Experience Limited Edition Velvet Rose & Oud at Jo Malone London

Experience Limited Edition Velvet Rose & Oud at Jo Malone London

Join us at the Tasting Bar™ throughout June to discover our latest scent, Velvet Rose & Oud, the new limited edition which joins Cologne Intense for a limited time. Darkest Damask rose wrapped with smoky oud wood. Spiked with clove, decadent with praline. Magnetic.
Please call 0113 245 5588 or drop in to Jo Malone™, Victoria Quarter to book your appointment. Let your senses and our Stylists guide you. We look forward to welcoming you.

Best of British at Whitewall

Best of British at Whitewall

Join Whitewall Gallery from Friday 1st - Friday 8th June to view an outstanding collection of British artists and iconic British imagery.
Enjoy a glass of Champagne while you view artworks from award-winning artists such as Sherree Valentine Daines, Rolf Harris, Rebecca Lardner, Doug Hyde, Chris & Steve Rocks and Phillip Gray.

RSVP to
Whitewall Galleries
10 - 12, Cross Arcade
Victoria Quarter
Leeds
LS1 6AZ
Tel: 0113 242 8138
E: leeds@whitewallgalleries.om
W: www.whitewallgalleries.com

Wicked Evening at VQ

Wicked Evening at VQ

Attracted by fabulous May weather, live entertainment and in-store offers, crowds flocked to VQ’s Wizard of Oz Shopping Party on Thursday 24th May. The event was a huge success, with nearly 5,500 people attending, an impressive 35% increase on the inaugural event last year.
Shoppers were entertained with dance from the Oz characters and stilt walkers and were able to wander the Yellow Brick Road to visit the stores, many of which were hosting their own events, to take advantage of the special offers and discounts available throughout the centre.
VQ Centre Director, John Bade commented, "When the economic climate is challenging, events such as this become even more important. It was impossible to make any sensible predictions about turnout before the event, so I’m especially pleased to see footfall rise so significantly from last year.”
“Clearly, the added value of the theme and the entertainment are part of the overall appeal to customers,” he added, “but ultimately we need them to spend. I’m pleased to say that the increased attendance was reflected in sales, and it was a great fun night out for all concerned – perhaps offering a welcome relief in difficult times.
With little indication that the broader economic situation is improving, we’ll certainly be continuing with both this and our autumn Shopping Affair event in the years ahead.”

The 2012 Shopping Affair is on October 11th from 6.00pm. Updates for that event will be posted in the Events section of the VQ website from late summer, and also on the centre’s Facebook & Twitter pages.

Joyeux Anniversaire L’Occitane

Joyeux Anniversaire L’Occitane

Provence-based beauty brand L’Occitane celebrates its first year in Victoria Quarter on Thursday 24^th May, marking a successful 12 months in the centre.

“It’s been a really successful first year,” commented manager Helen Gabbett, “with the store now firmly established here. Our Spa Room has been particularly popular, with many customers taking advantage of the complimentary skin care consultation and hand & arm massages.”

The Spa offers a personalised, complimentary 20 minute skincare consultation giving customers the opportunity to be guided through the luxurious ranges available at L’Occitane and find the product that’s best for their skin.

“We were thrilled that the VQ store was the very first L’Occitane boutique to have a Skincare Bar, and it’s a lovely, calming environment,” continued Helen. “It’s also an ideal excuse to take some relaxing time out to find the skincare products that work best for you”.

For over 35 years L’Occitane have developed skincare products and fragrances that are natural and authentic, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean cultures. This continues this season with the introduction of The Angelica range incorporating a Hydration Cream, Exfoliating Gel & Instant Hydration Mask.

Staff at the store are also keen to make customers feel truly at home, offering a complimentary French breakfast on Saturday mornings and a glass of wine on Saturday afternoons.

VQ Centre Director, John Bade added, “L’Occitane have certainly been a popular addition to VQ, perfectly complementing the other beauty brands in the centre. We wish them continued success here in the years ahead.”

Customers can book a consultation in the Spa Room by calling 0113 242 3109.

Hawes & Curtis open in VQ

Hawes & Curtis open in VQ

 

London shirt maker, Hawes & Curtis, open their new store in Victoria Quarter’s County Arcade on Thursday 24^th May.

Established in 1913 by Ralph Hawes and Freddie Curtis in London's Jermyn Street, Hawes and Curtis have a long history of fine quality, personal service and exceptional value. It's these qualities that have made them popular with clients for nearly 100 years, including King George V1, Earl Mountbatten and the Duke of Windsor.

The store has an established track record in VQ, having had five years of successful trading on the King Edward Street side of the centre. The move to County Arcade brings them fully within the scheme, as well as providing a larger trading area.

