The gearstick cover is easy. Undo the button and velcro, and push the leather base downwards to release.
Unfortunately this is not the case with the h/brake cover, you will need to remove the whole casing and then the rivets which hold it in place.
When removing it bear in mind there are two front fixings which are accessed by removing the window switches; luckily you're taking out the gearstick cover to access them from underneath