La Mode- with Sylvia Stone


OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW

Has it ever occurred to any one that the basis of fashion is warmth?
So where is the warmth in the hearts of the gods that rule over the fashion world?
My client, a fabulous shoe designer, just spent £25,000 getting her third collection off the ground. Double what she expected and practically a deposit on a house.

My dear, what would the late Jeanne Lanvin say? This wonderful woman built her empire beginning with frocks for her daughter, because they could not afford to buy any clothes.
I say, roll over old monsters and allow the youth to have a chance.

And that's the nicest thing you will ever hear me say.

Sylvia Stone.

IKEBANA - The wonders of


For those of you that don't know, Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arranging.
One must be silent during the arrangement process to appreciate the spiritual side of placing together forms and shapes, providing relaxation for the mind, body and soul.

I tried mine after a couple of glasses of cabernet sauvignon and here's how it turned out...
With love always,

Suzy Templeton





CULINARY DELIGHTS - With Suzy Templeton



POULET CHAMPIGNON with fresh Courgette and Rocket Salad

This is not for the faint hearted. Its richness requires a mood for love and will do wonders to warm even the coolest of nights.

Ingredients:
Chicken breasts (1per person)
Parma Ham (or bacon will do on a budget)
Mushrooms
(a couple of handfuls chopped finely)
Cream
Fresh Rosemary, chopped
Mozzarella
Salt and Pepper

For the salad:
Rocket
Olive oil
Juice of a lemon
Courgettes, sliced lengthways

Preheat the oven to gas mark 4.
Firstly heat some oil in a pan, add the rosemary and season with salt and pepper.
When the flavours start to infuse add the mushrooms and cook on a high heat. Add a dollop of cream and simmer until the sauce is thick. Put to one side.

Make a cut in each of the chicken breasts to create a pocket and insert a slice of mozzarella and tablespoon of the mushroom sauce. Wrap the Parma ham around the chicken breast and place in an oven dish. Pop it into the oven for half an hour.

When there is 10 minutes cooking time left, prepare the salad by tossing the rocket with the olive oil and lemon juice to taste.

Lightly fry the courgettes until golden and season. Place on top of salad and serve with chicken breasts.

You can also add some baby new potatoes.

Mmmmm.... delicious!




LA MODE - With Sylvia Stone

















THE DOWNFALL OF CHANEL

Coco Chanel would be turning in her grave if she could see the hideous manner in which her once glorious fashion house is being portrayed. I recall something she said whilst conjuring up my favourite scent Chance.

"A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future."

I understand how Lily Allen squirmed her way into the music business (she isn't the first to hop into bed with A&R men - see what it did for Dido). But I wonder how on earth she became a muse for Karl Lagerfeld.

Couldn't he smell her a mile off? Having said that he must be forgiven. We simply cannot expect great sensory abilities from the nostrils of such a frightful cadaver.

Elegance does not consist in just putting on a new dress.

I think Karl and I are going to have to go for drinky-poos and discuss what kind of strong minded woman should be the one to inspire him next.