John Bade, VQ Centre Director commented, “From their initial opening in 2007, Hawes & Curtis rapidly established themselves with customers, and have developed loyal following in the city. When the opportunity arose to make the move to County Arcade they expressed keen interest from the start, and I’m sure their opening will add significantly to the overall appeal of County Arcade.”

“Wholly new brands opening here is always good for both VQ and Leeds as a whole,” he continued, “but in many ways it’s equally notable that established tenants choose to move within the centre. It would be naive to think that VQ is the only option within the city, and I think it speaks well of the broader perception of the centre and its trading benefits that brands such as Hawes are making long term commitments to the scheme.”

Hawes & Curtis open at 22 – 24, County Arcade, Victoria Quarter, Leeds on Thursday 24^th May.

In The Royal Box at Crabtree & Evelyn

In The Royal Box at Crabtree & Evelyn

 Looking for a little something special to make you sparkle during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee?

  Crabtree & Evelyn have the answer.

A decorative commemorative box featuring two luxury soaps,

Crabapple & Mulberry and Vetiver & Juniperberry

for just £12.

Relax and indulge with the beautifully scented soaps and keep the box as a reminder of this celebratory, historic event.

 Available in store until 18^th June at

Crabtree & Evelyn

Daisychain Made For Chelsea

Made For Chelsea

 A blooming great time’s being had by all, as VQ’s luxury florist Daisy Chain gets ahead with a floral hat creation that’s attracting admiration from celebrities at The Chelsea Flower Show this week. It’s flower power to University of Leeds graduate, Abra Dunsby-Sircana, as she’s been turning heads at the event in the stunning bee-friendly hat made entirely of living flowers. The amazing design is causing quite a stir, catching the attention of TV personality Christopher Biggins and Olympic swimmer Mark Foster who stepped closer to admire the intricate detail. Created especially for The Chelsea Flower Show, The VQ’s Daisy Chain design features 15 different types of flowers plus various herbs and foliage plants, all of which have been selected for their bee-friendly qualities. The hat reflects a key theme of the University’s Chelsea garden entry, encouraging gardeners to make small changes, such as planting pollinator friendly flowers, to make a positive impact on urban ecosystems. “Our garden is all about ecosystem services,” explains Dr Rebecca Slack, one of the key academics behind the project. “And the fantastic hat created by Daisy Chain is a great way to draw attention to one of the key elements of this: pollination”. Bees are an essential part of the pollination process and as such are vital to a garden’s productivity, as well as to the wider ecosystem. Planting pollinator friendly flowers, such as the ones included in the hat, is just one of a number of the easy measures people are being encouraged to adopt in order to help their gardens, and Britain’s bees thrive. “It’s great to be involved in such an exciting project that showcases the University’s research in a creative and innovative way,” enthuses graduate and Daisy Chain hat model Abra. “One of the best things about being a student at the University of Leeds was having the opportunity to get involved in so many different things – this is definitely one of my highlights!” The hat is part of The University’s entry, entitled “Gardening For Champions!” exhibited in the RHS’s Environment section. It shows simple yet effective ways gardeners can support pollination, conserve and recycle water, and manage carbon. The design draws on a recent PhD study by Dr Mark Goddard that found bees prefer wilder gardens to conventional manicured plots. This is the first scientific study of the relationship between pollinating insects and people’s socio-economic status. AND it is huge congratulations as it’s just been announced that the first time exhibitors at the Chelsea Flower Show have just won gold for their garden entry, so well done to the University of Leeds! You too can bee a winner, buzz off to Daisy Chain and pick up your own bee friendly beautiful bunch! Daisy Chain, 65 Vicar Lane, The Victoria Quarter, Leeds, LS1 6BA T: 0113 247 1939 W: http://www.daisychain-leeds.com/

Illamasqua’s new Naked Strangers collection…

Uncover Illamasqua’s new Naked Strangers collection…

Launching on line 31^st May and nationwide from June.

A place where alter egos are laid bare and naked flesh is a source of unashamed inspiration. In this delicate tipping point between intimacy and pleasurable detachment, we revel in the unknown; exploring the distance between pure Monogamous, gilded Faithful and uninhibited Swinger. Exposed nude tones, adorned with rich licks of gold, leave you gasping for more. Don’t restrain yourself. Unless, of course, you enjoy it.

“Naked Strangers captures inner glows and depths. The deeply and darkly alluring exists alongside ethereal shimmering brilliance. We are complex and multifaceted whilst also being naked to the world.”

Alex Box, Illamasqua Creative Director.

“Naked Strangers represents everything about borderlines...the human edge between romance and permissive intimacy...a step beyond control, a step past the edge and a collection of gilded moments upon the tip of sensation. Beautiful nudes with metallic edge set amongst eclectic textures.”

David Horne, Illamasqua Director of Product Development.

