Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue Two i Living Confidential

This futuristic shipping container home was designed by renowned London designer James Whitaker. It finds itself nestled in California’s Joshua Tree National Park and features a sprawling otherworldly structure with a number of carefully placed containers. At around 2,000 square feet of living space, its certainly not small, although the geometries inside and odd angles make for an unusual living space. While carefully position windows ensure the home is flooded with light and the desert landscape pours in. There are three ensuite bathrooms, as well as a kitchen and living room, and you can tell just how much thought has been put into placing the shipping containers at the right angles to maximise privacy and light. It also features an adjacent structure that acts as the garage with solar panels…

THE BERKELEY LONDON The Berkeley hotel resides in Knightsbridge, one of London’s most coveted and exorbitant postcodes. Sitting comfortably just a stone throws away from Hyde Park and just a few steps away from Exhibition Road, also meaning that it’s only a small trek from some of the best restaurants and shops the capital has to offer. This hotel has always been a very popular spot if you fancied rubbing shoulders with the some of the world’s finest folk. In addition to this The Berkely’s keeping up with the times history makes it the place to be, it was one of the first hotels to have introduced Air Conditioning in the Twenties, then becoming London’s first hotel to have a rooftop pool in the Seventies! Its approach makes this hotel…

Queen’s Gate, known as one of the borough’s most esteemed addresses with several white Victorian townhouses. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the V&A, The Science Museum and National History Museum which puts you close to Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. In addition, you are close to many stores and restaurants along Brompton Road as you walk towards Knightsbridge. As soon as you walk through the doors of the hotel you are greeted with the front of house team where the concierge is ready to make your stay as pleasant as possible, greeting you with top hats and requesting to take your bags at your convenience. The team, throughout the stay couldn’t have been more helpful and at every request they made anything happen. The team made sure…

It’s been well over a year now that we’ve been in some form of lockdown and the work from home order is still largely in place. While some larger companies are now starting to bring people back to the office, others have seen the benefits of remote working and plan to go ahead with it for the foreseeable future. This will result in a mix of full-time office workers, remote workers and a hybrid of the two in some cases. On March 18 2020, it became mandatory to work from home as the country began its fight with the COVID-19 pandemic. This happened without notice but many companies have thrived throughout this period both in the UK and abroad. In fact, a survey produced by the Boston Consulting Group revealed…

The Samsung Galaxy Watch is back in its third iteration, following the Galaxy Active 2, and sees the return of the much-loved physical rotating bezel navigation. Meanwhile life-saving health features like an ECG sensor, trip and fall detection, SpO2 and VO2 Max readings, a vast library of watch faces and a slimmed down design make it even better. There is no doubt that this is the best Android smartwatch on the market and it provides tough competition for the leading Apple Watch Series 6. So, what’s happened to the design? Well, where the Galaxy Active 2 replaced the mechanical bezel with a touch-sensitive one, the Galaxy Watch 3 returns to the mechanical design. This means you can have all the joys of a physical bezel on a watch while benefitting…

We know that the topic of weddings may be a sensitive subject for many couples across the world due to the repeated lockdowns and government enforced restrictions, meaning some of you are delayed by almost two years tying the knot! However, we hope now as the world starts ‘to open back up’ you can now look to brighter horizons and new beginnings. Now that project wedding is a go go go we think it’s only right that we fill your minds with some inspiration for what could be YOUR new ring… so we have searched high and low and compiled a list of our favourite celebrity engagement rings so you can decide which one is more you! And, if you’re not getting married, to remind you to drop some subtle…

As we emerge from lockdown and plunge into our first real summer since 2019, our focuses are changing from couch wear couture to what outfits we’re going to wear to our first social events! The trends this summer are flawless, making getting dressed each morning an event you can truly look forward to! After over a year of casual wear and zoom calls in our pyjamas it’s natural that we’re excited to experience the new runway trends and start to shop for the warmer summer months! To help you kick start your summer closet I have scoured the Spring Summer collections of all the greatest luxury brands to bring you the biggest fashion trends to have you looking fresh off the runway for summer 2021. Whether you’re looking forward to…

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EU-IPO for short) had published a report stating that Banksy has lost his second attempt to trademark one of his famous artworks, this blow follows the loss of his trademark rights over perhaps one of his most famous pieces 'Flower Thrower' earlier in September. This famous image was used as the cover of Banksy’s book 'Wall and later' published in 2006, where he states 'Copyright is for losers' and encourages others to download his works of art to be used for 'amusement and activism’. Quite the contradiction of terms. The case was launched by greeting card company ‘Full Colour Black’ in an attempt to continue to use his artwork on their merchandise without a licence, basing their case off of the fact that ‘Banksy…

