make up seen to.
The team behind Frame are two bright, sparky twenty something girls, Joan Murphy and Pip Black. Having both come from business and marketing backgrounds, they had a dream to create a hallowed place combining fitness, fun and convenience. It was as if they had climbed into Wahanda’s head and stolen all our ideas for a fabulous workout venue. In addition to a body popping, totally rocking array of classes, Frame serves up a ‘help yourself’ style breakfast bar every morning to set you up for the day ahead and then on Thursday and Friday evening’s there’s a team of hair stylists and make up artists on hand to beautify you before you hit the tiles… we couldn’t have organised it better ourselves!
Those annoying, stoic membership schemes are thrown out the window too as Frame have introduced a pay as you go swipe card that you can top up as and when you wish – so it’s goodbye to lengthy contracts and hello to fitness freedom.
Exercise has never been so fun and Wahanda can verify this having learnt a few Lindy hop moves this morning. Tone up with aerobic classes like the Jane Fonda Tribute and the Buff Workout, embrace your inner showgirl by learning burlesque, the lindy hop or the charleston and find your inner balance with acrobatic yoga and pilates. These are just a handful of classes for you to try and from £8 a class, prices are light enough to enjoy all that Frame has to offer.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Pretty in Prada
Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to own a pair of Prada sunnies. Prada has become synonymous with style, elegance and good taste. Never knowingly over the top or excessive, Prada is always on trend and rarely puts a foot wrong.
One of last years hottest celebrity sunglasses trends were Prada’s Butterfly shades. At one time or another most of Hollywoods A-list could be seen sporting them. Nicole Ritchie, a big sunglasses fan, spent most of the summer in hers as did Paris Hilton and actress turned singer turned Anglophile Juliette Lewis. This year’s collection is all about smooth curves and wide frames in black and royal purple. The perennially popular aviator also gets an update for 2009 with a double bridged nose and an unusually wide arm. Eva Longoria has already been seen in this 56IS aviator style this year. While we’re yet to predict which style will prove a hit with the fickle fashionistas, you can bet your bottom dollar Prada will be adorning many a celeb face this summer.
Although Prada pre dates The First World War, (it was founded in 1913) it didn’t really enjoy commercial success until Miuccia Prada took over the company reins in 1978 and even then it wasn’t an overnight wonder. Having laid the groundwork throughout the Eighties, Prada finally came into it’s own in the early Nineties with the explosion of celebrity voyeurism, when just about every media darling was seen in Prada’s elegant threads. The ball kept on rolling and in 1998 the company launched their own line of sunglasses, which have proved popular with celebrities and ‘civillians’ alike. For all of us who covet a Prada piece but can’t quite (ok, not even nearly) stretch to over a grand for an item of clothing, their collection of eye wear means we can all own a little of the dream.
One of last years hottest celebrity sunglasses trends were Prada’s Butterfly shades. At one time or another most of Hollywoods A-list could be seen sporting them. Nicole Ritchie, a big sunglasses fan, spent most of the summer in hers as did Paris Hilton and actress turned singer turned Anglophile Juliette Lewis. This year’s collection is all about smooth curves and wide frames in black and royal purple. The perennially popular aviator also gets an update for 2009 with a double bridged nose and an unusually wide arm. Eva Longoria has already been seen in this 56IS aviator style this year. While we’re yet to predict which style will prove a hit with the fickle fashionistas, you can bet your bottom dollar Prada will be adorning many a celeb face this summer.
Although Prada pre dates The First World War, (it was founded in 1913) it didn’t really enjoy commercial success until Miuccia Prada took over the company reins in 1978 and even then it wasn’t an overnight wonder. Having laid the groundwork throughout the Eighties, Prada finally came into it’s own in the early Nineties with the explosion of celebrity voyeurism, when just about every media darling was seen in Prada’s elegant threads. The ball kept on rolling and in 1998 the company launched their own line of sunglasses, which have proved popular with celebrities and ‘civillians’ alike. For all of us who covet a Prada piece but can’t quite (ok, not even nearly) stretch to over a grand for an item of clothing, their collection of eye wear means we can all own a little of the dream.
Friday, 13 March 2009
The Himalayan Day Spa
When an invitation to have a sneak preview of the new Himalayan Day Spa opening in Chiswick, dropped through my inbox, I was naturally thrilled and within minutes all booked up and mapping out the train journey to west London!
To say I was excited was an understatement, this is the first Himalayan influenced spa in the UK and I was one of the first to visit!
