Lucy Loves: April
My monthly edit of the things to know, including must-see art, dazzling jewels and gorgeous summer dresses
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Hi everyone,
I hope you are all well. After a low-key February, March was a whirlwind of work, travel and long-overdue catch-ups with friends and family. After the best non-skiing ski weekend in Samoëns, I touched down in Geneva to interview Christie‘s Head of Jewellery ahead of a landmark sale of magnificent jewels (more on this below). Back in Istanbul, I sat down with five trailblazing women driving change in Istanbul art and spoke to the brilliant duo behind CURA Art, the company helping collectors to navigate the art world and to give back in meaningful ways.
April is looking just as exciting! Below, you’ll find my monthly edit of the things to know in the two cities I call home, from the new Gilbert & George Centre in Spitalfields to a buzzy Marfa Stance collaboration with the quiltmakers from Gee’s Bend in Alabama. As ever, please let me know of any recommendations for future editions by commenting below. Here’s to longer, warmer and brighter days ahead.
Love Lucy Xx
WHERE I’M SNEAKING OFF TO…
For me, there’s nothing more indulgent than a luxe staycation. There’s something just so decadent about slipping into holiday mode without any of the hassle of trains, planes and the inevitable packing panic. So, you can imagine how thrilled I was to explore the new Vakko Hotel & Residence in the heart of Istanbul’s buzzy Nisantasi neighbourhood.
And, honestly, it surpassed all my expectations. Arriving at the Vakko hotel is to enter the warm embrace of luxurious comfort and chic Parisian charm. The 31 suites boast fully equipped kitchenettes, living rooms and large bedrooms with beds so comfy you’ll want to lie in till noon.
All the rooms are supremely elegant yet cosy and welcoming too: vintage photos of sixties sirens adorn the walls, while sleek Vakko furnishings fill the rooms. Spacious marble bathrooms boast heavenly rainfall showers and Vakko-branded amenities, robes and slippers.
The all-day restaurant serves French classics like croque monsieur as well as a wide range of delicious patisseries, including madeleines and mille-feuille. Work it off in the swanky fitness and wellness zone downstairs. I was lucky enough to experience the Sanitas signature massage during my stay and I can say hand on heart that it was the best massage I’ve ever had.
What makes Vakko particularly memorable though is its friendly, detail-orientated staff, who are on hand 24 hours a day to tend to your every whim and fancy. They can even organise for one of the hotel chefs to cook for you in your room! It is pricey, yes, but this calm oasis is a great base for exploring the city’s best landmarks, shops, cafes and restaurants. When can I check-back-in?
HAVE YOU HEARD…
Steve McQueen’s Grenfell will be on view at the Serpentine South from 7 April until 10 May. In December 2017, McQueen made an artwork in response to the fire in which 72 people tragically died. ‘I knew once the tower was covered up, it would start to leave people‘s minds,’ he said. ‘I was determined that it never be forgotten.’ This is essential viewing. Plus, it’s free for all. Book your free ticket now.
GO AND EXPLORE...
The new Gilbert & George Centre in Spitalfields, which opens on 1 April. I first interviewed the artist duo in 2019, when they were the guests of honour at BRAFA in Brussels. It was one of my first major artist interviews and I recall being extremely nervous. And clearly they could tell. Because in their typical say-what-they-see way they told me so :)
Since then, I’ve followed their activity with interest. Located a stone’s throw from their home and studio in Fournier street, and designed by SIRS Architects in close collaboration with the artists, the impressive new centre features three art galleries spanning over 280 sq m as well as an outdoor video space. In keeping with their ethos of ‘art for all’, it will be free to visit!
Inaugurating the centre is an exhibition of ‘THE PARADISICAL PICTURES’, a 2019 series featuring the artists dressed in varicoloured matching suits against a lurid world of monstrous decaying blossoms and vegetation. Running alongside this exhibition is a solo show at White Cube Mason’s Yard, featuring the CORPSING PICTURES, their most profoundly personal and confrontational works to date. I’m still not sure exactly how I feel about their art, but it certainly gets people talking.
WHAT I’M READING…
The Architect’s Apprentice by British-Turkish author Elif Shafak. I came across Shafak’s novel whilst reading What Writers Read, a brilliant little book edited by Pandora Sykes in aid of The National Literacy Trust, in which some 30 bestselling writers share their favourite books and how they’ve shaped them as a reader or writer.
