Impressed by the NY flowers last week, London decided to up the ante - plus the sun came! We captured even more flowers in bloom on a glorious afternoon in St. John’s Wood.
Embankment Gardens are in Bloom
It’s Tulip season here in London and the Embankment Gardens are in full bloom! For a few more weeks, until tulip season ends in Mid-May, a stunning rainbow of tulips will be in bloom at the Victoria Embankment Gardens.
The Gardens, which were opened in 1875, have given Londoners and visitors alike a beautiful spot to relax along the Thames, and provide the perfect setting the tulips in their full splendor in glorious shades of orange, pink, and purple. Spring has sprung and what better way to welcome her than a stroll amongst the tulips!
London Views
Hello again, London! ✈️☁️🎊
“Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” at Victoria & Albert Museum
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the visionary force behind one of the most esteemed fashion houses, Chanel, has undeniably shaped the fashion industry. The Victoria & Albert Museum in London pays homage to her extraordinary fashion journey with the exhibit “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto.”
The exhibit provides a deep dive into the evolution of Coco Chanel's creative process, showcasing a diverse range of fashion artifacts—with over two hundred looks, alongside jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, and fragrances. From Coco’s initial sketches to the iconic tweed suit worn by Lauren Bacall, each piece shares a part of Coco Chanel’s story. You can even find a handwritten thank-you note from Queen Elizabeth II expressing gratitude for the gift of Chanel No.5 from a close friend.
Coco Chanel's timeless impact, encapsulated in her famous quote "fashion changes, but style endures," resonates throughout the exhibit, as her designs have truly withstood the test of time and remain relevant in the fashion world. For enthusiasts of fashion and admirers of Coco Chanel's legacy, this exhibit is must-see; however, with a closing date set for February 25th, time is of the essence!
Regent Street Lights : The Spirit of Christmas
Happy Holidays from London’s Regent Street! Crafted by the design company, James Glancy Design Ltd, also known as “the secret force behind Christmas”, the lights include 45 large-scale angels or "spirits" playing trumpets. The captivating layout and design of the Regent Street lights draws inspiration from the original lights that graced the street in 1954. No matter where this Holiday Season takes you, may you be surrounded by the glow of lights, family, and friends! From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!
"Our Herd of Hope" Presented by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
During a weekend stroll in London, we experience déjà vu when we came across lifelike bronze statues of elephants gracefully adorning Spitalfields Market. They reminded us of the herd in Berkeley Square. But these magnificent sculptures are the creation of Gillie and Marc, celebrated for promoting love, equality, and conservation worldwide.
This artistic exhibit, titled "Our Herd of Hope," is inspiring in that it serves a vital purpose - to generate support and awareness for the conservation of elephant species. Each smaller sculpture symbolizes a real elephant herd, emphasizing the importance of their protection. Partnering with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, this installation plans to migrate to various locations across London, making a powerful impact on its journey. We will be following along!
"Minotaur and Hare on Bench" by Sophie Ryder
While walking around Canary Wharf in London, we found this intriguing sculpture. Crafted by the globally acclaimed sculptor, Sophie Ryder, this monumental, wired artwork called “Minotaur and Hare on a Bench” is a captivating invitation to the realm of imagination.
The Lady-Hare, adorned with a hare-like head and a womanly body, stands as an alluring counterpart to the legendary Minotaur of ancient Greek myths. The sculpture embodies a poetic blend of femininity and nature, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into the artist's interpretation of mythology. Although often portrayed as a fearsome and violent creature that preys on humans for sustenance throughout Greek mythology, Ryder's rendition of the Minotaur transforms it into a figure that, rather than being menacing, embodies strength, love, and protection, designed to complement her Lady Hare sculpture.
These sculptures make a profound statement in the urban landscape. Their simplicity allows light to elegantly interact with their intricate forms, creating a captivating dance of shadows and highlights that further breathe life into Sophie Ryder's imaginative world, inviting all of us to explore the depths of our own creativity.
“Making Sense” by Ai Weiwei
A modern-day Renaissance Man, Ai Weiwei, the renowned artist, activist, filmmaker, architect and collector, has collaborated with The Design Museum in London, to present “Making Sense” as “a commentary on design and what it reveals about our changing values.” The artist’s collection of objects, ranging from Stone Age tools to porcelain dating back to the Song dynasty, to iPhones and Lego bricks to recreate Monet’s Water Lilies, explore our material culture and tensions between construction and destruction as well as industrialism and craftsmanship. “Making Sense” of the dichotomy of consumption and the repression of the individual, Weiwei challenges us to make sense of our own values and the repression of the individual, all the while giving the middle finger to landmarks known as sites of power around the world.
“Operation Golden Orb”
Saturday, May 6th, 2023, will mark King Charles III’s Coronation. Although Charles became King the moment his mother, Queen Elizabeth II died, this coronation is a celebration and the formal investiture of Charles with his regal powers. Rooted in pageantry and traditions dating back a thousand years, “Operation Golden Orb” as the Coronation is aptly code-named, has been in the works for months and London is getting ready for its close up as the ceremony will be televised throughout world. Preparations have sprouted up along The Mall leading to the King’s residence at Buckingham Palace and as if on cue blossoms have filled St. James’ Park.
Safari in the City
To commemorate the start of Spring, we went in search of blooming buds and flowers. Much to our dismay, we did not find any (yet) to share but instead came across this giraffe springing out of the bushes in Mount Street Gardens in Mayfair. Grazing upon the greens of the 19th century churchyard garden, sits a small bronze giraffe. Who would have thought that our morning jaunt for flora would take us on an urban safari?