___ Contents
Issue photography by Theresa Marx
Film: Connor Stratton Darling
Art work: Martin Cole
Heckfield Place
Escapist Clothing with Matches Fashion
Tablescapes: Ella Parkes
Sara-Ella Ozbek
Floral designer: Still Life Flowers
Love letter to My Home City
Melanie K Tong
Galvan London x THE TITLE
Staple Status
Anina Heé of REFINE
Transforming Diamonds
Jessica McCormack
Concentrating on Ceramics
Georgia Allen
Wizardry Facialist
Skin Design London
The White Collection
Erdem
_______ Heckfield Place
City Escapism: Why this handsome country haven is our hotel of choice for that signature event and romantic rural retreat.
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"The importance of bringing the outside inside is a central tenet to the Heckfield story,"
__________ Ben Thompson, Designer
Why Heckfield Place?
From 18th-Century origins to a 21st-Century hotel, Hampshire’s Heckfield Place has been gently evolving for over 250 years. Designer Ben Thompson’s elegant interiors honour the history of this magnificent house, as the estate looks to the future in establishing a sustainable legacy, since reopening back in 2018.
Whether you’re looking for an ideal wedding venue, or a destination for your perfect pre or post-nuptials retreat, Heckfield Place is able to offer bespoke events, tailored to you, creating an unforgettable experience.
_____________
A touch of modern history
Every element of the interior at Heckfield Place underscores the rhythms of nature and honours the house’s roots. From the salvaged stone and distressed walnut floors, to the antique furnishings, natural linens and wool upholstery, the vibe is inviting and organic, yet elegantly contemporary.
Today, Heckfield Place offers two dining experiences at restaurants Hearth and Marle, by culinary director Skye Gyngell and in The Sun House - a unique function space with capacity for 30 guests located within a walled garden. Gyngell supplies the kitchen from an on-site farm with crops, orchard, livestock and honey bees.
Other key facilities include a 67-seat private screening room cinema with Cellar Bar, and the the Little Bothy Spa, which offers five treatment rooms and utilises ingredients sourced from the on-site Apothecary Garden.
Building a sustainable future
Heckfield Place has a unique approach to luxury hospitality and values its role as custodian of a 438-acre, 250-year-old estate. The grand English house, home farm and grounds work seamlessly together to ensure a sustainable future for the land and the local community.
Heckfield’s farm now provides in myriad ways for the hotel. From flowers, beautifully arranged by floral consultant Kitten Grayson Flowers, to seasonal menus at the hotel’s restaurants, there are plenty of ways to incorporate local sourcing into your stay and celebration.
Some facts:
__________ In 2020 the farm opened its own micro-dairy, generating milk, cream and butter for the House and local community from the estate’s Guernsey herd.
__________ Around 400 chickens and 20 beehives provide eggs and honey.
__________ Home Farm has also launched a Heckfield cheese in partnership with local dairy Village Maid.
The Ideal Autumnal Wedding
Heckfield’s in-house events team would be on hand to bring your ideas to life. Collaborations between the culinary team, the floristry team, and all other departments will work seamlessly to deliver your unique experience.
Heckfield’s team would recommend securing a two-day exclusive stay for the guests to have complete run of the house and time to truly unwind and enjoy themselves. Guests could be welcomed on a Friday afternoon, arriving for afternoon tea. Placed in each room could be an exclusively curated gift with everything from Wildsmith Skin beauty products to wellness treats.
The Friday evening could involve an informal dinner to allow guests to catch up, with Saturday morning free for a leisurely breakfast and exploration of the estate - try wild swimming in the lower lake, boating, yoga or a movement class. The team would also arrange one final spa treatment and a dedicated hair and beauty space before celebrations commence.
The ceremony and drinks reception could be held on the Italian Terrace, overlooking the upper lake. The wedding dinner would be held in the Marle restaurant, with long tables set with flowers from the estate’s very own cutting garden. The evening reception would be held in the Assembly Room and Hearth restaurant, where guests can dance the night away to live music and/or a DJ. The following morning, guests will enjoy a very relaxed, delicious brunch before departure. □
Shopping Edit:
Matches Fashion
Freedom in Elegance
What is ‘escapist’ clothing to you?
The backbone of an edited wardrobe? Considered ready-to-wear pieces transferable from day to night.
Silk sets, flattering loose proportions, fluid silhouettes and sweeping dresses in neutral colour palettes. THE TITLE shops Matches Fashion for that understated yet elevated mood.
