Chelsea in Bloom

Flowers in Fashion

Chelsea will once again burst into color as the 20th annual Chelsea in Bloom, (May 19–25) transforms the neighborhood with floral artistry. Running alongside the renowned Chelsea Flower Show (May 20–24), this year’s event is sponsored by Cadogan and the Royal Horticulture Society, and features a special partnership with the British Fashion Council for the theme 'Flowers in Fashion'.

A record-breaking 100+ storefronts—including shops and restaurants—will be adorned with imaginative floral displays in every color, shape, and size. The best part? It’s completely free and open to the public. Winners will be chosen by a panel of expert judges, with a People’s Choice Award decided by online vote.

Free walking tours depart daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., or hop on a rickshaw departing every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except May 19) from Sloane Square. Prefer to explore at your own pace? Download the self-guided map online and enjoy the trail your way.

Whether you love flowers, fashion, or just great photo ops, Chelsea in Bloom offers a colorful, unforgettable experience!

www.chelseainbloom.co.uk

Watch this space for Belgravia in Bloom . . .

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Poppies return

May 6th - November 11th

One of London’s most iconic public artworks returns this spring. Starting May 6th, 30,000 ceramic poppies from the original Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red will be reinstalled at the Tower of London to mark 80 years since the end of World War II.

Originally displayed from July to November 2014, the installation commemorated the centenary of Britain’s involvement in World War I. Each of the 888,246 red ceramic poppies represented a British or colonial serviceman killed in the war.

Most of the poppies were later sold, raising funds for six charities. In recognition of their work, ceramic artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper were awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2015.

The returning poppies, on loan from the Imperial War Museum’s collection, will remain on display through Remembrance Day, November 11th. A portion of the installation is free to view, while full access requires a Tower of London ticket.

Though smaller in scale than the original, this powerful tribute is still well worth a visit!
www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london ✆ +44 333 320 6000
London, EC3N 4AB

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Vogue : Inventing the Runway

Lightroom London

Lightroom London presents Vogue: Inventing the Runway, an immersive exhibition offering an exclusive opportunity to experience fashion history up close. While high-end fashion shows are typically reserved for the press, buyers, and celebrities, this exhibit gives visitors a front-row seat to some of the most iconic events in fashion. 

Since 1892, Vogue has been instrumental in shaping the fashion industry, influencing photography, supermodels, and setting trends that define the culture.

The exhibition showcases the work of legendary photographers such as Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, and Irving Penn. It also features unforgettable video footage from fashion’s most memorable moments, including Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 1999 show, where his No. 13 dress was spray-painted by two robots, and the iconic moment when supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington lip-synched to George Michael’s 'Freedom' at the close of Versace’s Autumn/Winter 1991 show, and some of the most awe-inspiring and over-the-top 'catwalks'.

TIP : Be sure to take a look at the dress displayed in the lobby Undercover by Jun Takahashi Look 57 from the Spring 2024 collection.

Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or simply curious about the industry, this exhibit reveals the artistry and innovation behind the legendary catwalk!
Tickets £25, 15 under 18 (free for under 3) — Closes April 26th

BONUS : Purchase your ticket directly from Lightroom London and receive 20% off The Moonwalkers : A Journey with Tom Hanks that explores the history of the Apollo missions and the future of spece exploration.
www.lightroom.uk ✆ +44 300 3034216
12, Lewis Cubitt Square, London N1C 4DY

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NAOMI: In Fashion

A Retrospective

The NAOMI: In Fashion retrospective at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), created in collaboration with Naomi Campbell, showcases her 40-year career both on and off the runway.

Discovered at 15 while shopping with friends, Campbell appeared on the cover of British Elle months later. Within two years, she became the first Black model to grace the cover of Paris Vogue in August 1988. By the 1990s, she was established as one of the original ‘supermodels’ alongside Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Tatjana Patitz.

The exhibit features iconic outfits from her collaborations with designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, and Gianni Versace. It also includes runway footage highlighting her signature ballet-inspired walk, with a chance for visitors to try their own on a makeshift runway after a 'how-to' lesson by Campbell herself.

Beyond modeling, Campbell’s influence extends to activism and philanthropy. A video wall shares reflections from actors, celebrities, designers, models, and others who know her best.

