Fashion doesn’t come much more fairytale or captivating than the ballgown, and with our high-society heritage and diamond queens, small wonder we Brits have always excelled when it comes to ravishing gowns and need-an-inhaler-right-now glamour (well, it frequently takes our breath away).

Opening at the newly revamped costume galleries in one of our most illustrious and starchitecturally magnificent museums, the V & A, Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950 brings together some of the most exquisite, fantastical and evocative dresses we’ve ever clapped eyes on. From debutante ballgowns with sweetly girlish waists (so Louis Vuitton S/S 2012) from a lost time of whirligig society balls to red-carpet dresses, couture numbers that had clad the likes of Beyonce and designs so frivolous they elicit oohs and ahs usually reserved for fireworks. A celebration of what’s great about British design that the Royal Wedding so ably started with that wedding dress from Sarah Burton, expect masterpieces from home grown fashion talent Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Norman Hartnell, Hardy Amies, Marios Schwab, the house of Worth, Erdem and many more. Not that we need any excuse to dress up, but we walked away truly inspired to get our fanciest frocks on. This year’s celebrations, more than any, demand it.

British Glamour Since 1950 opens 19 May (and runs until 6 January 2013).

For tickets, visit Vam.ac.uk

Unless you have been away in hiding in a far flung cave for the past few years, you will know that Mo*vida is to the London elite club scene what Las Vegas is to casinos. Having undergone a sleek update to bring the club in line with its glossy Dubai outpost, the Mo*vida reopens on Thursday the 26th with a VIP benefit in aid of War Child, the charity behind the iconic 1995 ’Help!’ album and starry support from the likes of Chris Martin and Coldplay. Tickets are priced at £40, with half the proceeds going directly to this worthy cause and including unlimited Champagne, cocktails and 3 courses of canapes and feature fantastical artworks from the Signal Gallery.

WEDNESDAY 25th APRIL, 8 – 10pm

8 Argyll Street, London W1F 1TF

Movida-london.com

Tickets: info@quintessentiallyfoundation.org

The latest outpost of cult Russian fine restaurant Mari Vanna is a welcome and whimsical addition to Mayfair, wedged in between the luminous Bulgari Hotel and One Hyde Park. Named for the folklore tale in which Vanna invited travellers in for restorative, hearty food, this is a new take on the farm-to-table provenance-led movement. We fell in love with Russian food when in St Petersburg last summer organising a wedding at the Catherine Palace, but are delighted to see such fine Russian dining translate to glossy London surroundings. Expect rich Borsch, pies, stacks of blini served with gravadlax, wild mushrooms or caviar, Veal dumplings, proper Chicken Kiev (nothing stands between QEconfidential and a good 1970s throwback with an authentic twist) and of course, Vodka. Lots of Vodka. The interiors are beautiful too, in a ramshackle treasure-trove way stuffed with tapestries, antiquities and tchotchke – literally stepping into another world.

Marivanna.co.uk

Easter weekend calls for a proper Sunday lunch, all Corn-fed buttery chicken woozy with garlic, fresh greens, Girolle mushrooms and lashings of Salt Caramel Truffles or chocolate mousse with Walnut Brownie for pudding (if you haven’t been on an egg hunt already, that is – such as the Faberge Big Egg Hunt). Luckily The Bull & Last in Highgate is worth a slight schlep into the north London greenery of Highbury for its pleasingly English approach to lovingly rustled up roasts and Yorkshire puds the size of a plate.

If you’re planning on tinkering with a festively spring lunch at home, or fancy roping in the expert skills of a professional gourmand to dazzle for larger events (he sometimes will if you ask nicely enough), hunt out one of Mark Hix’s seasonal cookbooks. Restaurantsetcltd.co.uk/markhix/

The Bull & Last, 168 Highgate Road, London NW5 1QS

T: +44 (0)20 7267 3641

Thebullandlast.co.uk

As the weather turns all spring parade, thoughts turn to cool, blithe, peppy and undeniably English Gin. And in particular, one gin we just can’t get enough of: Sipsmith. Channelling everything we love about niche, artisanal production of Great British classics (we imagine Mary Portas loves it, too) the boys behind Sipsmith set about reinvigorating London with its first gin producing copper-pot still – named affectionately ‘Prudence’ – in over 189 years.

