T Magazine: The Guide to London Fashion Week

As the shows kick off in the English capital, T reveals where to stay, eat and party.

The Manicurist: Sophy Robson Nailporn
For polish that pops, head to Sophy Robson?s salon at Hari?s Hairdressers in Chelsea, where the luxury manicurist is responsible for putting nail art on the London style map and has a high-profile clientele that includes Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Choose from a list of graphic designs, or ask her talented team to create your own statement look. 233 Kings Road; 011-44-207-349-8722; nail art from ?5.

The Chic Eatery: The Delaunay
Dark wood paneling, gleaming bronze lamps and leather banquettes make this cafe feel like a throwback to another, much more glamorous era. The style set flock here day and night, so you?re likely to find everyone from the photographer David Bailey to Mark Ronson at the next table. In a hurry between shows? Gourmet takeout is available at its little sister spot, the Counter, next door. 55 Aldwych; 011-44-207-499-8558.

The Culture Fix: Man Ray Portraits
Hit pause on the frenzy of Fashion Week with a visit to the National Portrait Gallery. Picasso, Salvador Dali and Lee Miller are just some of the enigmatic figures featured in a retrospective exhibition of photographs by Man Ray. Featuring his friends and lovers in striking profiles, the work of the influential artist (and the original social networker) is a fascinating glimpse into his inner circles in both Paris and America. Until May 27; npg.org.uk.

The Wonder Facialist: Sarah Chapman
After flying in from the Marc Jacobs show, give jet-lagged skin a wake-up call with Sarah Chapman?s Front Row Facial. Beauty editors swear by the radiant results of this London expert?s bespoke treatments. This season she?s tailored her signature facial for Fashion Week with a formula created for instantly glowing skin. At ?140 for 1 hour, it?s by no means inexpensive, but guarantees that the only bags you?ll be carrying this week aren?t on your face. 011-44-207-589-9585.

The Hotel: Claridge?s
The guest list of this historic hotel reads like a roll call of fashion?s biggest names: Christian Louboutin, Kate Moss and Alber Elbaz are all regulars. While you?re there, stop in at the eternally elegant Claridge?s Bar ? the Art Deco space is a favorite haunt of supermodels, designers and editors. Don?t be surprised if you find yourself the subject of an impromptu artwork; the illustrator David Downton has been commissioned to draw portraits of stylish patrons in his role as artist-in-residence. Brook Street, Mayfair; 011-44-207-629-8860.

The Hair Must-Do: Josh Wood
The secret to Alexa Chung?s perfectly tousled bob is Josh Wood. The globally acclaimed colorist has collected a dream team of international stylists who tend to the tresses of London?s ?It? girls, including the Duchess of Cambridge. Book a blowout at the atelier located on the third floor of the delightfully quirky department store Liberty ? it?s the ideal place for a quick wardrobe refresh pre-Milan too. 011-44-203-393-0977.

The Exhibition: ?Juergen Teller: Woo?
Juergen Teller, the photographer who persuaded Victoria Beckham to pose inside a giant Marc Jacobs bag, and who shot the actress Charlotte Rampling undressed in the Louvre, returns to London for his first major show in 10 years. Alongside Teller?s provocative fashion snaps are unexpectedly serene landscapes of his homes in rural England and Germany, as well as intimate family portraits. At the ICA until March 17; ica.org.uk.

The Hot Spot: Balthazar
Phones at the ready: reservations open Saturday for this much-anticipated New York import. Set to be a celebrity magnet, the restaurant officially opens Monday night and will undoubtedly see a who?s who of London vying for a seat. The brasserie is decked out to resemble the Spring Street original, and dinner here is the ultimate way to see out the shows in style. The reservations line will go live at balthazarlondon.com.

Source: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/16/the-guide-to-london-fashion-week/?partner=rss&emc=rss

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