London Scene: Things to Do During February’s Fashion Week
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What to See
“Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art”
Fifty artists from around the world have come together to tell the story of how textiles remain a political issue through a series of sculptures and hand-stitched collages on display at the Barbican until May 26. The artists include Pacita Abad from the Philippines; Magdalena Abakanowicz from Poland; Igshaan Adams from South Africa and Arpilleristas from Chile.
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“Everyday Monuments”
“Everyday Monuments” presents a series of sculptures created from upcycled materials that would otherwise be discarded. Emerging artists, including Catriona Robertson, Jacob Talkowski and Alaric Hammond, have worked with materials such as sheets of corrugated metal and takeaway food containers. The show is on at the Saatchi Gallery until March 10.
“Manon” at the English National Ballet
This is the story of a young man led astray by the unscrupulous Manon, whom men find irresistible. The English National Ballet describes Manon as “the original Material Girl,” and the plot takes in gambling, theft and prostitution. Although the book was banned for a period in 18th century France, it is now widely read by the country’s high school students.
“Nelken” choreographed by Pina Bausch and performed by Tanztheater Wuppertal
“Nelken,” or Carnations, is one of choreographer Pina Bausch’s seminal pieces. Spinning, running, stomping and screaming across a stage filled with 8,000 pale pink carnations, dancers from Tanztheater Wuppertal deliver performances that elicit laughter and tears. An homage to life with all of its joys and sorrows, “Nelken” is at Sadler’s Wells Theatre until Feb. 22.
Where to Eat
Gaia
Situated at the heart of Mayfair, the Greek and Mediterranean restaurant serves Instagram-worthy sea bream carpaccio, generously portioned Greek salad, and a sensational kritharaki. It also comes with a good selection of daily catches at the fish counter, dialing up the wow factor to a nine.
50 Dover Street, London W1S 4NY
Iné
Iné, run by the the Michelin-starred omakase maestro Taku Mayfair, is a great spot for anyone looking to have a quiet night. A few feet from Hampstead tube station, the restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu priced at 100 pounds and a variety of modern Japanese dishes. It also serves deluxe takeaway bento on request, ideal for those with a jam-packed schedule.
36 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JE
Raey Café by Edit
The British brand Raey has partnered with plant-based eatery Edit to host a pop-up café at Matches’ Mayfair townhouse that will remain open Feb. 16-19. Meals are free of charge and the menu offers an array of dishes. Options range from pancake stacks topped with poached rhubarb, lemon curd and plant-based cream, to Alexanders buds served in a peppercorn sauce and Alexanders leaf jus.
5 Carlos Place, London W1K 3AP
At Sloane
Bohemians and bookish types can eat, drink and rest their heads at this new hotel, restaurant and bar a few steps from Sloane Square. Co-created by Cadogan Estates and hotelier Jean-Louis Costes, with interiors by François-Joseph Graf, the six-floor hotel is an Arts and Crafts dream filled with stained glass windows; hundreds of replica Greek and Chinese vases; and books galore.
So evocative are these interiors, it’s easy to imagine Virginia Woolf reading in the large bay window seat that faces Sloane Gardens, or William Morris having a cup of tea at the newspaper-strewn dining room table that doubles as the hotel’s front desk.
The 30 bedrooms and suites are cozy, while the restaurant on the sixth floor is inspired by the Peacock Room, created in 1876 by James McNeill Whistler and Thomas Jeckyll. It’s the polar opposite of the contemporary four-star hotel, and so comfortable and intimate, it feels like home.
At Sloane, 1 Sloane Gardens, London SW1W 8EA
Where to Shop
Highsnobiety x Selfridges
Highsnobiety, the Zalando-owned media brand that sits at the crossroads of streetwear and luxury, is expanding its “Not In” city series to London with a series of pop-ups inside Selfridges’ flagship on Oxford Street. It showcases the latest collection from HS05, Highsnobiety’s in-house brand, and merchandise collaborations with Barbour, Beigel Bake, Chiltern Firehouse, and knitwear label Knitwrth. The latter is offering pieces inspired by Princess Diana’s revenge dress moment. A birdwatching session, arranged by Flock Together, will also take place on the rooftop of the department store.
400 Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB
1 Warwick x My Wardrobe HQ
On Friday, private member’s club 1 Warwick will open its doors to the public, inviting visitors to rent a selection of items from My Wardrobe HQ, a fashion rental and resale marketplace. The pop-up will feature an edit of clothing and accessories from brands including Jean Paul Gaultier, Burberry, Ganni, and Pink Piglet. Rental prices start at 10 pounds per day.
1 Warwick Street, London W1B 5LR
Perfumer H
Lyn Harris’ Perfumer H has a new flagship at 15a Clifford Street, Mayfair, that’s a sensual wonderland. There are antique cabinets stocked with fragrances, hand-blown creations by Michael Ruh, home and pantry products. A still life by the painter Will Calver, commissioned specifically for the store, hangs above the fireplace, an homage to the Georgian building’s past as an art gallery.
In the basement, there is an in-store refilling station. The shop showcases jars of curiosities, pickled ingredients and raw materials, such as vetiver grass from Haiti and frankincense from Somalia. Harris said she sees the space as “a rare window” into the scope of her sensory vision. Visitors will even be able to witness the candle-making process.
15a Clifford Street, London, W1S 4JZ
Wolf & Badger
Wolf & Badger has moved its U.K. flagship from Coal Drops Yard near King’s Cross to 102 Berwick Street, in the heart of Soho. The new store has a dedicated pop-up space for activations, a floristry and plant shop, and a personal styling area. The new store stocks more than 100 independent, sustainable brands spanning womenswear, menswear, jewelry, accessories and homeware.
Cofounder and creative director of Wolf & Badger, Henry Graham, worked with the design firm Augustus Brown Architects to create a minimalist interior with classical proportions. The palette is mostly neutral and features materials cork and Douglas fir. The B-Corp certified retailer said it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing “a fair and viable alternative to mainstream retail,” offering brands including dress specialist ByRoo and the indie, Florida-based Ebru, known for its colorful jewelry.
102 Berwick Street, W1F 0QB
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