Sitting pretty on Chiswick High Road in an old bank, is the spa and hiding behind a big impressive wooden door (to keep those bank robbers out) is a haven of pure relaxation. A large reception area greets you, beautifully uncluttered and decorated in shades of nude and brown with plants and himalayan-sourced artefacts dotted around. There are four treatment rooms split over two floors, including a spacious treatment room for couples, a relaxation area, a jacuzzi and separate manicure and pedicure stations. Throughout the spa are loving, unique touches. There are wonderful carvings and pictures on the walls, an antique statue in the hallway, large copper bowls for soaking client’s feet in the pedicure area and the paper used in the extensive spa menu has come directly from the Himalayas. All this is the creation of the spa owner Kalpana Gurung.
Kalpana spent the first six years of her life in the Himalayas and has lived, studied and worked in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore before coming to London in 2007. Her background is in business and she and her Aunt, Sakun, an experienced therapist, are the brains behind the self-financed operation. The concept is interesting, because surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly for those in the know) the Himalayas do not have a spa or beauty culture to speak of. There is simply no money in the region and the last thing on people’s minds is a quick pick me up facial or a pampering massage, so consequently there are no spas or salons across the vast mountain range. The Himalayas stretch across six countries – Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan – and it is these countries that influence the culture of the the area and in turn, the design and approach adopted by The Himalayan Day Spa.
While I was there it was only fitting that I tried a Himalayan massage, and what a massage it was! Incorporating techniques from Thai massage and Swedish with some deep tissue and lymphatic drainage, my therapist, Sakun, kneaded and manipulated my body into a state of pure relaxation and bliss. Using an oil from the all natural brand Pevonia and accompanied to the sound of traditional Himaylayan music, Sakun’s fingers, knuckles and elbows truly worked magic. After an hour of pampering heaven it was time to take my leave and believe me, I left reluctantly, but not before vowing to return another day.
The Himalayan Day Spa opens to the public on Friday 13th and will be offering 20% off all treatments until the 31st March, and then 15% and 10% in April and May respectively. Regular clients may also take advantage of a 10% discount on all treatments by joining the Spa’s Pampering Club for an annual membership fee of £50.
To say I was excited was an understatement, this is the first Himalayan influenced spa in the UK and I was one of the first to visit!
Sitting pretty on Chiswick High Road in an old bank, is the spa and hiding behind a big impressive wooden door (to keep those bank robbers out) is a haven of pure relaxation. A large reception area greets you, beautifully uncluttered and decorated in shades of nude and brown with plants and himalayan-sourced artefacts dotted around. There are four treatment rooms split over two floors, including a spacious treatment room for couples, a relaxation area, a jacuzzi and separate manicure and pedicure stations. Throughout the spa are loving, unique touches. There are wonderful carvings and pictures on the walls, an antique statue in the hallway, large copper bowls for soaking client’s feet in the pedicure area and the paper used in the extensive spa menu has come directly from the Himalayas. All this is the creation of the spa owner Kalpana Gurung.
Kalpana spent the first six years of her life in the Himalayas and has lived, studied and worked in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore before coming to London in 2007. Her background is in business and she and her Aunt, Sakun, an experienced therapist, are the brains behind the self-financed operation. The concept is interesting, because surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly for those in the know) the Himalayas do not have a spa or beauty culture to speak of. There is simply no money in the region and the last thing on people’s minds is a quick pick me up facial or a pampering massage, so consequently there are no spas or salons across the vast mountain range. The Himalayas stretch across six countries – Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan – and it is these countries that influence the culture of the the area and in turn, the design and approach adopted by The Himalayan Day Spa.
While I was there it was only fitting that I tried a Himalayan massage, and what a massage it was! Incorporating techniques from Thai massage and Swedish with some deep tissue and lymphatic drainage, my therapist, Sakun, kneaded and manipulated my body into a state of pure relaxation and bliss. Using an oil from the all natural brand Pevonia and accompanied to the sound of traditional Himaylayan music, Sakun’s fingers, knuckles and elbows truly worked magic. After an hour of pampering heaven it was time to take my leave and believe me, I left reluctantly, but not before vowing to return another day.
The Himalayan Day Spa opens to the public on Friday 13th and will be offering 20% off all treatments until the 31st March, and then 15% and 10% in April and May respectively. Regular clients may also take advantage of a 10% discount on all treatments by joining the Spa’s Pampering Club for an annual membership fee of £50.
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