Post Style: GLAM ROCKS... THE BOYS GET NOSTALGIC AS THEY DELVE INTO THE ARCHIVES TO FIND THE ORIGINS OF GLAMOUR.
Byline: COLIN & JUSTINQuestion: what aspect should every home have? Answer: one that really makes a difference. Indeed, 'chez vous' should demonstrate something wonderfully escapist, something so utterly revolutionary that it changes your life. Or... something that simply pushes the feel good factor to the max.
Confused?
Well, let's unravel the mystery. Are we talking about central heating? No. Are we waxing lyrical, perhaps, about landscaped gardens or a downstairs loo? Erm, no. As much as these aspects have certain merit and create considerable impact on everyday life they're not what we're proffering today. Today we're talking about something less tangible. Something escapist, alluring, fascinating and rewarding. We're talking sheer GLAMOUR!
And d'you know what? You've got Scotland to thank for glamour. And not simply because up North birthed yours trulies. So where's this going? We're here to explain that the literal roots of glamour come from our home land (of course) and we're not just talking about the transformations we make on our perpetual mission of domestic beautification. We're talking historical fact.
The term 'glamour' originates from the 18th century Scottish word 'grammar' which was all about occult practices associated with learning and casting spells. The word eventually became 'glamour' and has forever since been associated with magic. It has slightly less devilish tendencies although we've encountered many a demonic decorator and many a sorcering seamstress in our time!
The magic of glamour at home is about being indulged by timeless and exotic elements that are escapist, attractive and stimulating. Sights, smells and sounds all create an intoxicating cocktail that should enable you to escape day to day normality and realise your true poten-tial as a fantasist. This said, the concept of pure domestic glamour is quite hard to grasp in home terms but easier to learn by studying people. Measure the glamour quotient of a particular individual or group of individuals and study their attributes to see what really makes them special. Then apply the same principles in your domestic environment. Confused? Allow us to elucidate. Only last week, while attending the Scottish BAFTAs to present an award for Best New Work, we noticed that such evenings are the perfect hunting ground for hedonistic excess and the pursuit of uber luxury. In fact, the BAFTAs were an explosion of glam - Lorraine Kelly in a plunging black gown, Edith Bowman looking terrific in turquoise and yours trulies in his and his matching black and white kilts. No wonder the adorable Ms Kelly referred to us as MacRandal and MacHopkirk as we took to the stage. The event positively dripped deluxe, courtesy of the obligatory red carpet, a mind blowingly chi chi gala dinner and the dramatic back drop of The Radisson Hotel. Is it any wonder then, that we've gone glamour crazy?
And our glamour pursuit doesn't stop there. You might have spotted us last week on a celebrity duos special of The Weakest Link. We're excited, but gobsmacked, to report that we made it to the final three but were even more surprised by our first encounter with the mistress of mean,the very daunting Anne Robinson, who perfectly portrayed the essence of sharp humour and understated glamour. She was in fine fettle - if a little tetchy with other guests such as Neil and Christine Hamilton who sustained all manner of lightweight verbal abuse at her hands - and a pleasure to meet.
But anyway, we digress. Let's get back to home glamour. Imagine the style of Anne Robinson and then imagine a room with the same sensibilities. Perhaps a single colour scheme with one key punctuation. Maybe an all black room with a gold tiled fireplace or an all white room with a red sofa. How glam would that be? And proof, were it needed, that people can - and do - inspire places.
Two of the key components of domestic glamour are colour and shine. Each is essential when going for the glamorous look and if you want to step it up a notch further to create, for example, that luxurious Hollywood feel then all you need do is add drama. Combining individual statement pieces of furniture with the glitz of Tinseltown can turn any home into the talk of the town as long as you exercise a sense of theatricality. And don't worry about cost - glamour isn't necessarily about spending money, it's more about having a sense of fun. Start with a single dramatic element - either a strong accent colour, a decoratively papered wall or a statement piece of furniture - and add gloss by using mirrors, acrylic and lacquered furnishings and accessories.
William Robinson International - (0115 979 9790 www.williamrobinson.co.uk) do great black and white wallpapers that are guaranteed to add the luxe factor.
Keep your colour palette simple and dress furnishings in rich, rewarding materials such as cashmeres or velvets. Texture, too, is important (as is contrast) so go for ornate damask or sexy suedes when choosing accessories. Luxurious bed linens, ele-gant curtains and lots of sparkling accents create fab boudoir glamour and one of our favourite bedding companies is Dorma (www.dorma.co.uk). Their constantly updated range includes all manner of textural delights with brocades, cottons and velvets stealing the show every time.
If you want to keep costs to a minimum and fancy re-working existing bedding our top tip is VV Rouleaux which stocks the most beautiful range of trimmings, tassels and iron on beads to enliven even the dullest duvet. Reach for your needle and thread and get stitching.
For a more traditional take on luxury, visit overnight des res Hotel Du Vin for a look that mixes traditional with modern or why not stay closer to home and check out high street stores Jaeger and River Island.
You can also get your glamour in bookstores courtesy of J and C favourite Kelly Hoppen whose new bible Style by Kelly Hoppen (published by Jacqui Small) is bursting with eye poppingly gorgeous ideas. The Sensual Home by Ilse Crawford (Quadrille) and Contemporary Glamour by Ali Hanan (Mitchell Beasley) are also terrific tomes of temptation that offer an encyclopedia of alluring inspirations.
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CAPTION(S):
KELLY HOPPEN PRODUCTS AND THE TALIA BED BY DORMA (RIGHT) WILL ADD GLAMOUR TO ANY HOME; STYLE QUEEN KELLY HOPPEN; STYLISH STOPOVERS AT HOTEL DU VIN
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| Title Annotation: | Features |
|---|---|
| Publication: | The Birmingham Post (England) |
| Date: | Dec 1, 2004 |
| Words: | 1051 |
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