Best known for his classically elegant, yet contemporary, illustrations of style icons such as Catherine Deneuve, Kate Moss, Cate Blanchett and Dita von Teese -who have all modelled for him- David Downton (53) is undoubtedly the most sought after fashion illustrator in the world. Having worked for powerhouses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Vogue or the V&A, he is also super chic Claridge’s hotel’s first artist in residence, with a mission to draw some of the Mayfair hotel’s most illustrious guests, including Dita von Teese, Christian Louboutin and Diane von Furstenberg. Here, the artist -whose work for Claridge’s will be exhibited from September 13 to 18 at the hotel’s bar Le Fumoir- talks to Chic-Londres about his favourite places in the British capital.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I remember dragging my parents to Hamley’s around Christmas time in order to buy some figurines from the TV series The Thunderbirds. For a small child from the countryside, London appeared as a great metropolis, huge and busy.

What do you miss most when you are not here? The parks- you only realise how green London is when you go to other big cities, like New York. I also miss how forward thinking and eclectic Londoners are. read more

Discovered by British Vogue’s booking editor aged 15, British model Catalina Guirado (37) has appeared in top fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, walked runway shows for Vivienne Westwood and fronted campaigns for L’Oréal, amongst others. Nowadays, she might be mostly known as a reality TV personality and lads’ mags favourite -having been voted four times by FHM as one of the 100 sexiest women in the world- but there is much more to her than meets the eye. An exceptionally talented violonist, she had performed at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall by the time she was 11, which led her to win a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and to become a signed music composer for Universal. She has now added a new string to her bow, as art curator to the collection of her late father, acclaimed essentialist Spanish painter Juan Antonio Guirado, who passed away in 2010. Here, Catalina, who divides her time between London and Los Angeles, gives Chic-Londres her favourite addresses in the British capital… and answers a few more personal questions.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I lived in Hampstead as a child and remember going for picnic in the Heath by the ponds when I was four- I absolutely loved it there, and was very sad when we moved to Clerkenwell later on, because it looked so grey in comparison.

Where do you live in London? I live in Ealing now, near the golf course. There are country lanes and fields and I am surrounded by trees, which makes mehappy! Plus there are stables only twenty minutes away, which is great as I love horse riding. read more

Canadian Patrick Cox (47) has made his name by designing shoes for Elton John and Madonna, and by launching the bestselling Wannabes in the mid-90s, a collection of loafers so successful that they inspired the title of The Spice Girls’ first single. But nowadays, Elizabeth Hurley’s best friend gets much more excited by cupcakes than shoes, after opening last September in Soho his first pastry shop in collaboration with French chef Eric Lanlard. Deliciously raunchy, with its black and neon decor and its “titty cakes”, Cox Cookies and Cake (pun intended) has injected a serious dose of sex appeal to the normally tame world of cupcakes. Here, the designer turned shop owner talks to Chic-Londres about his favourite addresses in London, and this encounter with Lady Gaga in Elton John’s kitchen at 3 in the morning.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I used to live in Africa as a child, so like most expats, I would always come to London in summer with my parents to escape the heat, and because my father’s family originally came from the East End. My first memories date back to 1972, when I was a little boy. I remember seeing all those girls with crazy platform shoes, as well as waving at the Queen, whom I saw in her car driving through a park. So I obviously developed a love of shoes and of the monarchy at a young age. read more

Vanessa Branson (51) might have a more famous big brother, but within the London art world, she has definitely made a (first) name for herself, as the co-curator of the Wonderful Fund collection and the president of Art in Marrakech, a biennale which she launched in 2005. Focusing on cutting-edge contemporary art, literature and film, the festival’s past contributors have included Tracey Emin, Esther Freud, Anthony Gormley, Gavin Turk, John Boorman, Annie Lennox, Hanif Kureishi, Kim Cattall and Richard E. Grant. Vanessa lives in Notting Hill with her partner and their four children, and regularly travels to Marrakech, where she owns boutique hotel Riad El Fenn.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? Staying with a girlfriend aged about ten. Her father was starting up Capital Radio and it felt as if we were playing a part in something momentous: so exciting.

Where do you live in London? Notting Hill Gate: I have lived within half a mile of the Portobello Road for nearly 35 years.