A must-see for Naomi fans and fashion enthusiasts, this exhibit offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the fashion world.  
Tickets £18 — Closes April 6th

For more Naomi, checkout next post Vogue : Inventing the Runway.
www.vam.ac.uk ✆ +44 2079 422000
Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

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All creatures great . . .

. . . and small

London is full of surprises—you never know what you might encounter when you turn a corner. Three worth checking out:

Wild Table of Love — Near the exit of the Elizabeth Line at Paddington Station, you’ll find The Wild Table of Love by artists Gillie and Marc. This striking bronze sculpture features Rabbitwoman and Dogman seated at a table surrounded by the ten most endangered animals in the world. Viewers are invited to join them at the two empty seats.

The sculpture is part of Love The Last, a public art initiative aimed at raising awareness, funds, and support for endangered species worldwide. The Wild Table of Love was previously on display at Paternoster Square from June 2022 to May 2023 and will be at Paddington until July 2026.
146 Praed St, London W2 1EE

Bonus : Just across the street is a charming clock featuring a lifelike man who “manually” adjusts the time every minute. This piece, created by Dutch artist Maarten Baas, is part of his Real Time series. The 12-hour recording blends art, design, and theatre, ensuring that every minute is unique. Once you start watching, it’s hard to look away. Similar clocks can be found in Amsterdam, Milan, and Venice.

Two Mice Eating the Cheese — Unlike the large-scale Wild Table of Love, Two Mice Eating the Cheese is London’s smallest public statue. Located on the exterior of an 1860s building near the popular Sky Garden, this tiny piece is said to commemorate two construction workers who tragically fell after fighting over a missing cheese sandwich—only to discover the sandwich had been eaten by mice.
23 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DE

These quirky art pieces are proof that it’s always worth taking a closer look around in London!

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Paddington Bear

A British Icon

Paddington Bear first appeared in the British children’s book A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond, published in 1958. Bond, who lived near Paddington Station in London, chose this location as the spot where the Brown family finds the bear after his journey from Peru. Today, a bronze statue of Paddington marks this famous spot on Platform 1 at Paddington Station. In addition to a shopping kiosk, the station also features the Paddington Shop — the only store in the world dedicated to the beloved character.

The Paddington books have been translated into 30 languages and have sold over 30 million copies worldwide. The films Paddington (2014), Paddington 2 (2017), and Paddington in Peru (2024) have helped bring this charming bear to life on the big screen. To celebrate the latest film and Paddington’s role as Welcome Ambassador, a Paddington Bear mural can be seen on Sutton Walk, just outside of Waterloo Station, until January 2026.

In both British and popular culture, Paddington has also enjoyed a special connection with Queen Elizabeth II. In the 1986 book Paddington at the Palace, the bear claims to have spotted the Queen in a window, and in the 2006 pantomime play The Queen’s Handbag, Paddington participated in celebrations for her 80th birthday. However, perhaps the most unforgettable Paddington moment occurred during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, when the bear shared a cream tea and marmalade sandwiches with her in a special televised sketch. Following the Queen’s passing later that year, Paddington’s heartfelt message, "Thank you, Ma’am, for everything," went viral, capturing the public’s affection and admiration for both the Queen and the bear.

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Van Gogh All-Nighter

Tickets on sale January 17th

If you put off seeing the sellout exhibition Van Gogh : Poets & Lovers, the National Gallery will release a special set of night-time tickets for the final weekend when the Gallery will be open 24 hours (9 pm January 17 - 10 am January 18).

This is only the second time the Gallery has been open overnight in its 200-year history - the first was Leonardo da Vinci : Painter at the Court of Milan in 2012.

The Van Gogh exhibit is the third most popular exhibition in the National Gallery’s history, with here 280K+ people since it opened in September 2024.

It is the Gallery's first exhibition devoted to Van Gogh and the only one to focus on the artist’s transformation during his time in Arles and Saint-Rémy and features 60+ works of Van Gogh's most beloved drawings and paintings, as well as rarely seen works from museums and private collections from around the world.

Tip : Limited number of Member Tickets available for late and overnight opening hours www.nationalgallery.org.uk ✆ +44 2077 472885
Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

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