Seeing red at MIPIM
Two weeks on and there is still some MIPIM gossip doing the rounds.
Diary recently reported that even long-time conference-goers learnt something at this year’s bash: locals call it the undertakers convention because of the throng of grey suits that descend on the Croisette every March.
But 2015 saw an exception to that rule, thanks to DTZ’s John Forrester who was sporting a bright red suit.
It was all thanks to a promise made to Cor Van Zadelhoff – the Z in DTZ – three years ago.
When DTZ relinquished its red branding to fall in line with the blue livery of its then parent UGL, Forrester promised the brand-proud Van Zadelhoff that when DTZ returned to red branding he would join him in wearing a red suit on the Thursday at MIPIM.
Van Zadelhoff was not to be outdone. He added red shoes, red laces and red shirt to his ensemble.
Thanks to Ben Richardson of Stepladder for the spot (and the selfie).
Work out with Wolverine
Gym bunnies should start limbering up in preparation for some serious – and sweaty – celeb spotting.
Following this week’s news that luxury gym chain Equinox has gone under offer for around 27,000 sq ft on the second floor at the Qatar-owned Park House on Oxford Street, W1, Diary has done some research on your behalf.
Get yourself down to the new branch, scheduled to open in 2016, and you might just catch a glimpse of the likes of actress Minnie Driver and model Suki Waterhouse – both members of the gym’s original London base in Kensington, W8.
And if that isn’t enough to get your heart racing, how about a Lycra-clad Wolverine? Hugh Jackman recently posted a photo of himself from the gym’s West Hollywood branch looking, well, rather strained. Those memberships are held the world-over so keep an eye out for him next time you’re on the running machine.
Only the best gym gear from now on we think…
Boled over with success
Congratulations to EG columnist and hilarious enigma (there is still only one person on the EG team who actually knows who he is) General Boles.
The Photoshop maestro and Twitter legend picked up the gong for Best Parody Account in the Westminster Public Affairs Political Twitter Awards 2015. Boles fought off stiff competition from the likes of
@davidcameroon, @Jeremy_Twunt and @CaptainGove.
And he could not have been more thrilled as he took to Twitter to address his followers: “OMG WOW. I don’t believe it. I’ve not prepared a speech but I want to thank Jesus and Eric Pickles.”
Well done sir. Well done indeed.
Show of sheds on TV
If there were any doubts that the industrial sector has arrived as a major player on the property scene, switching on the TV over the past few weeks would have put paid to that.
First, SEGRO’s Lizzie Humphreys and Gareth Osborn appeared on BBC Berkshire and last week the company was featured on The One Show to promote the launch of a bridge on its trading estate.
Sheds have never looked so glamorous.
Kitcat takes a break
Turns out that David Cameron isn’t the only politician shunning a third term.
After several spats with local binmen and a surprise love-in with opposition Conservatives over a new tourist attraction (see Focus, South East, 28 March), the leader of Brighton council, the UK’s only Green Party-run local authority, has decided to call it a day.
At least Jason Kitcat has already served his second term as a Green Party councillor. But come the May elections he has confirmed he will move on to other things. And why not? “Have a break, have a….”
What’s the colour of money?
It is either an indication of a spectacular lack of imagination, or a move to put journalists off the scent. But Diary discovered this week that it looks as though one bank has no less than four finance projects named ‘blue’ on its books.
Perhaps it should consider an alternative akin to Project Marley Harley – one of our personal favourites – which is far more inspired.