Photos by Connor Stratton Darling
Silk pyjamas by Toteme
“Escapism is a state from which inspiration and creativity normally follow. To me escapist clothing is investment pieces that you can either dress up or dress down, for example garments you can easily pair with a sandal or pointed flats, but still be able to elevate with a heel and or modern diamonds for the evening.”
Robyn Maber
Miu Miu, Khaite, Melissa Kaye, Victoria Beckham
Dress, Zimmerman. Hat, Toteme
"Our customer is looking for versatile, investment items- styles that they know they will love and wear forever. From timeless heritage bags, relaxed tailoring which can be paired with denim as we transition back to the office to fine jewellery- true investment pieces to be cherished and passed down as modern heirlooms."
Liane Wiggins, Head of Womenswear at MATCHESFASHION
Christian Louboutin, Balenciaga, SHAY, Raey
"Brands such as Toteme and Khaite offer paired-back styles perfect for an effortless, contemporary uniform. Our customer loves their take on considered, wardrobe foundations which are elegant and elevated."
Liane Wiggins, Head of Womenswear at MATCHESFASHION
Bottega Veneta, Khaite, Khaite, Roger Vivier
Dress, Palmer Harding
“The buy at Matches Fashion not only inspires women, but it is also a platform to show the customer exactly how to wear the latest trends whilst tackling the sustainability issues within the fashion industry. It allows clients to elevate their everyday look and embrace a new style mood.”
Robyn Maber
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Tablescapes
__________ Introducing …
Lifestyle concept creator and photographer
Ella Parkes
Breakfast: with STRAW LONDON
Plate: Alex Eagle
________________________
We dive into the deliciousness that is Ella’s current work of gift styling and tablescaping. Primarily working as a photographer, Ella’s work revolves around interiors, travel, food, lifestyle as she shoots exclusively for THE TITLE.
The most rewarding thing about travel photography?
I love to explore different cultures, from eating new foods to bathing in sublime colours and landscapes. Travel renews your appreciation for the beauty and diversity of life.
Your favourite image taken in 2021?
Enjoying a delicious platter of seafood whilst watching the sun go down at O Ntinos in Kardinal village, Tinos.
WRAPPED in linen tea towel, Liberty London
Hand made card, Scribble and Daub
Silk ribbon, VV Rouleaux
The last thing you bought and loved?
A unique, handblown glass from The Glass Studio.
I also bought some lovely egg cups whilst in Devon from Ryder and Hope, made by a local potter.
Favourite independent brands right now?
Oh, so many but a few I have discovered more recently…
Aurelie Benoit - beautiful unique Textiles.
Popolo - takes me straight back to Italy.
Tula Soaps and Pennello - both great for those small gifts.
Aoeobjects - a curation of new and used objects.
Stevie Michaels - for handpainted ceramics.
The best gift you've been given?
A Jan Plechac & Henry Wielgus for Lasvi pendant light from my boyfriend for my 30th. It was totally unexpected and incredibly generous. It, more importantly, represents a journey and years of saving to buy our first home, which I never thought would be possible in London.
Also, my brother gifted me a book recently he bought 2nd hand, it is called ' The Art of Arranging Flowers ' by Shozo Sato. It has some beautiful imagery in it.
Your perfect English escape?
Immersed in nature, ideally by the sea and with a view. Also a big importance on the food, I love a Farm-to-table BB or a hotel with beautiful and considered interiors.□
"There’s so much more acceptance of female comedy"
Sara-Ella Ozbek
for THE TITLE
Words by Caroline Leaper
Novelist and screenwriter Sara-Ella Ozbek is a rising star in her field, yet not so long ago she held a completely different career as a model agent in the fashion industry.
The 31-year-old has released two books - The High Moments and Nothing I Wouldn’t Do - in the last two years, after quitting her job at London’s Next Model Management to take a screenwriting course at the New York Film Academy.
Here, she tells The Title about her style, the power of female voices and the thrill of new beginnings.
Nothing I Wouldn’t Do is about the intricacies of female friendships. What inspired you?
“It was originally a script for a wedding movie. I had a deal for my second book and decided to dive deeper and develop it as a novel. I was really interested, having worked with women a lot as a model agent, in the power balance between friends and the idea of one friend over investing in another to avoid her own pain.”
What, for you, makes a great story?
“What’s so hard is to find originality, as so much has been done. With Nothing I Wouldn’t Do, there are many rom-coms set around a wedding but I don’t think there’s anything with the same hook or journey of the character. That’s what I hoped people would enjoy.”