What do you miss most when you are not here? Popping out to the cinema and my neighbours.

How would you describe London in three words? Unexpected, international, green. read more

The talented (ex-)Chelsea footballer is as famous for his brilliant game on the field as he is for his “difficult” reputation. The notoriously secretive Nicolas Anelka (31) overcame his usual reserve towards the press to welcome Chic-Londres in his Wimbledon’s home to tell us about his favourite places in London.

What is your first London memory and what was your initial impressions of the city? I first came to London when I started at Arsenal, aged 17. I arrived at Waterloo station from the Eurostar with my brother and two friends, and we went straight to Piccadilly Circus from there, so my first impressions were that London was quite frantic and full of tourists.

Where do you live and why? I live in Wimbledon, which is practical for me as it is situated midway between Cobham, where I train every day, and Chelsea stadium. I like the village atmosphere of the place, the fact that it is both very quiet but full of good restaurants. The fact it is so close to the tennis championship is an added bonus: I love tennis and my Parisian flat is also close by to Roland Garros. read more

The famous French designer was born in Nice in 1946 in a Turkish immigrant family. She studied Fashion in Paris before moving to London in 1970, where she launched French Connection in 1972 with then partner Stephen Marks (with whom she has a daughter, Candice), before launching her eponymous brand in 1982, which includes fashion as well as home and restaurants. She is married with play and screen writer Sir David Hare and was made a CBE by the Queen in 2007.

What is your first London memory and what was your initial impressions of the city?

I first came to London when I was 14, to study English in a Chelsea school, in the 60s. I spent all my free time walking down the Kings Road. I thought it was a particularly fun and colourful place, which I absolutely loved. I remember in particular the music that was coming from every shop, and how happy this made me feel. I knew then and there vthat I would be coming back to this place.

Where do you live and why?

I live in North London, near Hampstead Heath, where I go to walk my dog. I came here by chance, because I found a house which I liked. I also love the fact that this district looks like a small village, even though it is part of such a big city. read more

The former Spin Doctor in chief might have turned his back on politics for a new career in writing -as well as fundraising for research into leukaemia- but his tireless blogging and occasional scuffle (see Adam Boulton on Sky) proves than an old Labour bruiser will always remain so. Here, the man once described as “the real deputy Prime minister” talks to Chic-Londres about “his” London.

What is your earliest London memory? I was 12, with my father, and had come on a visit where I was competing in a bagpipes contest. I found London too big.

Where do you live? In Gospel Oak, because it is almost central and close of Hampstead Heath.

What do you miss most when you are not here? Running or cycling in the Heath and Regents Park, as well as my neighbours: I have good neighbours.

How would you describe London in three words? Vibrant, multicultural, challenging.

What do you think makes London special? The mix of nationalities and the mix of old and new. read more

As the head of the quintessentially British Marks & Spencer, Sir Stuart Rose (60) is one of the country’s most influential businessmen. The grandson of a White Russian officer, Sir Stuart grew up in Yorkshire and Tanzania, and joined M&S at the age of 23. He then went on to control some of the most influential retailers in Britain, such as Arcadia and Argos, before rejoining M&S as CEO in 2004. As such, he has rebranded the ageing giant -which turned 125 last year- into a more stylish and profitable brand, which led him to be knighted in 2007 and named chairman of the British Fashion Council from 2004 to 2008. Here, he shares with Chic-Londres his favourite addresses.

What is your earliest London memory? I was five year old and we were leaving our town of Tilbury to go to Africa. My sister had measles and was in quarantine, so we had to travel to the ocean liner in an ambulance, and that is how I discovered London. I vividly remember the docks, all the way to Tower Bridge, which were still working docks at the time. It looked very different back then…

Where do you live and why? I live in Kensington, between the Albert Hall and High Street Kensington. I like it because this is a very central location, which allows me to go anywhere I need to -either M&S headquarters in Paddington or the West End- in about fifteen minutes. I also enjoy the fact that I am just opposite Kensington Gardens so I only have to cross the road to be able to run in the park. And there are some good restaurants, good shops and a good access to everything and everywhere. read more

Roland Mouret moved from his native France to London in 1991, where he has become one of the most talented and recognised Fashion designers of his generation. This favourite to the stars (Scarlett Johansson, Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman and Demi Moore are all huge fans) shares some of his best addresses.

