AWAY WE STAY, Starring Helena Christensen & David Gandy

150 150 Daniel Fountain
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Commissioned by W Hotels, Created by In-House series & Celebrating London

To celebrate the impending arrival of hotel innovator W Hotels to London’s Leicester Square, W London have commissioned a new film short (10 minutes) lifting the figurative lense cap off of a fictitious guest Alex Worthington. Shot on location in Leicester Square “Away We Stay” written and directed by Edoardo Ponti, and produced by Katrina Pavlos, is a romantic tale of love, life and the choices we make in the middle…

Renowned photographer Alex Worthington (Helena Christensen) has spent her career under the glitz and spotlight of the fashion industry but the emptiness of that world has started taking its toll. In search of something more real and emotionally stimulating she has a chance meeting with a mysterious stranger, Adam (David Gandy). He disarms her with his honesty and directness. After sharing only a few hours together, he dares her to run away with him and leave everything behind. Will Alex succumb and follow her heart or retreat back in the safety of her well established but empty life? Set in the London of today, laced with resonances of the swinging sixties, and a supporting cast which includes Tom Hollander, Nick Moran, Georgina Rylance and a special appearance by the film’s Executive Producer Nick Roeg.

Away We Stay takes as its creative reference the 1966 British Film classic Blow Up produced by Edoardo’s father Carlo Ponti. The film was chosen as it is the quintessential insider movie portraying the London Fashion scene. “Away We Stay” is peppered with leading London Insider cameos including Amber Aikens, Kinvara Balfour, Fenton Bailey (David Bailey’s son), Abi Harris and Tuuli Shipster.

The film’s central theme mirrors that of the W Hotel London’s dual personality and its transition from formal day to informal night.

Fashion forms a key part of the W language and “Away We Stay” has been styled by W Fashion Director Amanda Ross with key looks from leading London designers forming a core part of the films fashion story. Designers referenced include Stella McCartney, Temperley London, Rupert Sanderson, & Philip Treacy.

“Away We Stay” will give one of the first glances of the views available from the hotel both in-room and of the surrounding London landmarks as well as a view into the world of W as referenced by Edoardo and the amazing cast who have collaborated on the project. Talking on the inspiration for the commission W London General Manager Kevin Rockey stated ‘With our location at the heart of the British Film Industry (Leicester Square) what better way to introduce W London Leicester Square to the world than with the commission of a new film, heroing the great Insiders of this inspiring city.’

Away We Stay can be viewed at www.wlondon.co.uk/awaywestay

Daniel Fountain / 10.11.2010

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

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Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher atSPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.
Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.