It’s a great time for female writers…
“There’s this wave of amazing boundary-breaking female voices. There’s so much more acceptance of female comedy. How long have we been hearing; ‘Oh women just aren’t as funny’? It feels like that barrier has been broken and you can be a lot freer in your ideas.”
You took a leap of faith when leaving your previous job in fashion...
“I was very scared but those first few months after leaving were amazing. I hadn’t had a day off in five years, I would even be booking [jobs for] models on Christmas Day. The fashion industry has changed a lot since - in my time there wasn’t really social media and people were free to be very badly behaved. I had some amazing experiences though, I went to Shanghai with Burberry and to the Met Ball which was a lot of fun. You send your models off to the ball in their gowns, then all the agents in their trainers have their own party.”
The fashion industry is full of eccentric characters. Do those experiences inspire your work now?
“Absolutely. Celebrities are so interesting, they are stars for a reason, they have some quality in them that makes them stand out from other people. They are so good to draw on as characters. The relationships I have with my girlfriends are all very solid and nice, so perhaps not as interesting to write about, whereas with clients they could be more charged, or fraught, or competitive.”
How has your own style evolved?
“I still love fashion, I always have. My uncle Rifat Ozbek was a fashion designer, he was very famous in the 1990s, and my mum had a second hand designer store. I find high fashion so interesting because it’s art rather than dressing for men or other people. I love to buy second hand designer pieces at Relik or Worn - Celine, Rouje, Galvan and Ganni are some of my favorite labels.”
What are some of your most treasured pieces?
“I have a lot of stuff from my uncle's brand Future Ozbek, including a famous bone dress from a collection which is in the V&A. I collect pieces now from shops all over London; even if it doesn’t fit I will buy it and get it tailored.” □
___Galvan London x THE TITLE
By Robyn Maber neé Kotze
I have been a loyal Galvan fan from day one, actually, let me be fully honest…. Galvan is one of the small reasons why I launched THE TITLE. Their mission for a new kind of occasion wear - clean, cool and pared down, which then expanded into the bridal realm in 2018 (an obvious and very natural extension of their brand).
Those perfectly cut slip dresses and sweeping gowns, you always wanted to wear and style yourself, were now available in white for your big day. Galvan's bridal movement and effortless approach to weddings was something that really resonated with me, my wardrobe must-have just went bridal - and many brands were soon to follow. The White Collection is more than just a handpicked selection of their best selling styles, to those buying, it’s a dress in which to forge their own path and write their own story in something they feel themselves in.
With their silk and sequin attire seen on the red carpet and at beautiful events, tT asks the Galvan founders ‘who is the Galvan muse?’ “The Galvan muse is a woman of style and substance. She is a multi-faceted woman — actor, activist, chef, mother, athlete, CEO, artist, wife, creative, etc. All these women we know and love inspire us to design the ideal wardrobe to suit their multi-tasking lives. Pieces to cherish for years to come, that make them feel their very best every time and can be dressed up or down and passed down to future generations.”
Worn at every stage of the wedding/occasion/civil party - these dresses and separates are exactly for that - and the day after… But it’s how you choose to style it and make it your own that counts. “Versatile, timeless and clean lines form the shapes of our core silhouettes. We have all been brides ourselves and realised, as with our RTW collection, non-embellished wedding gowns were missing from the market. We translated our Galvan DNA to wedding dresses to transport the modern bride from civil ceremony to rehearsal dinner, formal wedding to after-party. Fabrics transcend seasons, allowing for versatility and rewearability that is increasingly important.” Says the Galvan Founders.
Designed by women for women, Galvan is seen as a revolutionised occasion wear brand - a rediscovered movement that inspired so many, including myself; Galvan founders tell tT
“a Galvan bride is feminine yet empowered. Her style is pared-down yet confident; modern yet timeless; effortless with a nod to 90's minimalist chic”.
Especially suited to intimate micro-weddings, the collection asks you to be inspired with fuss free pieces that are ready to hold cherished memories in their very fabric. □
___The Slip Dress
By Anina Heé of REFINE
I have always been fascinated by the intersection of opposites. Maybe it’s because I believe that’s where the challenge lies in a good design. To balance attributes that are different. Timeless and modern. Elegant and easy. Sexy and subtle. Only a few things are simple in their appearance yet can be described with words from the opposite ends of a spectrum. The slip dress is exactly that.
That might be the secret behind its longevity. And maybe because we as women are that, too. We’re not either seductive or serious, glamorous or effortless, gentle or strong. It’s the duality that makes us who we are. And maybe that’s why for decades this dress, so light and easy to slip on, has always had an effect on us, that is somehow more profound than how garments usually make us feel. Wearing it is like saying something through a metaphor. It highlights our femininity yet its sexiness is indirect. It’s discreetly giving the woman wearing it the limelight she deserves without stealing the show. This is refreshing in an era where fashion often feels a bit too blunt.
