A London fashion incentive trip like no other

Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibition

Begin your day of fashion exploration at the hub of art and style with the current V&A Museum exhibition showcasing Christian Dior’s finest work. Spanning 1947 to the present day, it traces the history and impact of one of the 20th century's most influential couturiers, exploring the enduring influence of the fashion house, and Dior's relationship with Britain. Let the collection of silk evening dresses, wool power suits and tulle ballgowns lure you in, weaving around standout pieces from 1947 all the way up to 2018, and designed by creative geniuses from John Galliano and Raf Simons to current creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. Complementing the vast array of iconic pieces, original sketches by Dior adorn the walls while black-and-white photos such as Yves Saint Laurent in front of Christian Dior entice your eye into yet another stunning visual. With more than 200 rare Haute Couture garments drawn from the V&A's couture collection and the extensive Dior Archives alongside accessories, fashion photography, film, vintage perfume, original make-up, illustrations, magazines, and Christian Dior’s personal possessions, your fashion geek will be living it’s best life, while indulging in the historic catwalk of greatest hits and fairy-tale of exquisite femininity in the most ethereal set designs. It’s Instagram heaven, believe us.

Limited tickets are available to purchase daily at 10am from the Grand Entrance on a first-come, first-served basis; these tickets are for times on that day only.

Prêt-à-Portea: The Dior Couture Collection Afternoon Tea

What else does one want to eat after a breath-taking Dior exhibition than dress-shaped biscuits and perfume bottle-shaped cakes? At the Berkeley’s latest addition to their legendary Prêt-à-Portea afternoon tea, you get that just that, inspired by the iconic designs of Christian Dior, transforming landmark pieces into delicious bakes and fancies. From the Junon Dress worn by Theo Graham at Le Pré Catalan in Paris 1949 to the Bar Jacket which has been synonymous with Dior since it took to the catwalk in 1947 as part of the ‘New Look’ campaign, each piece of culinary delight will not only awaken your palate but seduce your sight too. The intricate detail of thread-like icing and the delicate sugar paper with the words ‘Miss Dior Eau de Parfum’ written on them have been lovingly placed on the baby pink square of cake too. The menu also includes a flavoursome collection of miniature savoury skewers, taster spoons, elegant canapés and tea sandwiches, and to drink you can choose from chilled champagne or a loose-leaf tea from the extensive collection.

The menu is transformed every six months to reflect the latest cakewalk trends, so make sure to get your reservation in now! Contact one of our personal travel managers and we can arrange your group booking because, as Edna Mode said: “we never look back, darling, it distracts from the now.”

Shop 'till you drop

It doesn’t need much introduction, does it? Hitting the luxury department stores in the capital is one fine way to spend a few hours… and perhaps a few pounds too. The emerald green of the iconic Harrods banners, the striking yellow of the Selfridges flags and the radiant violet of the Liberty bag – why not burn off those afternoon tea treats pounding the pristine floors of London’s most opulent shops. Hit Liberty for some quirky treasures, while Selfridges offers the best in well-known high-end brands for both fashion and beauty, and finish at Harrods where the traditional meets the contemporary throughout its seven floors, and personal shopping and interactive online maps are at the forefront of its investment into the very best of customer service. Indulging in a few new purchases is the failproof method of rewarding yourself, or your colleagues, after reaching a target or just celebrating the team’s efforts. Alternatively, why not treat yourself to a chic outfit for Monday, because you can never underestimate the power of a good outfit on a bad day.

An A-list hotspot, many a meal has been devoured at Chiltern Firehouse by a star-studded line-up of politicians, members of the royal family and popstars, that’s been crafted with the healthiest of seasonal products. Celebrating contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking, with an underlying American accent, Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes creates a changing menu of reimagined classics and bold new flavours, all with an emphasis on wholesome eating. Sink into the plush seating and watch the waves of Emilia Wickstead-clothed waitresses and waiters dressed in J Crew suits flurry past you, most likely grabbing the favourite tipple of the likes of previous guests such as David Beckham, Rita Ora and Tom Cruise. The fare on offer boasts exclusivity and innovation too, with typical dishes including chargrilled iberico pork, blackened salmon with sea kale and trout roe and crab-stuffed doughnuts. Digest the designer knowledge you’ve learnt in the day while you stay on the lookout for some of the fashion industry’s most coveted patrons like Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, who have both graced the Chiltern Firehouse’s gleaming floors.

Dine at Chiltern Firehouse

An A-list hotspot, many a meal has been devoured at Chiltern Firehouse by a star-studded line-up of politicians, members of the royal family and popstars, that’s been crafted with the healthiest of seasonal products. Celebrating contemporary, ingredient-focused cooking, with an underlying American accent, Michelin-starred chef Nuno Mendes creates a changing menu of reimagined classics and bold new flavours, all with an emphasis on wholesome eating. Sink into the plush seating and watch the waves of Emilia Wickstead-clothed waitresses and waiters dressed in J Crew suits flurry past you, most likely grabbing the favourite tipple of the likes of previous guests such as David Beckham, Rita Ora and Tom Cruise. The fare on offer boasts exclusivity and innovation too, with typical dishes including chargrilled iberico pork, blackened salmon with sea kale and trout roe and crab-stuffed doughnuts. Digest the designer knowledge you’ve learnt in the day while you stay on the lookout for some of the fashion industry’s most coveted patrons like Alexa Chung and Kate Moss, who have both graced the Chiltern Firehouse’s gleaming floors.

Admire the art-deco style of Claridge's

An exquisite storm of art deco luxury and modern elegance, Claridge’s is the heart of lavish style and sophistication in London. And with a guest book including endless high-profile names in the world of fashion, it’s the ultimate stay for a designer devotee. Audrey Hepburn was a renowned client, while the high fashion coup of the iconic hotel began in the 1970’s with the designer, Diane von Furstenberg, beginning her long relationship with Claridge's, resulting in her first interiors work being commissioned by the hotel. The millennium wave hit hard as the hotel was adopted by a new generation of models, designers, musicians and artists. Kate Moss even celebrated her 30th birthday here. Diane von Furstenberg launched four bespoke rooms and suites she designed as part of her first interiors project, only adding to the fashion frenzy of contemporary and innovative themes across the hotel, already spilling over. David Downton, a fashion illustrator for Vogue, made his debut as Claridge's first fashion artist-in-residence, while in recent years the extravagant hotel has collaborated with many of the world’s most influential designers including Veere Grenney, Guy Oliver and David Linley.

Fashion meets festive every December, with the Claridge’s Christmas tree specially crafted by a world-renowned designer, which have previously included Karl Lagerfeld, Christopher Bailey for Burberry, Dole & Gabbana and John Galliano for Dior. Why not get your incentive trip booked in for the holiday period now, and join us in guessing which designer will get their hands on the most legendary Christmas tree in the capital? Whether you decide to stay the night after a few too many glasses of Dom Pérignon in the The Fumoir bar, or you just want to experience the inspirational interior for yourself while treading in the footsteps of legends, Claridge’s is the place to be.

Coco Chanel may have said that “fashion changes, but style endures” but we can assure you that while incentive trends change, our commitment to providing bespoke corporate travel and itineraries endures. Hosting a company day out in the big smoke is convenient too, with all of these iconic fashion landmarks within central London, just a quick cab-ride from any office in the capital. Get in touch with one of our personal travel managers by calling 0203 816 098 or enquire here to book your next incentive trip through our dedicated business wing.