Hello There: Chavín Jewellery

Last week I attended the online launch of ethical jewellery brand Chavín Jewellery at speakeasy, Barts London. Amidst the moooreish vodka infused hot chocolate (adorably served in vintage espresso cups!) I liberally tried on most of the jewellery displayed – a delicious but dangerous combination! 

Right: Wearing a faux fur lilac/grey jacket fromOasis (similar HERE), pink shirt from Topshop and necklace from Lulu Frost for J Crew (similar HERE). 

Chavín (pronounced ‘shav-een’) was founded in 2011 by Simon Ogilvie-Harris, and named after an ancient Peruvian civilization that produced refined precious metalwork.   The collection beautifully fuses ancient Peruvian mythology with a modern design. 

Chavín is one of a new breed of designers;  those that amazingly give back right from the start.  Every piece of jewellery you buy from Chavín sees a donation made to SOS Children’s family strengthening programme, ‘Luz Y Vida.’  This programme helps to improve the economic situation and development of education within Peru, making any purchase from this company a responsible luxury (the very best kind of purchase!) 

I was immediately drawn to the Jaguar Collection, perhaps because Harry and Lloyd (my new rescue kittens who turned up on my doorstep at Halloween!) look like teeny tiny jaguars themselves!  Once seen as a sacred symbol in Chavín culture, the jaguar is also now used as the logo for the Chavín brand and the range of jaguar jewellery is really striking.  I was extremely kindly given the stunning Rose Gold Filigree Jaguar Head Pendant (RRP. £77.00)  which I and, unsurprisingly, my wild little kittens, adore!   

Best Of London - Kelly Hoppen

Kelly Hoppen; MBE, Interior designer extraordinaire and the undisputed Queen of Taupe.

When not designing celebrities homes (or the interiors of their private jets... yachts...) or busy writing her 8th design book, Kelly also runs her own design school, has her own collection of home accessories, designs ranges of organic clothing for Earth Couture, has a super successful QVC range, oh – and has a new TV show helping five families create stylish interiors in their own homes starting next month.

Phew! This is one busy lady.

Surely Kelly, based in West London, has no time left to go out and about and enjoy London?! Wrong. This lady is nothing if not a serious multi-tasker!

Kelly shares with us some of her London favourites;

My Transport – Black Cab or I drive my Jaguar.

My Cocktail – A Caipirinha with agave at E&O - they have the best barman.

My Date Night – With my man - Big A, at J.Sheekey – Love, love, love! 

My Sunday Brunch – At Raoul's in Notting Hill Gate – Great food and happy, Spanish staff. 

My Boutique – The Cross, its small and full of unusual one offs.

My High Street Store – All Saints, I love their t-shirt clothes. 

London’s Best Kept Secret – The Idle Hour in Barnes; its cute, has great food and is tucked away. 

My London Icon (Past or Present) – Vidal Sassoon. A good friend, he is an extraordinary man and pioneer in his field – he was also so inspired by architecture – his new film is a must!

www.kellyhoppenretail.com

'Super Interiors with Kelly Hoppen' starts on Sept 21st at 8pm on Channel 5.