Basic is a word often used to describe this particular style of a dress but I disagree. Because when it comes down to the details – and it does come down to every small part of it, when the piece in question is so simple that there’s no distraction from poor execution – it’s a very complex creation. The bias cut, that’s responsible for the flattering drape, is a very technical procedure and requires a certain skill set only gained through experience. The fabric and its fluidity become the focus so it has to be of the best possible quality. To me that’s luxury, the complexity of a design and the beauty of craftsmanship inherent in something simplistic. It’s not loud, but you feel it when you wear it and you see it when your eye is trained. Fashion doesn’t have to be complicated. It has to be wearable and really well made.
That’s where the magic happens, when the essential becomes exciting. □
___ Jessica McCormack
Transforming diamonds - and a new bridal suite opening later this year.
Jessica McCormack needs no introduction. The New Zealand born, London based jewellery designer has quickly established herself as one of the most exciting jewellers to watch, with designs that effortlessly meld the traditional and the modern.
Jessica inherited her love for antiques whilst working in the antique jewellery department at Sotheby’s before launching her own brand in 2008. She is a favourite among celebrity clients such as Liv Tyler, Zoe Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Victoria Beckham and The Duchess of Sussex.
The demand for her bridal pieces has grown significantly and as a result, the brand has decided to open a dedicated bridal suite in their gorgeous London townhouse which doubles up as gallery space. This must visit location is home to a design studio and workshop, with a revolving collection of contemporary art, two floors of jewellery and a secret garden. It is a special destination for jewellery shopping and beyond this, a memorable and inspiring experience along the bridal journey which THE TITLE highly recommends.
The brand is known for offering stand-out engagement rings, that are a little bit different and not overly designed. “When I’m asked for engagement ring advice, I’ve always said lead with your heart," McCormack advises. "I feel like after the year we’ve all had, that advice couldn’t be more relevant. Bridal for us is about celebrating genuine, authentic love – without airs and pretence – and that’s what I want to convey here, from our product to our campaign, through to the bridal space we’re opening in our Townhouse. I want to focus on what’s important.”
The brand’s philosophy and approach to jewellery design in creating treasured pieces, suitable for everyday wear and, above all, trusting your intuition, is something that really resonates with us at THE TITLE and we’re sure it will speak to you too.
“We can’t wait for the return of weddings," McCormack adds. "So many plans were put on hold last year, and I think upcoming celebrations will feel all the more special because of that. Engagement ring sales continued for us throughout 2020, which felt really uplifting, and it’s nice to know those couples can now start to look forward to their special day – mega or micro.” □
___Curation and Crafts
with Georgia Allen
Meet Georgia Allen, a London-based artist born in Birmingham. Whilst currently working at the NET‑A‑PORTER Group, the Central St. Martins graduate runs her own studio in which she works with throwing, coiling and sculpture in a range of clays, from terracotta to porcelain. As every piece is unique and hand-made, THE TITLE has handpicked the beautifully talented Georgia as the gift tastemaker for Issue 1.
As someone who from a very young age has always loved different ceramics, masks and carvings from different cultures and countries, I am especially drawn to things that are handmade and artisanal. All objects have a story to tell. Like so many, I find a lot of my ornaments on my travels but equally love to support local artists in London.
What we surround ourselves with has the ability to influence our mood and our thinking, and is particularly important at the moment as we spend so much time at home. Georgia’s ceramics are exactly that - adding that earthy, rustic but effortlessly chic element to your decor scheme but also a gift idea we at THE TITLE like to propose and share.
“My work in ceramics allows me to create forms that are, unlike ourselves and our environment, permanent,"
says Allen. "I enjoy the process of manipulating a lump of clay with my hands, using earths elements of water, glass and fire to turn a piece that was once constantly in movement, into a solid form that takes up space in a setting. There is a lot, spiritually, that goes into the making. I’m inspired by nature, and pushing the rules of tradition. I like things that are a bit 'off’.”
Every piece is made to order, items take approximately 2-3 weeks to create - a good amount of time for a thoughtful gift or something considered yet decorative for the home or venue setting. In our age of digital expression and individual authenticity, for many of us, particularly, a vase or pot can be as special as a precious piece of art and, crucially, much more affordable.
