It's difficult to believe we have only been in New York for a couple of days, as our activities in the city ramp up in earnest. Yesterday we explored The Art of British Luxury Hospitality at a half-day conference at The Whitby Hotel, where we were joined by 26 leading hoteliers, luxury brand leaders and hospitality experts and launched an exclusive report with Notable, which you can read by clicking here. We then hotfooted it to Hearst Tower (the view from the top of the tower is pictured above) for a quintessential afternoon tea and roundtable discussion with Dame Glenda Bailey, editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, where she was presented with a gorgeous Johnstons of Elgin oversized Opera Coat by the brand's Creative Director Alan Scott. The day ended at a chic Cocktail party at the Lyaness pop-up at Spring Place hosted with Quintessentially.
8.30am – 10.30am
Venue: Hudson Yards, 375 10th Avenue, New York. .
Step inside New York’s most prestigious new development Hudson Yards, and discover a cutting-edge retail experience at the new Neiman Marcus store. Our delegation will meet with Mary McGreevy, VP General Manager, and Kerri Larkin, Public Relations Manager, for a tour followed by coffee and light refreshments and a Q&A.
Lunch to honour Leonard Lauder, Chairman Emeritus, The Estée Lauder Companies
12 noon – 3pm
Venue: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the (many) highlights of our trip, we move on to The Met for a very special lunch to recognise and honour Leonard Lauder, Chairman Emeritus of The Estée Lauder Companies with a Walpole Award for promoting UK / US Trade and Cultural Relationships. During the lunch, we will present Mr Lauder with a pin crafted by Walpole member Garrard, as well as a tea service from Richard Brendon - who has once again joined the Walpole delegation.
The decorative pin was handcrafted in the London workshop at the House of Garrard, the world’s longest serving jeweller. Made from 18ct white gold, it combines the flags of the United States of America and the United Kingdom, featuring coloured enamel and delicate, round white diamonds.
Cocktail Reception at the British Consul General’s Residence
6.30pm – 8.30pm
Venue: The British Residence, 315 East 51st Street
Following a set up at The Glasshouses, it is onto another cocktail reception for our delegation, this time hosted by the British Consul General in New York, Antony Phillipson, at his private residence to celebrate the trade mission. Guests include our delegation and invitees of the Consul General including representatives from department stores, investors and editors.