Products

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Nail Varnish (£13.50)

Dress up your nails and explore your fantasies with our award-winning Nail Varnishes. Are you Monogamous (creamy flesh pink, matt finish), Faithful (coppered metal) or Swinger (glistening platinum gold)? Apply a lustful layer then answer our question.

Lipglosses (£13.00)

Lick your lips then smooth on a rich layer of Intense Lipgloss in Stranger (platinum gold) for obscene levels of pigment. Alternatively, apply Sheer Lipgloss in Intimacy (nude pink brown) on naked lips, to tease and tempt your lover. Or lovers…

Blushers (£16.50)

Stark naked might mean no clothes, but who said anything about no make-up? Create a provocative flush that lasts all night with Powder Blusher in Naked Rose (neutral beige brown) and Cream Blusher in Zygomatic (naked pink brown).

The Naked Strangers collection is available from 31^st May on www.illamasqua.com.

VQ 2012 bag now out

VQ 2012 bag now out

A definite must have this season is our new 2012 VQ shopper. Made from 100% ethically-sourced, carbon-neutral jute, the bag is the perfect way to carry your latest purchases as well as helping to cut down on the ubiquitous plastic bag.

What's more they're free to the first 500 customers to hand in the completed voucher in the current issue of VQ Magazine. Simply hand the completed voucher in at one of the stores listed below to claim your free bag:

Queen Victoria Street
Aqua, Folli Follie, Moda in Pelle

King Edward Street
Joules, Kuoni

County Arcade
Mimco, James Macintyre &Co

Vicar Lane
Space NK

An Evening with Simon Reeve at Kuoni

LEEDS RESIDENTS ENJOYED AN EVENING WITH SIMON REEVE

 

KUONI & KUONI PARTNERSHIP STORES HOST CUSTOMER EVENTS WITH SIMON TO TALK ABOUT HIS MAJOR BBC TV ADVENTURE TRAVEL SERIES ‘INDIAN OCEAN’ BBC TV travel presenter Simon Reeve (Equator, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn) made exclusive appearances at four of Kuoni’s own travel stores and two of Kuoni’s Partnership Stores from 01-09 May 2012. He talked about his latest epic adventure series ‘Indian Ocean’ which started on BBC2 on Sunday 22 April 2012. Six more customer events are planned around the UK throughout May: Thu 17 May at Kuoni High St Kensington London; Mon 21 May with Gosforth Travel Bureau in Newcastle Upon Tyne; Tue 22 May at Kuoni Nottingham; Thu 24 May at Kuoni Guildford; Tue 29 May at Kuoni Cambridge; Thu 31 May at Kuoni Milton Keynes.

 

 

Under Canvas at Victoria Quarter

 Under Canvas at Victoria Quarter

Leeds' Victoria Quarter, will form part of a unique event from Friday 18th - Sunday 20th May, when

  County Arcade will be used as one of the venues for the Leeds Canvas public art commission.

The Leeds event is part of a wider commission of projects initiated by the Arts Council of England for the London 2012 Olympiad. OverWorlds and UnderWorlds has been developed for Leeds by film-makers The Brother's Quay, and explores the flow of people and water, playing with how myths emerge from and return to our everyday experience.

Occurring at three locations in the city - The Dark Arches, VQ's County Arcade and Briggate, the piece will incorporate live music and dance, along with film and artworks. In County Arcade a 70-strong children's choir will sing from the balconies above the Grade 11* listed street, accompanied by a sound scape created by Gavin Bryars.

Two brass bands will then merge in the centre of the arcade, drowning out the children's singing and leading the audience away towards Briggate, where a huge tree carrying a boat will seem to have just erupted from the underworld.

John Bade, VQ Centre Director commented, "Projects such as this are really interesting ways of taking art away from its conventional gallery settings, and offer a great opportunity to engage with people who might not otherwise go to see it. The magnificent architecture of Victoria Quarter is an ideal venue for staging the event, and I'm sure will perfectly complement the performances."

Leeds Canvas at VQ takes place over three days, Friday 18th May 5.00pm, 6.30pm & 8.00pm, Saturday 19th 2.00pm, 3.30pm, 5.00pm, 6.30pm & 8.00pm and Sunday 20th 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.30pm & 5.00pm.

VQ Loves Food

VQ Loves Food

Victoria Quarter will be a real food lovers paradise from 25th – 27th May, when the centre takes part in the city’s Leeds Loves Food Festival.
There’ll be demonstrations and tastings from all VQ’s food retailers including a food market with Harvey Nichols who'll have  a wonderful selection of fresh Harvey Nichols own label produce along with other delicious local sourced delicacies. We will be displaying an array of mouth-watering foods such as the rich, world-famous cheeses by Cryer and Stott, fine, high-quality meat supplied by the multi-award winning butchers, Lishmans, and a range of delightfully scrumptious sweet treats by The Miniature Bakery. There'll also be speciality coffee & loose-leaf tea samplings Opposite Cafe, along with an opportunity to talk to one of the UK’s leading coffee professionals.