Email enquiries: info@gaceramics.co.uk □
___ Love Letter To My Home City
By Mel K Tong
___The Skin Designer
It’s pretty simple - most of us want glowing, photo-ready skin, especially before the big day (whatever that might be). Award winning facialist Fatma Shaheen, a favourite among the fashion crowd, has mastered the art of knowing what the skin needs, but more importantly what works. Internationally renowned and recommended as one of ‘The Worldʼs Leading Facialists’ by Vogue Italia, within 6 months of launching her brand Skin Design London, Fatma won her first award for 'best new skincare brand'.
tT: Why are you known as The Skin Designer?
FS: The Skin Designer has come from my ability to improve the health and quality of the skin by designing a personalised treatment plan using the latest in technology and my design of the Skin Design London products. Designing a haute couture skincare and treatment journey has always been my USP.
tT: You create the 'no need for makeup' look. If someone has two months to go before a big event or wedding day, what steps should they take for great skin?
FS: A fast track to look and feel your best:
Book an appointment with your dermatologist or facialist.
Skincare – begin a consistent routine that includes; sunblock, vitamin C, hydrating serum and retinol. This will transform your skin’s health.
Improve your gut health, what you eat is a key strategy for glowing skin and feeling good.
Fitness – look and feel your best. Exercise improves circulation, lifts your mood and reduces stress
Give up smoking.
Also, look to the Skin Design line for product recommendations; using C Antioxidant Glow, Volume Serum, Hydrating Serum Alpine Rose for daytime and at night Retexturizing Serum and Sleeping Beauty is quite literally a daily facelift! If you can, schedule treatments like Radio Frequency and professional skin peels into your prep work for the big day routine.
tT: Many say start young - is that what you believe?
FS: Sunblock and sun protection is one of the most important ways to protect your skin [at any age]. Sun exposure is a fast-track way to wrinkles, pigmentation, inflammation and dry skin. Use a broad spectrum SPF – minimum SPF 30. Combine with a Vitamin C for the ultimate in protection and to lessen skin damage. Don’t smoke - smoking contributes to wrinkled, dull dehydrated skin. Try to manage stress levels and stay hydrated.
tT: What home remedy, if any, would you recommend that actually works?
FS: I love using a Ghu Sha stone to drain, detox and lift the skin before serum application.
tT: How could someone achieve dewy/ glowing skin when they have pigmentation or scars?
FS: Our Retexturising serum gives you an instant glow combined with the Volume serum. Finish with my favourite Westman Atelier Vital foundation stick to smooth out the skin and add a touch of baby cheeks in pink to cheeks.
tT: What would your perfect 'cocktail' of products be?
FS: Skincare would be C Antioxidant Glow, Retexturising serum, Hydrating serum and Alpine Rose Glow all from my new collection. These create a fresh skin prep perfect for makeup. For makeup: Westman Atelier. I love the foundation and the blush sticks. I also use Gucci luminous perfecting concealer, Illamasque does the best orange lipstick, named Liable, which I blend with Stripdown lipliner by Mac to create a full brown/orange lip statement. Eyeliner I love Pat McGrath Ultraglide eye pencil in brown for a subtle smokey eye look. □
The White Collection
"What feels modern in this world? I think it’s looking like the most beautiful version of yourself.”
Known for its romantic yet versatile vision, the house of ERDEM has established an exuberant language of cultured femininity with a belief in the power of skilled craftsmanship. Unsurprisingly Creative Director, Erdem Moralıoğlu’s storytelling designs inspire strength and confidence. Entire collections are formed around a narrative that champions heroic women at a particular place and moment in time.
The White Collection is a new addition to ERDEM’s long history of creating bespoke pieces from bridalwear to tailoring and eveningwear. “In response to a need for something a little alternative to a wedding dress in a traditional sense, I started looking at my archive," says Moralıoğlu. "For me it was about creating shapes that were light and special, using Swiss embroidery mixed in with crystal embellishment. It was important to me that the collection had a human hand."
Today, many brides are asking for a new feel and the seven-piece collection of gowns, dresses and accessories offers modern women an effortless take on bridal.
“What I like is that in all of these pieces, there is a softness and an ease, which I think feels really modern," he says. "There’s often that question of, what feels modern in this world? And I think it’s looking like the most beautiful version of yourself.”
THE TITLE’s firm favourite is the exceedingly graceful Alphonse gown in ivory; the full length sweeping silhouette is finished with brilliantly modern angular pockets - how wonderful to picture a bride with such ease.
The Erdem White Collection will be available year-round from Erdem.com and the flagship store in Mayfair, from February 2021. □