Since 2009, they have been quietly building up quite the discerning reputation among sybarites. Not for them the archetypal ‘London’ gin with its mouthwash, acrid flavours that make you sort of rattle your head on first gulp (or is that just us?) with how tart it is. Oh no, this is the epitomy of gin the way God intended it to be. Lovingly distilled barley with 10 botanical notes of Macedonian juniper, coriander, Seville orange peel and pure
water sourced from Lydwell spring. Serve with a twist of lemon, some good tonic water or cloudy lemonade for the perfect spring party tipple.

Oh, and they’ve also just launched a Sloe Gin for those of a more fruity disposition.

Sipsmith.com

Few hotels in Asia – in fact few hotels on the face of the earth can match Alila
Villas Uluwatu for its phenomenal design, superb service and otherworldly
beauty says Quintessentially’s Head Fashion Stylist KATY SCARLET TALOR

The magical island of Bali is a vibrant tropical paradise with its beaches, palm trees and warm, blue waters; for me it delivers on all the expectations of a tropical island get-a-way. It also provides an extra dimension in its sublimely spiritual culture, even the humblest offerings of rice and petals by roadside shrines look exquisite as you travel on the busy roads with motorbikes rushing pass with whole families on them. For most its biggest attraction is the island’s lush landscape and beautiful beaches; for others the appeal is of course is its spirituality. On a more practical level the island offers an extraordinary variety of luxury hotels none more so for me than Alila Villas Uluwatu.

Voted as one of the best hotels in the World by Conde Nast Traveller 2012 it’s not
hard to see why.  The hotel managed by Sean Brennan who was notably on site whilst we were there and directly contactable from our villa and there to greet us on arrival made you feel you were stepping into a very special and private unique space. The hotel itself overlooks the ocean and showcases a contemporary Asian architectural design that seamlessly blends the hotel’s luxury interior with lush, tropical outdoor area that showcase lily ponds and plants. It feels like the Nobu of hotels. What’s also exciting is that it’s one of the most eco-friendly hotels to stay in Bali as all the materials are locally sourced which support the local community and you really do get a sense of equilibrium as you enter the hotel.

Each guest has a private luxury villa and we were looked after by a fantastic and supremely organised personal butler called ‘August’ (I recommend you ask for him when you book) who was the type of person you wished you had in your office and your life – who thought of things you needed before you did yourself and had a warm personality that you never felt intimidated to request something of him. I can guarantee as we were when you step into your private pool villa you will be amazed and like us think it is the best and tranquil view you have seen since touching down in Bali. The
gorgeous interiors blend contemporary style with touches of Balinese culture. The huge villa’s themselves incorporating an open-plan design throughout, while from the bed to the bathtub, every view is open to the outdoors which is truly unique and special. There is an indoor and outdoor rain shower (you will probably only use the outdoor one) and separate bathroom products from your partner are just some of the special touches that makes this hotel one of the best if not the best hotels we have ever stayed in from all over the world.

Probably the most exciting part of the villa is the size of your private pool and cabana looking out toward the Ocean as you sunbath and think about your day. There are also special touches for the ‘Vogue Girls’ among us with special champagne or chocolate run baths, your glossy magazines waiting or request and organic lemongrass products that mark this hotel as a ‘must stay’ in your little black book. We stayed in Villa 409, a one bedroom at one of the resort’s highest points and offers total privacy and a wide ocean view. Highly recommended.

For the food lovers among you (I include myself) the culinary delights of dining at Alila
Villas Uluwatu offer two experiences. There is the option of the contemporary western cuisine or as I would recommend the authentic Balinese local feast, starting with a cocktail where the staff are genuinely friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. The design of the restaurants and surrounding space is something you will find yourself talking about over dinner with an open kitchen and indoor and outdoor settings in a sophisticated space really is very unique. It wouldn’t be a truly relaxing holiday if you didn’t visit the spa and Alila Villas Uluwatu offers extensive and exclusive treatments using fresh, natural, quality ingredients. I had the pleasure of being recommended by Sean the Manager the Avocado and Coconut Smoothie treatment to hydrate the hair with essential oils and a massage which resulted in a renewed healthy sheen after my
travels. The spa is serene but very popular so it’s advisable to ask a butler or a member of staff to book you in.

This hotel is truly a blessing in Bali and there is a reason why this hotel is growing in reputation and for extremely good reason. This is perhaps the best hotel as seasoned luxury travelers we have ever stayed in for spectacular design, stunning service, incredible accommodation and beautiful grounds. The hotel has a real spiritual and relaxing energy that we can’t wait to return to. If you are lucky enough to get a chance to visit, then do.