What was your first memory of London and what were your first impressions?

In 1978, at the age of 17, I spent three months working weekends on a market stall on Kings Road, selling dungarees: the simple fact of being part of this city, as opposed to just being a tourist, was the most fantastic experience for me.

Where do you live?

After having lived on Portobello Road, in Fulham and in the West End, I have finally settled in Kentish Town. I love North London, because it is so green and remains so authentic, mostly because the area was not destroyed by the bombings during the Second World War. read more

To celebrate the start of London Fashion Week (18-23 Sept) and its 25th Anniversary this year, Chic-Londres has chosen to interview Betty Jackson (59), one of the true original British designers. The English Dame, who received a CBE from the Queen in 2007 for Services to Fashion, was one of the first to show her collection when London Fashion Week was launched in 1984, and has remained faithful to it ever since. Here, she explains why she loves London so much.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city?

I came for the first time in London when I was nine on a school trip and I don’t think I was impressed at all. I remember going to Buckingham Palace and to the House of Parliament, but I couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about. But then, as a teenager, I couldn’t wait to live here, as I realised what a special place London was.

Where do you live?

In Shepherd’s Bush. I love its streets, its market and its mix of people, that combines every social scale. I feel happy here, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere too posh. read more

The London-based artist and architect, born in Israel in 1951, is without a doubt one of the most influential designers of our time, whose creations -from unique pieces of sculpture to everyday objects such as the iconic Bookworm shelves (1993) and Tom Vac chair (1997)- have already become modern classics.Here, he talks exclusively to Chic-Londres about some of his favourite places in London.

What is your earliest London memory and what were your first impressions of the city? I came to London in 1973 as a student. At that time, my only knowledge of the city came from British films, such as Blow Up, Saturday Night and Sunday Morning or Morgan, and as a result I pictured it as a very exotic place… So it was quite strange for me to come and discover that there were ordinary workers in London and not the glamorous blondes constructed by movie directors.

Where do you live and why? I live in Belsize Park, where I have lived since the Seventies. I like the familiarity of the area and would never consider moving south of the river: for me that would be like moving abroad. I also love the fact that North West London seems more cosmopolitan and relaxed than places like Chelsea or Kensington which, from a Northwest Londoner point of view, appear more snobbish and prone to classism. read more

French Resistance heroes Stéphane Hessel (93) and Raymond Aubrac (96) were in London on the 18th of June to celebrate the 70th anniversary of General de Gaulle’s appeal on the BBC for the continuation of war against the Nazis. While the first one joined the General in London to keep on fighting alongside the French Free Army, the second one -who was played on screen by actor Daniel Auteuil in the film Lucie Aubrac- remained in France to create the Resistance movement Libération. Both men, who actively fought during the whole duration of the war, were tortured by the Gestapo and discovered first hand the horrors of the concentration camps: Stéphane Hessel as a prisoner, and Raymond Aubrac – who is of Jewish descent- because his parents and brother died in Auschwitz. Here, those two remarkable men talk to Chic-Londres about their incredible experience.

Did you hear Charles de Gaulle’s appeal on the BBC radio on June 18 and was it when you decided to join the Resistance?

Stéphane Hessel I had been captured by the Germans and was in a prisoners’ camp on that day so I actually didn’t hear the appeal. But after I escaped the following day, I was immediately told that there was a FArench general in London who had asked all French soldiers to rally under his command in London. The informations we had were very vague, and nobody had ever heard about de Gaulle, but the fact that there was someone willing to keep on fighting the Nazis was enough for me, and I immediately decided that I should joAin him in London. It took me six months to reach England, but I eventually did get there. read more

Chic-Londres was a guest at the beautiful dinner organised on January 13 by Sciences-Po Alumni UK Trust at the Résidence de France, with former French Prime minister Alain Juppé, French ambassador to the UK Maurice Gourdault-Montagne and Sciences-Po director Richard Descoings.