This house can only be described as ‘psychadelic’ and it was designed by Gil-Bartolome Architects in Salobrēna, Spain. Its ingenious design is built into a cliff face and is perched high above the Mediterranean Sea. As you may have noticed, it features some scale-like cladding and a rather unusual form. It has been built to respond to the local climate and its rather quirky design is meant to keep the interior of the home cool in summer months by regulating air flow. The home sits on a 42-degree incline and features two stories while almost resembling a cave protruding from the landscape. Stepping inside, the lower floor of the home features a multi-tiered kitchen, large living room and an outstanding terraced patio that looks over the cliff edge and provides…

This home was designed by Sergey Makhno Architects to prepare for a post-pandemic world. It acts like a bunker made entirely of concrete and is much more like a fortress than a traditional home. Inside, it features a cosy interior and makes for the perfect escape during the event of global disaster. It is located at the base of the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine and even boasts a helipad for its residents to arrive in style. This subterranean home is entered by a spiral staircase that leads 49 feet underground and is designed to withstand an apocalypse strike. Within the series of subterranean living spaces, this home is able to accommodate up to three families. Included are some incredible floor-to-ceiling digital screens that create the illusion of nature and the…

One of London’s historic landmark buildings, and quite easily defined as one of the most impressive five-star hotels that Britain has to offer! Not only does this incredible residence sit in an enviable location in the heart of London, placed conveniently in the charming West End close to Trafalgar Sq, but it confidently boasts majestic views overlooking the amazing skyline of London as well as having the best views of the stunning London Eye and many of Westminster’s other historic buildings. The residence was modified from an old Ministry of Defence building and was also previously the 19th-century Hôtel Métropole, before being converted into the Hotel you see today. It is located so perfectly, it is directly opposite the West Ends renowned Playhouse Theatre, close to the Embankment Station, not…

Holmes Hotel consists of four Georgian buildings among the quiet and illusive Chiltern Street. It is surrounded by noteworthy shops, cafés, restaurants and bars that are just a stones throw away. The most luxurious of which lay in Marylebone Village where the locals mix among celebrities hopping between boutiques. Meanwhile, it is just a short walk from Regent’s Park, Oxford Street and, the home of Holmes, Baker Street. You are greeted with an exceptional welcome from Carolina and her front of house team who are attentive and deliver exceptional service. Then you will notice that the hotel has an incredibly beautiful interior with a mix of grey and pastel pink furniture in a contemporary boutique style with houndstooth fabrics and bookcases that displayed a curated sets of artefacts. Thanks to…

For many years you have been able to get bluetooth tracking devices that help you find your keys, phone and other items that you are prone to losing more regularly than you’d like. However, now Apple has entered into the market finally, after many years of leaks, and more people are paying attention to bluetooth trackers than ever before. So, how do Apple’s AirTags compare to existing offerings from Tile and Samsung? And will Apple’s be more successful simply because of the weight a loyal following the brand carries with it? COLD. WARM. WARMER. HOT! Apple’s AirTags are smaller and more round than its competitors and can be attached to your keys, a bag or practically anything through its many accessories. These include keychains, eyeglasses straps and fabric mounts that…

Gucci ‘Hack’ fashion giant Balenciaga throughout their most recent Fall Winter collection. We’ve all heard of fashion collaboration, but have you heard of ‘hacking’? Unlike Gucci’s most recent collaboration with outdoor clothing company North Face, their Gucci X Balenciaga ‘collection’ wasn’t a straight forward collaboration. Instead, the fashion powerhouse declared the ‘Gucci X Balenciaga’ themes displayed through-out their most recent Fall Winter ‘Aria’ collection was a ‘Hack’ differing from your straight forward collection. What is a fashion ‘hack’ I hear you ask? Creative Director for Gucci Alessandro Michele explained, “Gucci becomes for me a hacking lab, made of incursions and metamorphoses”. Entering the market in 1921, it’s overwhelming to see the success of the once equestrian based brand founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence, Italy. ‘Aria 2021’ marks the brands…

In days gone by we’ve seen Hollywood celebrities like Julia Roberts fronting Dior, Cate Blanchett for Giorgio Armani, Keira Knightly for Chanel or Rihanna for Balmain. For a long time the highly lucrative role of being a global ambassador for a luxury fashion brand has been for one particular type of person: Actors and singers who are household names in the United States or Europe. However, over the last year we’ve seen a change in the culture surrounding luxury brands. An example that immediately comes to mind from earlier this year is K-Pop group BTS becoming house ambassadors for Louis Vuitton. They will be the key figures in promoting the brands clothes and accessories around the world. Talking about the announcement Virgil Abloh said, “I am delighted BTS are joining…