Additionally, there’ll be an exploration of some of the finest local food from Deliciously Yorkshire and Anthony's Patisserie, who’ll be selling a mouth-watering selection of cupcakes, muffins, brownies and flapjack along with breads, olives & cheeses from their deli stall.

The Leeds Loves Food festival celebrates all the great food and drink available in the city, and is a must for all gastronomes.

VQ Loves Food Festival runs from 25th - 27th May

Paris Match at The Kooples

Paris Match at The Kooples

It’s a creative career coupling that’s turned out to be a perfect match for The VQ’s The Kooples and its store Manager Katy Brown-Lee.

At just 22 years old the former International Fashion Marketing student is relishing every moment in her management position for the celebrated French fashion brand.

“That’s one of the many wonderful things about The Kooples, age doesn’t matter, if you show initiative and prove that you can do the job well, the opportunities are there,” enthuses The VQ’s The Kooples’ manager Katy. “I was always creative at school and when I got to sixth form I knew that the fashion industry was where I wanted to be and I’m loving every minute of it”.

When studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, Katy took a year out for work experience and hasn’t looked back. Enthusiasm and a love of fashion were apparent in Katy’s first role in the menswear department at Selfridges, as a result a seamless career move to The Kooples followed.   

In April 2011 Katy switched to the French fashion brand and began working at The Kooples store in the Trafford Centre, Manchester before switching counties to manage the brand new The Kooples store at Leeds VQ, and she’s set to stay.

“I’ve been given the most amazing role with The Kooples that I’ve decided to put my degree on hold”, explains Katy. “I can always go back to studying, but to be given such a great work opportunity now, that was something I was aiming for in my degree anyway, I just had to take it and really want to make the most of working with such a great brand. I’m putting everything into my work at the moment.”    

Founded in Paris back in 2008 by three brothers, Alexander, Laurent and Raphael Elisha, the sons of the couple responsible for the successful Comptoir des Cotonniers, The Kooples is a real phenomenon in France and is currently sweeping the UK. The company’s concept is based on the idea that people in relationships frequently borrow each other's clothes, so designs are often more masculine and androgynous in style with a cool rock vibe.

“It’s a lifestyle that customers want to buy in to, it’s simple, yet it’s very chic. But it’s not only the look but the quality that I adore,” Katy continues. “The Kooples tailoring is amazing, the attention to faultless detail is absolute perfection. The best materials are chosen, such as 100% cashmere, 100% leather and there’s also an element of quirky rock ‘n’ roll that’s edgy but subtle. It makes you want that look”.

Katy acknowledges that there’s often a fine line between what men and women want from their clothes and that a look can often be sexier and more appealing if a little something is left to the imagination. A touch of je ne sais quoi perhaps?

“I live in cigarette pants and oversized shirts,” says Katy who is a great ambassador for the uber cool brand. “I like to be feminine but that doesn’t mean having to have it all on display in a skin tight dress. A subtle classic style with a contemporary twist can be really appealing ”.

A new role in a new location has been a great move for Katy, who is clearly appreciating and in full praise of the beautiful architecture at The VQ’s The Kooples store with its ‘mellow ambience’. The friendliness that exudes from the people of Leeds is another factor that’s high on Katy’s list of Leeds loves.

“The VQ could almost be a film set from Pretty Woman. That’s just what it reminds me of, when Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts shopping to the most beautiful stores, surrounded by high end luxury, BUT the people are really friendly here”, laughs Katy. “I really love all the individual boutiques. The Victoria Quarter has a real sparkle to it. A special quality, it’s absolutely gorgeous”.

So is there a favourite piece to look forward to from The Kooples collection this season?

“I’ve got my eye on a fantastic, printed, silk jacquard shirt, from our collaboration with musician and writer Pete Doherty”, Katy smiles. “It features a tiny ram skull design and mother of pearl buttons, it’s also accessorised with a removable tie and is due in the VQ store anytime. I love it.” 

The day to day highlights for The Kooples new manager is chatting to customers about the brand and its style, sharing look books and bringing new ideas of how to dress in an effortlessly stylish way to clients.

A day off for Katy can involve anything from vintage shopping to walks in the countryside, perhaps taking in an art gallery, and definitely socialising with friends.

Careering ahead, Katy is set on continuing to work her way up in the fashion industry, embracing her love of fashion marketing and channelling her love of design and style into The Kooples and future opportunities with the brand.  

All sounds tres bien!

Step out in French style this season at……

The Kooples

11 King Edward Street, The Victoria Quarter, Leeds

T: 0113 242 4051

W: www.thekooples.co.uk