Lucy Loves: March
My monthly edit of the things exciting me, including mega madeleines at Claridge’s, cozy artisan slippers and a new arts club in Shoreditch
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Hi everyone,
I hope you are well and safe. Turkey has been in the news for tragic reasons recently and I wanted to share my deepest condolences to all those affected. It’s been a turbulent time — that is far from over — but here I want to focus on all things uplifting.
Below you’ll find my monthly edit of things exciting me in the two cities I call home, from a brilliant relief initiative to excellent craftsmanship. As ever, please let me know of any recommendations for future editions by commenting below. Here’s to a new month full of strength, courage and hope.
Love Lucy Xx
WHAT I’M BOOKING…
Tickets to the next London Makers Market on Saturday 11th March. The spring edition, which will take place in Leake Street Arches underneath Waterloo Station, will bring together 30+ independent makers, artists and designers who are committed to making a difference with their handmade, eco-conscious products. It’ll be a great opportunity to scoop up something for Mother’s Day (19 March), while also supporting small businesses. It’s time to spread the love of creativity, community and handmade. Plus, tickets are free!
WHERE I’M SNEAKING OFF TO…
The new Claridge’s ArtSpace Cafe. I can think of nowhere I’d rather sip coffee and eat cake in between meetings. Designed by renowned British architectural designer John Pawson, it features a delectable patisserie counter and entry down to Claridge’s ArtSpace — a vast gallery hosting free rotating exhibitions.
Once you’ve refuelled (I’d highly recommend the madeleines), pop downstairs and whiz round New Frontiers: Movements in Contemporary Art (until 17 April). Curated in collaboration with Ben Brown Fine Arts, it includes works by Gavin Turk, Vik Muniz and Candida Höfer, among others. What better way to kick off the weekend?
WHAT I’M SOURCING…
Rugs and carpets. I’ve been really enjoying primping our new flat in Kadiköy. Olly (my husband) and I have ping-ponged from one rental to another over the last few years, and so I’m having a lot of fun sourcing all sorts of knick knacks for our first unfurnished place together. Bar the recent trip to Ikea (which was predictably challenging) and the chaos of setting up all manner of Turkish bills, it’s been relatively plain sailing. But sourcing handmade Turkish rugs is where I stumble.
I know next to nothing about the world of knots, dyes and traditional Turkish patterns, and already feel a tad overwhelmed by the research, possible dead-ends and stressful bartering that come with such a purchase. Please do let me know if you know anyone who knows anyone who knows anyone with the first idea about Turkish rugs. I’m planning to spend the foreseeable exploring this new arena and will keep you posted with my findings. Watch this space.
WHAT I’M EYEING UP…
Rafik slippers. Visitors to Istanbul tend to beeline for Turkish Modern, a lovely interiors shop in the antiques district of Çukurcuma. Why? Because its founder, Seyda Carter, oversees the production of the world’s most delicious handmade shoes and slippers (among other brilliant things). Not only are they super comfy but they’re chic too — not a word I’d usually use to describe slides.
Rafik slippers are a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Anatolian style and come in a variety of colours and materials. Olly has already nabbed himself a dark blue suede pair but I’m still deliberating. Should I go cobalt blue, olive green or sheeny bronze? Lmk. Oh, and yes, they’re on sale. Add to basket now.
WHERE I’LL BE WORKING AND SIPPING COCKTAILS…
Shoreditch Arts Club, a new private members’ club located in the iconic Tea building on Redchurch Street in East London. Opening its doors on 7 March, the 500 sqm space features a restaurant, cafe and bar, open dining, working and chill areas as well as private meeting rooms and a 24-seat cinema.
The events programme looks good, too. In addition to the usual talks, wine tastings and film screenings, it will feature temporary exhibitions — all curated in collaboration with local galleries and artists — as well as live theatre and music.
Apparently, it’s meant to feel like walking into an avid art collector’s home — a space for art which is not overtly gallery-like. I’m intrigued. You?
WHAT I’M OBSESSING OVER…STILL
My tights from Hēdoïne, a London-based, female-led brand that is tackling throwaway fashion by crafting comfy nylons that are made to last. Honestly, they are insanely flattering and make me feel good about flaunting my pins. Which is no mean feat for someone who is only 5ft 5 and rarely wears heels! No snags, no grey-black M&S style sheen and so far no ladders. I love all their designs but the bold 20 deniers are my favourite as they add just the right dose of glamour to an LBD. Go on, go bold!
AND FINALLY…
There are many brilliant initiatives supporting the earthquake relief effort but I’m rather taken by Flags for Future, a sustainable art project presented by ISTANBUL’74 in collaboration with Utopia.
Initially launched in 2020 to raise awareness of plastic pollution in the marine environment, Flags for Future reimagines flags as a canvas for unity, collective thought and artistic expression. The latest Flags for Future presentation at the 2023 edition of NOMAD St. Moritz featured 25 limited-edition artist flags made from upcycled plastic waste by such celebrated artists as Sir David Adjaye and Jeppe Hein.
In the wake of the recent earthquakes, limited-edition artist flags are now available to purchase through the ISTANBUL’74 e-shop. Proceeds will be donated to earthquake relief in Turkey & Syria, as well as water conservation charities Parley and Turmepa.