The former X Factor star and model Chloe Jasmine Whichello, who lives in Chelsea, tells The Resident the best places for shopping and eating over the festive period in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
The glitz, the glamour, the fizz and the fare: Chelsea and Kensington is the place to spend Christmas and no-one is a bigger fan than X Factor star, and Chelsea resident, Chloe-Jasmine Whichello. Known not just for her distinctive soulful voice but also her vintage style, Chloe-Jasmine bought her first flat in Earl’s Court at 17 before moving to the heart of Chelsea.
She says, ‘I love the energy and the feeling that you get when you walk down the King’s Road. There’s an abundance of shops and a cacophony of people. There are so many beautiful places. The Duke of York Square is a particular favourite, as is the flower market. Bluebird’s really beautiful and so is the walk along the Embankment by Cheyne Row – you can’t compare it to anything else.’
Where Chloe recommends for festive fun in Kensington & Chelsea… Fashion & Beauty
Sartorial elegance: Vivienne Westwood’s store on the King’s Road (currently being refurbished) is a fashion inspiration. Every piece is exquisite, timeless and beautifully crafted; she’s my fashion hero. viviennewestwood.com
Get the vintage look: Once a month they have Frock Me! Vintage Fashion Fair at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. I’ve found Marc Jacobs dresses there and I once found a Chanel scarf, which wasn’t very much at all. They have such crazy things – diva-inspired fashion – and it’s all genuine vintage. frockmevintagefashion.com
Heavenly heels: One can have a love affair with shoes and it can become a very dangerous thing. I think heels are very important: a friend of mine Sarah Watkinson-Yull started up her own shoe company in Chelsea called yull.co.uk. Their shoes are very young but then my 60-year old mother would wear them too. yull.co.uk
For the perfect pout: I went to Mary Quant in Sloane Square yesterday, which is the only remaining store in Europe. They have such beautiful bold prints like monochrome, and they restock the shop regularly. All of the makeup is packaged and looks really beautiful with all the sixties fashion. It’s like you’re being idiocentric walking down the King’s Road – you can buy a regular lipstick or you can buy a lipstick from Mary Quant with a bold colour and gorgeous packaging. maryquant.co.uk
Blowdry and go: Duck & Dry on the King’s Road is fantastic. All they do is blow-dries and updos: basically if you want your hair to feel shiny, brand new, and looking golden then you go in there. It’s so quick and great if you’re having a hair nightmare. Cobella in Kensington High Street has the nicest people. I go there to have bleach because they use really beautiful L’Oreal colours and they know what they’re doing. Why do I bleach my hair? It’s a bit strange cutting long hair short as you think, ‘oh my gosh what can I do with this?’ I just decided that bleach is the way forward. duckanddry.com; cobella.co.uk
Cuisine
East meets west: The Good Earth along the Brompton Road has a really relaxed atmosphere and you don’t feel like you’re in a restaurant. You can chill with your friends, and with it being winter, you can’t sit outside so it has to be somewhere with a relaxed environment. Plus, it’s near to Harrods! goodearthgroup.co.uk
Rock and sole: I absolutely love going to Julie’s in Notting Hill and the staff are amazing. I go all the time – they do amazing chunky chips and seafood. It’s like being transported into Alice in Wonderland or Narnia. juliesrestaurant.com
Food on the run: I go to Whole Foods’ top floor because you can have macaroni cheese and vegetables, and it feels like you are sat at a kind of urban canteen. I always have to have their noodles. wholefoodsmarket.com
Words by Kat Hopps
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