The Who’s Who of Frog Valley met at the French ambassador’s beautiful house in Kensington Gardens for the party organised by Sciences-Po Alumni UK Trust for its main donors on January 13. Most of the seventy guests were Sciences-Po alumni, and included Arnaud Vaissié, CEO of International SOS, Antoine de Navacelle, the founder of the Modern Olympics Pierre de Coubertin’s great grand nephew, Charles de Croisset, ex-CEO of the CCF bank, Juliette Streichenberger, general manager of Prada UK, Benoit d’Angelin, founder of hedge fund Ondra Partners, Bernard Gault, founder of private bank Perella Weinberg and Bertrand Coste, founder of private equity fund Clerville, as well as the French ambassador and guest of honour Alain Juppé. read more

For its third consecutive year, the Frog Valley of London (which has become, according to the British press, « the 6th French city ») has chosen its champions. Footballer Nicolas Anelka, Fashion designer Roland Mouret, Liberty’s CEO Geoffroy de la Bourdonnaye and chef Raymond Blanc were elected « Français of the Year 2009», in a competition that reflects the vitality of the 350,000-strong French community in the worlds of sports, arts, business and gastronomy.

An impressive array of talents was assembled on Thursday 17th December at the Maison du Languedoc-Roussillon, in Marylebone, to receive their awards from the French Ambassador, Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, for the third edition of the « Français of the Year » competition, in which 4,000 London-based Frenchmen elected their favourite candidates.

Nicolas Anelka (30), the Chelsea and French football team star, and this year’s Barclays Golden Boot (with no less than 19 goals), was elected “Sportsman of the year” -a title held last year by Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger- and expressed upon receiving his trophy his gratitude “to all those who voted for me” as well as his “hope to continue entertaining them both with the Blues and the Bleus.” read more

The former captain of the French rugby team knows England well, having played between 2005 and 2008 with the Wasps London team. The « Bleu » star, who won 98 caps for France -including two Grand Slams, one Wold Cup finale and one semi-finale- talks exclusively to Chic-Londres about his new role as ambassador of the French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain.

What do you want to bring from your experience as a sportsman to the French Chamber of Commerce?

I am delighted to start this new role, which I see as a bridge between two countries and therefore as a prolongation of my career at the Wasps. Also, there are many similarities between sport and business: in both cases, success depends of your ability to stay strong when faced to adversity and pressure, as well as to surround yourself with good people in order to do so. I see this role as a fantastic opportunity to share my experience as a sportsman, especially when it comes to team playing, while understanding at the same time how to manage people, thanks to those new contacts with the business world.
You lived in London for several years and are still visiting regularly, as a Wasps ambassador, BBC consultant and now ambassador at the Chamber of Commerce. What do you like most in here? read more

For its second charity gala, the Sciences-Po Alumni UK Trust organised a dinner at the British Parliament, hosted by MP and former Europe minister Denis MacShane, under the patronage of French ambassador Maurice Gourdault-Montagne and with baron David de Rothschild as guest speaker.

Westminster’s dining room might never have seen so many « Froggies » than last Wednesday, when 160 Science-Po alumni flocked to the British Parliament’s dinner room for their second charity gala.

The party was organised by the Sciences-Po Alumni UK Trust, a charity founded in 2008 by Stéphane Rambosson, Cécile d’Angelin et Maëva Slotine, with the aim to provide bursaries to outstanding Sciences-Po students completing their studies at the London School of Economics. This year awards were attributed to Zimbabwean Simiso Velempini (26) and German Viktor Siebert (24). read more

Laurent Feniou (37), president of the association City Circle Grandes Ecoles and a banker with Rothschild, started the “Français of the Year” competition in 2007. These awards honour some of the most successful of the 350,000 French people living in London, elected by their peers on the Internet. Past winners have included Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, the Connaught chef Hélène Darroze and fashion designer Nicole Farhi. The next ceremony will take place in November.

How did you come up with the idea of the French of the Year awards?

I have lived in London since 1995 and I have always been struck by how very active the French community is here. Organising events through my French networking association has allowed me to discover not only the strength but also the diversity of this community, which is different from the classic French expat communities in other cities.

I was particularly amazed to see that most of the French who were living here were actually here to stay, to pursue their career and their life and that they were present in all industry sectors, such as sport and food of course, but also in business, arts, media and finance, where they have been very successful.
Have you been surprised by the interest shown to this event in the British media? read more