For reservation contact:

Alila Villas Uluwatu
Jl Belimbing Sari
Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu 80364
Bali, Indonesia
P : +62 361 848 2166
F : +62 361 848 2188
E : uluwatu@alilahotels.com

W: http://www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu

Dig out your most fantastical headresses (you know, any Victoria Grant or Philip Treacy numbers you may have knocking about) or rustle up your own creation with the help of some felt hats and every ribbon or flourish imaginable from cult haberdashers MacCulloch & Wallis for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party like no other at The Box, Soho. A benefit in aid of Zamcog and MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation (an AIDS charity), this party looks set to put the fun back into fundraising with cocktails, dinner, dancing, silent auctions, ‘revealing raffles’, mad hatted entertainment and of course, the ridiculously naughty infamous Box revue show. Book yourself a spot down the rabbit’s hole now by RSVP foundation@staying-alive.org or by calling 0207 478 6756.

Saturday 21st April 6 – 10pm

Tickets from £75 (includes cocktails on arrival, dinner and drinks during performances with a standing view)

Cakes do not come much yummier nor deliriously pretty than the creations of preternaturally talented Katie Franklin. With her pleasingly English affection for the lightly bonkers, Katie Franklin of Pomp de Franc is one of the most creative and whimsical cake-artists out there. When she’s not crafting giant gingerbread houses for the likes of Mulberry, Vogue, Stella McCartney, Lanvin or Lily Cooper (formerly Allen), she can lend her hands to gorgeous, candy-coloured cupcakes topped with botanical forms, edible glitter and chocolate turrets and towers of luscious chocolate cake or layered rainbow coloured sponge which make for novel and unique event or party cakes. And then there’s the cakes themselves  - all airy flavours that hint at deep, exotic Madagascan vanilla, oozy chocolate, or banana laced sponge twinned with caramel infused chocolate. Nom nom nom…
Pompdefranc.tumblr.com

Hello, spring! As the clocks grace us with a few extra hours of sunlight, thoughts turn to perfecting spring style in delirious fondant tones of mint, coconut ice pink and buttery yellow and lace, lots of lace. Look no further than the dizzying prettiness of Marc Jacobs’ spring summer 2012 collection for Louis Vuitton, shown on a whirligig merry-go- round for some fashion fun. All sheer voiles, mercury alice bands and shoes, white guipure laces and broderie anglaise in skirt suits and girlishly high-waisted frocks with beaded collars that stopped just shy of saccharine with their nod to Rosemary’s Baby unsettling undercurrents played out in coquettish smoky eyes and those sharp silver shoes. Jumping on and off the rotating carousel took four big rehearsals to perfect, with the shoes glued on with wig glue and although no smoking antics this time round, just the right amount of insouciance from Kate Moss who took the final spin on her white galloper. Dressed up or down, try one of the frocks for a springtime soiree and hire your own novelty carousel from Traditionalrides.com. We love Louis in the springtime…

Louis Vuitton, 160 New Bond Street, London W1S 2UE

Louisvuitton.com

Clearly, for the team behind Hawksmoor, being home to the most delectable (and whisper it, best) steaks in town wasn’t enough. From one of the finest cookbooks to grace many a sybarite’s kitchen in the shape of Hawksmoor at Home, to giving us a sticky toffee pudding that yes, is so disarmingly good it has no right to be produced by gastronomers who specialise in meat, but is something of a cult secret in pudding loving circles for a reason.Their cocktails, or libations as they call them here, suggestive of opiated Victorian fantasia and the taking of tinctures to placate ill humours; were always luxuriously naughty. But sadly, you could only access these nuanced, eloquent drinks by way of a supper – until now.

Glorious in patines of walnut, slick apothecary tiles and copper-trimmed pedestal tables under exposed steel beams, the newly revived bar of Spitalfields is at once devastatingly handsome and relaxed. Totally separate from the restaurant and thus a bar in its own right, the drinks remain steadfastly delicious served in the prettiest antique glassware we’ve ever seen, the delicate infusions playful, eloquent and rare. As one of the selected 10 classic Hawksmoor cocktails meanders down your throat, you feel how very unique these drinks are. And you’ll never look at a Julep or Old Fashioned in the same way again.

Hawksmoor Spitalfields, 157 Commercial Street, London E1 6BJ