Tuxedo exhibition gets under way

A new exhibition dedicated to the tuxedo has got under way in Mayfair to mark the garment’s 150th anniversary.

The ‘Little Black Jacket’ exhibition takes place in the Burlington Arcade, just metres from Savile Row where the iconic jacket was invented by Henry Poole & Co.

The exhibition, which is being put on in collaboration with the London College of Fashion will showcase “heritage pieces” including those worn by Frank Sinatra and Truman Capote.

Harold Tillman, Chairman of the British Fashion Council, comments “The Tuxedo and Burlington Arcade are two British icons that remain the epitome of timeless fashion. I can’t think of a more fitting environment to display this fantastic show, which is a perfect example of some of the finest British craftsmanship”.

The Little Black Jacket exhibition runs from today (10th) through to September 22nd.

Mayfair lingerie firm sold to Belgian investor

Famous lingerie company, Rigby and Peller, has been sold to a Belgian bra-maker.

Van de Velde, according to reports, has bought an 87 percent stake in the business for £8million.

The Royal-warranted bra specialist was founded by Mrs Rigby and Mrs Peller in Mayfair’s South Molton Street in 1939. A Royal warrant was first granted to the business in 1960.

Ignace van Dooselare, Van de Velde’s chief executive, told the Guardian: “It is our intention to work closely with both the Kenton family and the existing management team, to invest and grow Rigby & Peller both in the UK and internationally.”

Restaurant fire in North Audley Street

Firefighters were called out to a blaze at a Mayfair restaurant earlier this week.

Four fire engines and 20 firefighters attended the fire in North Audley Street on Wednesday. The fire took hold at the Lucky Spot restaurant which has flats above it and is next to the former St Marks church, now converted to an events space known as One Mayfair.

The Fire Brigade was called at 0907 and the fire was under control at 1044, they say. Part of the restaurant was damaged in the fire.

Mayfair hotel sold to Indian billionaire

A leading Mayfair hotel has been sold to the Indian billionaire, Subrata Roy.

Roy, who owns and chairs the Sahara India group, has completed the acquisition of the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane for a reported price of GBP 470million.

The iconic hotel, which includes over 400 guestrooms, 74 suites and a large banqueting space, was sold by the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

Mr. Subrata Roy Sahara commented, “We are extremely happy to announce Grosvenor House joining the Sahara family. This acquisition is a part of the major expansion plans of the group. In addition to the acquisition of Grosvenor House, London will be the gateway for Sahara to introduce some of its new business ventures, internationally.

Find out about hotels in Mayfair.

Boris Bikes open to casual users

The Barclays Cycle Hire Scheme, known simply to many as ‘Boris Bikes’, have opened to casual users.

Until now, only members who had signed up in advance to receive their release key could hire the bikes but now the scheme is open to non-members who wish to just pay the terminals.

The cycle hire scheme went live in July but plans to allow casual users to try them have been delayed until now to allow the operator, Serco, to deal with ‘teething problems‘.

There are cycle hire docking stations in the following Mayfair locations:

• Curzon Street
• Sackville Street
• Grafton Street
• Bruton Street
• St George Street
• South Audley Street
• Millennium Hotel
• Grosvenor Square
• North Audley Street
• Green Street
• Woodstock Street

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