A portrait of Jennifer Shorto, a textile and wallpaper designer who is inspired by antique textiles from across the world

Jennifer Shorto, textile and wallpaper creator for the famous and discerning around the world, chooses six pieces for the season from the quirkily magnificent collections of London-based jeweller Cora Sheibani

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1. Decorated Gugelhupf ring

Platinum with ebony, diamond, ruby and blue sapphire: there are only bold rings for me – ebony with gems shifts attention from my hands to drama. I am fascinated by wood with stones.

2. Transition earrings

Platinum with pink spinel and grey sapphire: these are classical yet unexpected – rigorous in line, playful in pink. They seduce me into wearing earrings again.

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3. Triple C&C necklace

Citrine and silex jasper, with 18k yellow-gold clasp: citrine is liquid sunshine, its luminous gold complements my skin and clothes, radiating warmth and vibrant energy.

4. Tetris brooch with jabot pin

18k champagne gold with smoky quartz and aquamarine: I love holding dresses and jackets together with brooches. Smoky quartz with aquamarine is a quietly stunning pairing.

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5. Sorbet ring

18k rose gold with peach and purple Edison pearls: the colour clash of these gems is delicious – I’m thrilled to see these unusual pearls.

6. B&B earrings

18k yellow gold with Palmeira citrine and orange zircon: flattering and vibrant, they light up the face. Rigour keeps them timeless, never old-fashioned.

All corasheibani.com

jennifershorto.com

Claudio Laager, photographed by Isabella Sheherazade Sanai

Claudio Laager is the General Manager of the Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina. A local to the Engadin valley, Laager brings a personal perspective to luxury hospitality, blending tradition with a hands-on approach that connects guests to the natural beauty surrounding the hotel. LUX speaks to him about the unique stay offered at the Kronenhof

LUX: How would you characterise the Kronenhof and Pontresina compared to the Kulm and St Moritz?

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Claudio Laager: Whereas St. Moritz attracts the international, lifestyle-focused set, Pontresina is a more typically Swiss holiday destination. People come here because of the beautiful nature and the original charm of the village. In St. Moritz you can buy luxury handbags in almost every store. Here in Pontresina, people are perfectly happy with the sports shops selling hiking and cross-country skiing equipment.

A view of the Grand Hotel Kronenhof from the surrounding snowy alps

LUX: What changes have you brought in under your management?

CL: When I took over the management in 2023, I decided to get closer to the guests and help them discover the beautiful landscape surrounding the Grand Hotel Kronenhof.

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As a local who grew up here, I know the best spots, and I regularly take guests out on excursions. Every Friday at dusk, for example, I take guests to the Val Bever for wildlife watching. It’s a different, authentic way to experience the Engadin valley.

LUX: Is summer in the Alps becoming more appealing for more people?

Hotel Kronenhof’s neo-Baroque Grand Restaurant, dating back to 1872

CL: Yes, summer in the Alps has so many advantages, not least the very mild, comfortable temperatures, especially compared to southern Europe at that time of year. It’s never crowded and wonderfully relaxed. Autumn is also a personal favourite of mine. During foliage season the forest takes on a golden glow and it’s quite something. We are one of the only five-star properties in the area to stay open in autumn, and we’re seeing more and more bookings and returning guests who have discovered the special allure of this time of year.

LUX: There are lots of luxury chain hotels opening now in the Alps. How is the Kronenhof able to compete?

CL: Well, I’m pretty sure it comes down to the uniqueness of the place itself, one of the oldest and most beautiful “Belle Époque” structures in the Alps, in a perfect location with breathtaking mountain views. That’s very hard to replicate. And then there’s the service element too. We strive for excellence, but we also look for personality in our staff. There has to be room for individuality.

A view of the alps from the lobby lounge

LUX: Is discreet luxury going to be lost with the rise of the social media generation?

CL: Not really. We’re actually seeing quite the opposite here. Guests come to disconnect and rediscover more analogue pleasures. For example, once guests are in-house, we prefer to communicate through handwritten notes. It’s a small detail, but it’s becoming an increasingly rare one.

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LUX: What is your exact favourite moment of the day, week, month and year to have a drink in your bar and what would you drink?

CL: My daily schedule doesn’t often allow me to wind down at work and have a drink. On my day off I usually enjoy simple beer or a good red wine.

kronenhof.com