One of the many wonderful things about spending part of the year in Paris is that London is only three hours away, door to door.

Rationale founder Richard Parker takes us through a recent action-packed weekend in London…

Friday lunch

We had the great privilege of meeting Australian super chef Skye Gyngell over lunch at her restaurant, Spring, in that gorgeous Georgian confection, Somerset House. Skye shared the heartwarming story of finding her life purpose under the mentorship of seminal Sydney chef, Leila Sorfie.

Friday evening

A shockingly relevant performance of Cabaret at the recreated Kit Kat Club in Haymarket.
The movie shocked. This version electrifies and beguiles. How to seductively throw some powerful political punches in extreme makeup and heels.

Saturday morning

Issey Miyake in Brook St. I am a self-appointed ambassador for Mr Miyake’s Homme Plisse line, literally living my life in pleats! I adore fellow Australian, Tempe Brickhill, President Director General for Europe and her teams in London and Paris, who help me curate looks from across the men’s and women’s collections. I admit the brand is an absolute cult, the stores are always filled with fellow disciples who constantly tell you how wonderful you look in that origami cape!

Saturday lunch

Leading French Chef Hélène Darozze’s cooking is beyond the beyond. We’re already huge fans, of her Parisian restaurant, Marsan, on the Rive Gauche, and at her eponymous new establishment at The Connaught, where she stars as Executive Chef. Every sense is tantalised and rewarded here.

Saturday afternoon

As a youth, I was always terrified by the violent and visceral images of Francis Bacon.

I no longer feel this way. After viewing Francis Bacon - Man and Beast at the Royal Academy, I have come to understand Bacon’s profound understanding of mammalian behaviour and its link to the anatomical and psychological manifestations of all animals. We are not so very different. Then we enjoyed a guided tour the transcendent, radiant works of Raphael at The National Gallery. Raphael died at age 37, and I believe you can glimpse the concentrated genius and prematurely profound comprehension of humanity in this selection of works.

Saturday evening

An utterly joyful performance by the English National Ballet of The Forsythe Evening. At 72 years old, William Forsythe remains one of the most powerful contemporary choreographers on the planet. Everything from Barry White to Lion Babe via Natalie Cole. I’ve never seen ballet dancers have such fun. But make no mistake, there was also technical perfection and flawless execution here. Tonight, we saw the future of ballet. And trust me, it’s very, very beautiful.

Saturday evening cont.

Champagne supper at Fumoir at Claridges. Cristal with cheddar-chive risotto, anyone?

Sunday morning

Breakfast at The Savile Club in Mayfair with Dr Joseph Hkeik. Joseph is the founder and medical director of the incomparable All Saints Clinic in Double Bay and a huge advocate for RATIONALE, referring his patients on to The Essential Six for that world-famous glow.

Sunday lunch

Where else but a perfect, sunny afternoon at The River Café to end our busy but blissful weekend?

Rx