American politician and diplomat, Madeleine Albright, famously said: “There is a special place in hell for women who do not help each other”. This notion of sisterhood resonated strongly with Debbie Wosskow and Anna Jones, and has become the founding principle of their members’ club – The AllBright.
After the success of their inaugural property on Rathbone Place – which counts the likes of Cath Kidston, MBE, Margot James and Alice Liveing amongst its members – Wosskow and Jones have now opened a second club on Maddox Street, Mayfair.
In keeping with their ‘designed by women for women’ ethos, British interior designer, Suzy Hoodless was the perfect fit for the project. Having spent many years as an interiors journalist, Suzy now heads up a team of seven at her own design studio, with prestigious projects such as the old BBC television centre renovation under her belt.
“The 12,000m² property was originally the home of Dreweatts & Bloomsbury auctioneers, and has been lovingly revived as an elegant London townhouse replete with timber floors, panelled walls, colour and pattern”
The 12,000m² property was originally the home of Dreweatts & Bloomsbury auctioneers, and has been lovingly revived as an elegant London townhouse replete with timber floors, panelled walls, colour and pattern.
Inspired by the club’s proximity to Savile Row, Suzy has incorporated references to tailoring throughout. Traditional suit fabrics, such as fine wools and houndstooth checks, have been imaginatively incorporated to create a feminine twist.
The club’s entrance is bold and impactful; its mirrored walls refracting the light emanating from a statement chandelier. By contrast, the first floor offers a more subtle scheme with its light-filled modern European brasserie. Serving up a menu of refined classics by AllBright’s Executive Chef, Sabrina Gidda, the restaurant features a soothing palette of greens and blues, anchored in vibrant green chairs by Austrian design powerhouse, Thonet, and a marble-topped bar upholstered to match.
The lounge area mirrors this palette, with sumptuous seating arrangements, marble fire surrounds, and neutral walls that enhance the beautiful panelling and coving.
“Celebrated curator, art consultant and advisor, Beth Greenacre, brings her extensive experience and expertise to the table with a selection of over 80 female artists, spanning nearly 60 years of making, throughout the property”
The striking artwork here is fundamental to the club’s interior as a whole. Celebrated curator, art consultant and advisor, Beth Greenacre, brings her extensive experience and expertise to the table with a selection of over 80 female artists, spanning nearly 60 years of making, throughout the property.
The second floor continues the calming ambience of the first, offering a suite of rooms dedicated to health and mental wellbeing. From a state-of-the-art fitness room and holistic wellness rooms for physiotherapy, osteopathy and nutrition, through to a hair and beauty salon, every aspect of members’ physical and mental health has been catered for.
The key interior statement here is the cobalt blue Mille Feuille wallpaper by Raoul Dufy. A contemporary of Picasso and Braque, Dufy designed and printed fabrics in France in the early 20th century. Six of his archive textile designs have been revived by Christopher Farr Cloth, and have been used to striking effect within The AllBright Mayfair’s treatment rooms.
The third floor offers a dedicated space for working, mentoring and coaching. By night, it transforms into an intimate area for socialising, network events and group meetings.
A sleek, co-working table is surrounded by banquette seating for lone and communal co-working, with Eames upholstered DSX chairs in ice blue. The panelled walls provide the perfect blank canvas for a rotating selection of artwork.
Perhaps the heart of The AllBright Mayfair’s social spaces is the fourth floor, where a glamourous members’ lounge offers an all-day, all-evening bar, restaurant and a large roof terrace.
A palette of pink and green predominates, with dining chairs in soft pink and green velvets, and a striking bar with pink cladding and mirrored gold panels. Relaxed planting and furniture finishes the look, illuminated by soft lighting from attractive wall and floor lamps.
Suzy has artfully incorporated layers of natural materials within the space, from marble and leather to luxurious fabrics. The banquettes, for example, have been upholstered in rich coloured leather with contrast fabric detailing, while the outdoor terrace is adorned with encaustic tiles.
In a bit of a step change from the pastel tones of the club’s interiors, the bathrooms on each floor are bold and visually dynamic. Glazed tiles have been paired wallpapers in riotous colours, including Pierre Frey’sTaraz design, and Cactus Flower Fuscia by Christopher Farr.
Last, but by no means least, the fifth floor offers a loft-style events space, complete with a bar and roof terrace. Suzy has designed the space to resemble a glasshouse, with plastered walls and plenty of lush greenery. Rattan furniture contributes to the indoor-outdoor feel, alongside ceiling beams and doors accented in a deep green shade.
The space will play host to an array of activities, from film screenings and live music to live podcasts, talks and professional development workshops, debates and self-care seminars by leading industry experts.
Oozing elegance, without playing into feminine stereotypes, Suzy’s interior concept captures the spirit and mission statement of the AllBright Collective perfectly. With the opening of The AllBright Mayfair, and given plans to open a club in West Hollywood this Summer, it is clear that Wosskow and Jones’ message is gaining traction.
