Bead designs

THE DEDICATED FOLLOWER of fashion will know that the humble bead has always been the key addition to any outfit. However, Beauty and the Bead, a new exhibition at the Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam (www..tropenmuseum.nl), reveals that it has had a wider purpose. Beads are considered to have played an integral part in the history of mankind, as from the dawn of time they have been used as status symbols, a medium of communication and self-expression. Fashion is not forgotten though, and there’s an extraordinary collection of items including an Eskimo’s outfit, Egyptian mummies and Madonna’s Versace shoes (below). It seems that there’s nothing this tiny object can’t do.

…Mime

SLAP ON THE white face paint and button that lip, because London’s mime season, 13 -28 January (www.mimefest.co.uk), is upon us. It kicks off with acrobatic virtuoso Jean-Baptiste André’s performance Comme En Plein Jour, swiftly moves on to Rainpan 43’s physical comedy All Wear Bowlers, and graduates to the delightful story LaLaLuna, Wolfe Bowart’s enchanting tale of a man who saves the moon’s light from going out.

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO BE… AN ACROBAT?

WHY? Learn new tricks while getting fit and flexible. HOW? The Circus Space, East London (www..thecircusspace. co.uk), offers everything from an introductory half-day course (£45), to a six-week trapeze course (£84). WHAT IS IT LIKE? It is a mix of energetic activities, balance and coordination – you will be able to juggle by the end. VERDICT: It might not be the ideal sport for the vertiginous, as you take to the air on a flying trapeze, but it’s fantastic fun, so go for it. For further information about courses across the UK, visit www..circusarts.org.uk

Dressed to thrill

FASHION DESIGNER JENNY PACKHAM’S BOND SUCCESS THE SCENES BETWEEN 007 and the Bond girls have always been sizzling – no less so between that of the new Bond, Daniel Craig, and Caterina Murino. But it seems that British fashion designer Jenny Packham (who also stocks in Moscow) has played her part in raising the temperature further in Casino Royale. Packham’s full-length tangerine satin evening dress almost has its own scene in the latest Bond movie, according to Lindy Hemming, the film’s costume designer: “The satin tie-back dress was so sexy that it became almost another character in Murino’s love scene with Bond at the One and Only Club in the Bahamas.” Now that’s a statement frock.

Of wine and men

THE PURISTS MIGHT DISAPPROVE, BUT THE CRITICS LOVE LEVIN AS THE OWNER of The Capital hotel and Le Metro restaurant in London’s Knightsbridge, David Levin has long had an enviable reputation as a consummate restaurateur. But his passion for fine wines has gone further than just including them on his wine list. As one of the handful of Englishmen who owns a vineyard in the Loire Valley, Levin has been mixing the traditions of the Old World together with the technology of the new. Using Australian technology with French orthodoxy may cause French traditionalists to exclaim “sacré bleu!” in disdain at the thought; until they try the wine, that is, which has been highly commended by critics. You can now get some for yourself at The Vineyard at Stockcross in Berkshire, selected Oddbins stores nationwide and Harrods’ wine department, London.

Amsterdam

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO EXPERIENCE AMSTERDAM, SAYS RICHARD VEEKENS, CONCIERGE AT THE DYLAN HOTEL FIRST TIMER? You can’t leave Amsterdam without having seen the Van Gogh Museum (www.vangoghmuseum.nl) and Rijksmuseum, the national museum (www.rijksmuseum. nl). A boat trip on the canals is another must. The Canal bus runs every 40 minutes and has 14 stops around the city, with audio commentary. A day pass costs €16 and is valid until noon the next day (www.canal.nl). BEEN BEFORE? Go to the Pijp district to browse at the Albert Cuyp market, which has been trading since 1904. There are over 300 stalls offering everything from exquisite chocolates and cheeses to linens and jewellery. Take a look inside one of the canal houses (willet-holthuysen) to get a more intimate view of quintessential Dutch architecture. Try Urban Home and Garden Tours, who offer a tour for €23.50 including refreshments (+31 (0)20 688 1243; www.uhgt.nl). POWER LUNCH: If a varied menu is a priority then you’ll love Morlang (Keizersgracht 451; +31 (0)20 625 2681), which serves dishes such as fillet of deer with sauerkraut. The Dylan has its own restaurant set in a converted stone bakery. Try our light chocolate cake for dessert. TAKE A DATE: Chez George is one of Amsterdam’s most romantic restaurants, with opulent décor and soft lighting, and the food is amazing too. You could also try a private dinner cruise on the canals at night – a great setting for a marriage proposal! (Amsterdam Canal Cruises, +31 (0)20 626 5636) TOP TIPPLE: If you fancy cocktails, The Dylan’s concierge can put your name on the guest list for Jimmy Woo, the night spot where celebrities including George Clooney and Britney Spears have been seen (www.jimmywoo.com). TAKE HOME: Delft tiles or crockery make an infinitely better souvenir than all the plastic clogs for sale at Central Station. The shop Heinen Delftware (Prinsengracht 440; +31 (0)20 627 8299) specialises in Delft Blue. Richard Veekens is one of the concierges at The Dylan Amsterdam, a luxury boutique hotel. The Dylan, Keizersgracht 384; +31 (0)20 530 2010; www.dylanamsterdam.com