It is at once profound and light-hearted, with characters that feel so real you can almost hear them breathe. Set in 16th-century Istanbul at the height of the Ottoman Empire, the story follows Jahan on his journey to becoming an apprentice to the Sultan’s architect. Along the way, he encounters princesses, gypsies and a white elephant called Chota whom he comes to love like a brother.
This is a poignant tale of love, loss and friendship that explores the dreams, desires, hopes and fears that make us human. Shafak’s language is floral and crammed with similes, yes, but with it she paints the most beautiful picture of a time gone by. I can’t put it down. Add to basket now.
AND EYEING UP…
I’m willing on the arrival of spring (no, it’s still not warm in Istanbul) by looking at all of the skirts, dresses, shorts and sandals from my favourite brands, including the Turkish fashion label Lug Von Siga. Founded by Gul Agis in 2010, it has made its name creating timeless designs that blend Turkish artistic tradition with laid-back contemporary elegance. The result is a collection of delightfully feminine forms that make you feel your very best. And happily, most are now stocked by Harvey Nicks and Matches Fashion.
Top of my list is this embroidered cotton-poplin blouse in light blue and this gathered floral linen-voile top, which is currently on sale. But I’ve also got my eyes on this flower-embroidered cotton maxi dress. I just love the airy ruffles that give it volume. It’s my birthday soon…so, I’m thinking I should I treat myself….thoughts?
TWO MUST-SEE EXHIBITIONS…
If you’re in London at any point in April, I’d highly recommend finding time to whizz round Ai Weiwei's first exhibition focusing on design. Making Sense (7 April — 30 July) at the Design Museum will bring together recent works with commissioned pieces that explore themes of value, humanity, art and activism.
Also noteworthy is Souls Grown Deep like the Rivers: Black Artists from the American South (until 18 June) at the Royal Academy on Piccadilly. It includes around 60 works by 34 artists from the mid-20th century to the present whose subjects and materials often reverberate with the South’s painful history.
In celebration of the exhibition, British fashion brand Marfa Stance has released a new series of one-of-a-kind reversible quilt pieces made in collaboration with the quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend in Alabama. Each item in the collection is made from colourful cashmeres, wools and fly-weight nylons leftover from Marfa Stance’s production in Italy. Swoon.
WHERE TO SWITCH OFF…
I thought I knew London like the back of my hand, but I recently discovered a tranquil oasis in the heart of Covent Garden that I didn’t know existed. If like me you’re feeling a little frayed around the edges, I’d highly recommend you check it out.
I’m talking about AIRE, London’s majestic underground thermal baths located in a beautifully restored 18th-century townhouse on Robert Street. Originally designed by the neoclassical architect Robert Adam, the building was once home to Peter Pan creator JM Barrie, among other famous writers, artists and intellectuals.
Inspired by Greek, Roman and Ottoman bathing rituals, the AIRE experience celebrates the benefits of water for both mind and body. Here, it’s all about relaxing, listening to your body and disconnecting from the frenetic buzz outside.
Over a 90-minute session, you’ll plunge in and out of water of all different temperatures and properties in whichever order feels right for you. I favoured the Tepidarium (above) and the Caldarium (40 C) but I’m proud to say that I did also brave the cold water pool (aka the Frigidarium). For a super luxe experience, plump for a singnature massage too.
From the soft candlelight and scent of orange blossom to the whispering-only policy, the AIRE experience is designed for ultimate relaxation and tranquility. And happily it achieves what it sets out to do. I left with a spring in my step and a weight lifted from my shoulders. It’s a great way to spoil the frazzled friend, sister, mother or partner in your life. Just remember to take a hairbrush — the saltwater birds nest is real :)
AND FINALLY…
The Heidi Horten Collection of magnificent jewels is coming to Christie’s in Geneva in May. With a pre-sale estimate of more than $150,000,000, it is the largest and most valuable jewellery collection ever to come to auction. You can now read all about it and browse collection highlights online — prepare to stop and stare. The ‘Briolette of India’ is something else.
I will put the Shafak book on my to-read list. I like how she is willing to delve into hot-topic Turkish issues with honesty and clarity.
Her novel 10 Minutes & 38 Seconds is one I would highly recommend, as it provides insights into the history of Turkish women through the dying thoughts of a scorned Istanbul prostitute.
Fabulous edit, as ever! You should definitely treat yourself to one of those gorgeous tops/ dresses.