EDITORIAL


FOCUS is a unique community for expats and international professionals living in the UK. Our multinational team share their first-hand knowledge on all aspects of living and working here. Members gain access to essential information, events and seminars and dual career programmes. Operating as a non-profit organisation, we are proud to have been supporting expats for over 35 years. We hope to see you soon at our office in Central London.


13 Prince ofWales Terrace, London W8 5PG Telephone 020 7937 7799 office@focus-info.org


Monday–Thursday, 10am–4pm www.focus-info.org


Core Services Editorial


British menswear has often trailed behind womenswear as a fashionable option; it’s been all about tradition and Savile Row suiting. Over the past decade or so however, we’ve seen a paradigm shift and if you look again you’ll find a host of young creatives moving menswear into a different realm. Our contributor Francesca Rose covers it all in her article starting on page 4, from the history and politics behind some of the most iconic looks to what’s evolving at heritage labels to the names defining menswear in Britain today.


One expat man with a distinctive style of his own, and who collaborates frequently with one of Britain’s most iconic designers is Fernando Montaño. FOCUS was lucky to have a chance to catch this major figure of the creative world during a brief break in his schedule. You can read about his journey to London on page 10.


But style isn’t strictly for men in this issue. Christie’s handbag and accessories auctions generate huge amounts of interest around the world. Te next one is this June and we have an insider look at the sale from Rachel Koffsky, their Head of Sale for handbags and accessories. Some of these creations are available to view up until the auction so if you’d like to see what may be replacing art as an investment, get down to King Street in London.


Tere’s more to get you out and about in this spring issue. We look at five British spa retreats with a difference on page 18, the unusual Fitzrovia Chapel in our Best of Britain section and the story behind one of England’s expat queens, Catherine of Aragon. We’ve rounded out the issue with our usual wide range of subjects from career to education to health and well-being so there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the new season and the new issue.


n Essential information & recommended resources navigate UK life with ease


n Networking opportunities 50+ seminars and events in London every year


n Dual career programmes get partners’ careers back on track


To advertise in this magazine please contact Jaspreet at jgrewal@focus-info.org


FOCUS Staff


Executive Director Alessandra Gnudi


Director of Business Engagement Eva Stock


Director of Business Development Stephanie Vogel


Director of Membership Alexandra Casanova


Director of Finance Irene Kuan


Director of Marketing Jaspreet Grewal


Director of Events & Seminars Maria Renzi


Director of Resources Paola Longobardi


Career Development Consultant Denise Donoghue


Francine Bosco FOLLOW US


Catch regular FOCUS updates via our social media channels. Facebook.com/FOCUS info linkedin/FOCUS info UK Twitter@FOCUSinfoUK Instagram@ FOCUSinfouk


Career Coaches Satu Kreula Geraldine McKendrick Vincent Pizzoni Karin Mueller Debbie Fisher


FOCUS Magazine Editor


Francine Bosco


Assistant Editor Naeemah Miah


Art Director Rebecca Hunt-Davis


Image Editor Cindy Stern


www.focus-info.org FOCUS The Magazine 1


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