LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE WOMEN

After a year of challenges, we believe mums everywhere are in need of an extra dose of love and appreciation this Mother’s Day (Sunday 14 March). From a keepsake gift she can treasure forever to indulgent treats that encourage her to take a moment for herself, our Mother’s Day Gift Guide is full of inspiring ways to make the mums in your life feel special.

It’s also International Women’s Day this month (Monday 8 March), and in celebration of these two events, we are delighted to announce a competition to win a beautiful bracelet from Tateossian’s new Imperial Wharf jewellery collection. The competition will run on Instagram from 8-14 March. To enter, simply follow @theroyalexchange and @tateossianlondon on Instagram, like the competition post, comment and tag a woman in your life who deserves to win this special prize. 

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Sustainable womenswear label L Saha took over The Royal Exchange recently to film its Autumn/Winter 2021 collection for London Fashion Week. The film, entitled ‘Hymn’, showcases models, wearing beautifully crafted L Saha clothing and jewellery, ascend the staircase to The Royal Exchange’s mezzanine level and walk against the backdrop of its sculptural arches and historic murals.

Brand founder and creative director Laboni Saha said, ‘An iconic landmark, rich in 450 years of history, heritage and a true monument of resilience – having seen its way through war, fire and other interruptions – The Royal Exchange is a reminder to anyone looking at it, in awe and admiration, that both light and dark days are part of the fabric of life.’

Watch the film and learn more about the label here.

EYE FOR DESIGN

Leica has long been acknowledged as one of the most beautifully crafted and engineered camera brands, and its latest release takes it up yet another gear in the style stakes. Photographer and Leica ambassador Greg Williams has collaborated with the actor Daniel Craig to create a limited-edition model of Leica’s Q2 camera that embodies both style and substance. Technically identical to the original Q2, which features a 47.3 megapixel full frame sensor, high-resolution OLED viewfinder and 4K video functionality, the Leica Q2 Daniel Craig x Greg Williams edition has had an aesthetic makeover, characterised by gold-laid engravings and an embossed leather trim. 

It’s not the first time the pair has collaborated, Williams has photographed Craig for special shoots and Bond film posters ever since the actor stepped into the role of the famous secret agent. ‘We bonded over our shared love of cameras on [the set of] Casino Royale,’ said Williams. ‘Daniel takes beautiful photos and has a great eye. The Leica Q2 is an extension of me – you never see me without one around my neck. So, to work with Daniel and the team at Leica on this limited edition has been very special.’

‘The Q2 is, for me, the perfect camera and needs no improvement,’ added Craig. ‘So, to have the chance to work with the amazing people at Leica, and my friend, Greg Williams, to create something as unique as this, has been a privilege and an honour.’

Only 750 Leica Q2 Daniel Craig x Greg Williams editions have been made, retailing at £5,600. Secure one for yourself at store.leica- camera.com/uk

STEP INTO SPRING

Just in time for the lockdown lifting, Church’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection has been released. It includes the new Fairstead style, a contemporary take on the classic Oxford shoe. The Fairstead is inspired by footwear from the brand’s archive, taking its design cues from the 1970s styles. Featuring a distinctive square toe, decorative broguing details and durable Goodyear construction, it’s the perfect transition shoe to smarten up your look for springtime.

COFFEE BREAK

Purveyor of iconic writing instruments Montblanc has released a coffee table book in collaboration with the luxury publishing house Assouline. Penned by fashion journalist, author and critic Alex Fury, Inspire Writing tells the story ofthe brand since it was founded in 1906, accompanied by archival and newly shot imagery of Montblanc’s beautifully crafted writing instruments. It also explores the idea of a writing instrument as a tool for expression, the power of the written word and Montblanc’s longstanding endeavours to inspire creativity and perpetuate the beauty and value of handwritten human markings.

PLAY TO WIN

Jewellery and accessories brand Tateossian has teamed up with model and menswear influencer Mathias Le Fèvre to curate a collection of products from quintessentially British brands for a special ‘Britain’s Finest’ giveaway. Two lucky winners will receive an ultra-stylish selection of items (pictured above) that includes a silver Tateossian T-bangle, a cashmere scarf from Johnstons of Elgin, a set of leather travel boxes from Ettinger, a silk pocket square from Otway & Orford, a bottle of Nyetimber English sparkling wine and gin from Portobello Road. To enter the competition, follow the instructions on the @tateossianlondon Instagram post. Good luck!

The Royal Exchange celebrates its 450^th anniversary this year. We look forward to welcoming you during 2021, for a considered shopping and dining experience in spectacular and historic surroundings. Please visit our boutiques page for regular updates on our retailers’ opening information and hours, as well as details about virtual appointments and click and collect services.

Visit our heritage page to learn more about the history of The Royal Exchange, and keep an eye on our specially created 450 Years site, journal and Instagram for more fascinating facts and insights about The Royal Exchange’s past and present as we commemorate this special milestone throughout the year.