This home is suspended 131 feet above Fairhaven Beach in Victoria and it is one of the most iconic cliff houses in the world. It benefits from 180-degree views of the sea and vistas across the Great Ocean Road. It’s fair to say that it exists on one of the world’s most picturesque stretches of land. It has become one of the most photographed homes in Australia and can be accessed from a 76-foot walkway surrounded with glass. It was originally built in the 1970s by architect Frank Dixon and has recently undergone a luxurious restoration to bring it into the 21st century. The restoration was completed by Franco Fiorentini and features floor-to-ceiling retractable glass walls. Interestingly, it only has one bedroom but that makes it one of the world’s…

Finishing off the list is another home that is mostly subterranean with Ktima House on the small island of Anitparos in Greece. It is designed in a zig-zag shape as a secluded hideaway for the rich. The name comes from its location among the site’s green slopes as Ktima means ‘plot of fertile land’. It uses the existing cliff faces of the area to create a concealed two level residence. Those who have seen The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes on Netflix may recognise it as one of the featured properties. It was designed by architectural duo, Camilo Rebelo and Susana Martins, and spans a plot of over 10,000 square feet. The inside sports a cool and calming colour palette while the walls are filled with glass windows and doors to…

When it comes to luxury hotels in London, one might say that your spoilt for choice! However, if you’re looking for a boutique and intimate experience then you need to look no further than the Belmond’s newest member The Cadogan! One of the finest town-house hotels standing on the popular Sloane Street! This hotel has a quirky history, first opening its doors in 1887 and has since recently had its multi-million pound restoration capturing the magic of both its neighbourhoods. The restoration continues to pay homage to two of the hotel’s notable previous residents, Oscar Wilde and Lillie Langtry! “Home from Home” The former home of Lillie Langtry was acquired by the hotel in 1895, and now serves as private entrance for guests. The hotel has done an incredible job of maintaining…

Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill The Churchill, a five-star luxury hotel based in an undeniably tranquil London location situated in Portman Square, Marylebone. The hotel is surrounded by elegant townhouses and greenery, just a stone’s throw away from the renowned and popular Oxford Street, where you will be able to enjoy some of London’s most luxurious department stores including Selfridges. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly and hospitable concierge to kickstart what was the beginning of a highly accommodating and relaxing stay. As soon as you step foot through the grand revolving doors, the opulence of the hotel is embellished through the marble finishes across the floors and large pillars, as well as a beautiful grand piano. The classic décor of the hotel is full of style…

When Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds Live, it was a huge fiasco and they earned themselves the nickname of “beans” thanks to their aesthetic similarities. However, the Galaxy Buds Pro launched in January look and perform much better than their predecessor and come with several new features that have helped them to be received much better by the public and reviewers alike. So, let’s start off with the design. While the Galaxy Buds Live were a daring choice, they weren’t particularly attractive or practical. The Galaxy Buds Pro have adopted a much more circular shape that not only looks much better but also performs much better too. Some advantages come in the form of a much more wearable design that allows for seamless insertion, as well as a larger touch…

Raf Simons and Fred Perry have had a working relationship that has lasted over 12 years and yet they still manage to surprise us with every new drop. The focus of their collaborative collections pay homage to some of the UK’s most notable subcultures; like the skinheads of northern England during the 1970s or the post-punk kids of the 1980s. As Raf Simons once said, “A polo shirt is a polo shirt, but the Fred Perry polo shirt always brings a vibe of youth subculture.” For their most recent drop Raf Simons and the design team at Fred Perry have decided to take a closer look at London’s nightlife during the early 1980s. They have focused on the notable storied underground 100 club which was London’s answer to Studio 94.…

In a time where High Fashion brands have expanded their ranges to include more perplexing items such as cement bricks, boomerangs and tennis balls to name a few, it only seems logical that they now offer our furry little friends a full fashion line to match our decadent choices! If you’re seriously looking to upgrade your pooches’ wardrobe, then look no further as there is a broad collection of high fashion designers that can and will placate your needs. It’s got to be noted living in an era dominated by social media that our pooches are fast becoming social stars, networks such as Instagram have seen a surge in the number of ‘#petinfluencers’, there to promote the latest and greatest trends and accessories to their hundreds of thousands of followers,…

Armani CYPRES PANTELLERIA This invigorating fragrance unites two aspects of nature, the aquatic strength and aromatic warmth of the Pantelleria’s flora. Invoking the beauty of the Italian island the fragrance exhibits the beauty of nature in its rawest form, blurring the boundaries between land and sea. Fusing the scents of cypress trees and seafoam distilled into a fresh energising fragrance, upon application you will be transported to the picturesque white sand beaches and turquoise blue seas of Pantelleria. This is the ultimate summer fragrance. This fragrance’s key notes are: Wood, Aramaic, Citrus, Aquatic and Earthy. Kilian GOOD GIRL GONE BAD Inspired by the abstract concept of uninhibited emotions and the line that separates good and evil, curator Kilian Hennessy states ‘Good girl gone Bad by KILIAN finds herself in a…