Lucy Loves: February
My monthly edit of the things exciting me, including a swanky new hotel and a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition
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From a luxe new hotel in Istanbul to a spectacular show of Dutch masterpieces in Amsterdam, there’s plenty to be excited about this February. As ever, please let me know of any recommendations for future editions by commenting below. Here’s to a new month full of adventure and chic new discoveries.
Love Lucy Xx
WHAT I’M ENJOYING…
The work of Turkish artist Erman Özbaşaran. I was lucky enough to visit his studio in Istanbul recently and instantly fell in love with the meditative quality of his large-scale paintings.
A celebration of surface colour and texture, his latest body of work titled Axis (above) addresses themes of memory, place and time. What strikes above all, though, is their harmonious sense of balance. If you’re in Istanbul this month, I’d highly recommend a whizz round his soothing solo show at Galeri Bosfor, which runs until 25 February.
OBSESSING OVER…
This embossed leather shoulder bag in navy by Misela, a bags and accessories brand founded in 2008 by the Istanbul-born, New York-based designer Serra Türker. Why? Because no bag I ever buy seems to quite fit my ever-shifting day-to-night freelance needs and I’m hoping this one will. I also love its focus on Turkish craft and heritage.
Central to Misela’s design aesthetic is the Cintamani motif, a triangular pattern of three circles often found in traditional Ottoman decoration. Cintamani symbolises the eye of reason, the eye of the heart and the eye of the tiger.
Chic, elegant and timeless, Türker’s pieces instantly elevate any day-to-night look. It’s little wonder these modern talismans are coveted by connoisseur collectors and celebrities alike.
BOOKING…
Tickets to the once-in-a-lifetime Johannes Vermeer exhibition (10 February — 4 June 2023) at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. I know it’s not in London or Istanbul but the largest Vermeer exhibition ever staged is most definitely worth hopping on a train or plane for. And I hate flying.
Featuring 28 paintings from the artist’s small oeuvre of around 35 attributed works, it promises to shed new light on the life and art of the prodigious Dutch master. Shown alongside all three of the Frick’s fabulous interior scenes will be such celebrated works as Girl with a Pearl Earring (1664-67) (above) and The Milkmaid (1658-59). Never before have so many Vermeers been brought together. Add to diary now!
EYEING UP…
The Peninsula Istanbul, which could well be the swankiest hotel opening of the year. Set along the Bosphorus in the new Galataport development in the Karaköy neighbourhood, this sumptuous hotel spans four properties, three of which are protected historical landmarks dating to the early 1900s, and features a rooftop swimming pool, a spa with Turkish hammam and beautifully landscaped gardens — a rare sight in Istanbul.
Interiors are inspired by the hotel’s eclectic surrounds and harmoniously blend old world glamour with contemporary Turkish design. It’s opening on Valentine’s Day of all days — and I can’t think of a more indulgent way to spend it. I can but dream….
LOOKING FORWARD TO…
A weekend trip to Uludağ, a small but charming ski resort in Turkey’s Uludağ National Park. And yes, we’ll be returning to Le Chalet which I featured in my last post about brilliant hotels for a last-minute winter break.
In case you missed it, Le Chalet has an Alpine-inspired interior and ski-in-ski-out access. Rooms are basic but comfortable, while the communal areas are welcoming and cosy, with log fires, dark-green walls and plush leather furnishings. The hotel may not boast all the mod cons of Europe’s finest ski resorts, but the charm, affordability and truly unpretentious vibe more than make up for it. What more could you want?
AND FINALLY, OVER TO YOU…
Is Jacuzzi — the glitzy new pleasure palace from the Big Mamma group — really worth the hype? I just can’t tell from all that I read and see on Instagram. And I really want to know! Please someone spill the beans.