Arts - House Of Coco Magazine

Arts November 9, 2023

Four of the best art exhibitions in London this autumn

Not only did London bring some of the most beautiful weather the UK has seen in a long time over the summer, it also brought some of the best art exhibitions we’ve seen. From Picasso’s Love & Tragedy exhibition at Tate Modern, to the compelling life of Frida Kahlo at the V&A, art lovers were given some real treats. Autumn has a lot to live up to and it looks like it will. We’ve rounded up the four art exhibitions that are on our hit list here at #TeamCoco.

The moving moment when I went to the universe: Yayoi Kusama’s incredible work is hitting London again at the Victoria Miro Gallery. Her last exhibition was probably the most instagrammed art display to date. This exhibition features new paintings, painted bronze pumpkin and flower sculptures and a large scale Infinity Mirrored Room created for this presentation, Yayoi Kusama’s twelfth exhibition at the gallery. Continuing to address the twin themes of cosmic infinity and personal obsession, the new works in this exhibition are testament to an artist at the height of her powers as she approaches her ninetieth birthday. 3 October–21 December 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn-5EgTn0lY/?hl=en&taken-by=victoriamirogallery

Modern Couples: Art, Intimacy and the Avant-Garde: Featuring the biggest names in Modern Art, Modern Couples explores creative relationships, across painting, sculpture, photography, design and literature. Meet the artist couples that forged new ways of making art and of living and loving. The exhibition illuminates these creative and personal relationships, from the obsessional and fleeting to the life-long. If you didn’t quite get your Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso fix over the summer, now is your chance! The exhibition is on at The Barbican. 10 Oct 2018–27 January 2019
Christian Marclay: THE CLOCK: Since 2010 it has captivated audiences across the world from New York to Moscow and now it’s made its way to Tate Modern, London.24-hours long, the installation is a montage of thousands of film and television images of clocks, edited together so they show the actual time. It is a thrilling journey through cinematic history as well as a functioning timepiece. Now- 29 January 2019

https://www.instagram.com/p/BntQqdAFHYC/?hl=en&taken-by=tate

100 Figures: The Unseen Art of Quentin Blake: Often recognised for his wacky illustrations for Roald Dahl’s novels, this exhibition at the House of Illustration portrays a new side of Blake. This display of his work gives gallery-goers an insight into the creative practice of one of the world’s most celebrated illustrators. It is a major exhibition highlighting Quentin Blake’s prolific but unknown work as a figurative artist. The exhibition will feature 100 large-scale oil paintings, drawings and prints created over fifty years between 1950 and 2000, none of which have been exhibited before. 5 October 2018 –27 January 2019

Arts November 9, 2023

Top five art exhibitions in London

Here at #TeamCoco, we are always on the hunt for the best art exhibitions in the UK’s capital. This spring, there are almost too many to choose from but we’ve rounded up the five that you can’t miss. Check them out!

Tate Britain presents a comprehensive retrospective of the legendary British photographer Don McCullin

This poignant exhibition showcases some of the most impactful photographs captured over the last 60 years. It includes many of his iconic war photographs – including images from Vietnam, Northern Ireland and more recently Syria. It also however focuses on the work he did at home in England, recording scenes of poverty and working class life in London’s East End and the industrial north, as well as meditative landscapes of his beloved Somerset, where he lives. Sir Don McCullin was born in 1935 and grew up in a deprived area of north London. He got his first break when a newspaper published his photograph of friends who were in a local gang. From the 1960s he forged a career as probably the UK’s foremost war photographer, primarily working for the Sunday Times Magazine. His unforgettable and sometimes harrowing images are accompanied in the show with his brutally honest commentaries.

With over 250 photographs, all printed by McCullin himself in his own darkroom, this exhibition will be a unique opportunity to appreciate the scope and achievements of his entire career.

5 February – 6 May 2019

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtgMqPjlYs_/

White Cube Bermondsey presents ‘A Fortnight of Tears’ by Tracey Emin.

Installed throughout the gallery’s spaces, this major exhibition includes sculpture, neon, painting, film, photography and drawing, all focusing on the artist’s own memories and emotions arising from loss, pathos, anger and love. On entering South Gallery I, the viewer is confronted by fifty double-hung self-portraits from an on-going series taken at different moments and states during the artist’s periods of insomnia. These unsettling and intimate close-ups, blown up in size and overwhelming in number, capture the habitual torment and desperation of these lonely wakeful hours.

6 February 2019 – 7 April 2019

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt0bOn3gxAv/

Tate Modern presents The CC Land exhibition – Pierre Bonnard and the Colour of Memory

This is the first major exhibition of Pierre Bonnard’s work in the UK since the much-loved show at Tate 20 years ago. It will allow new generations to discover Bonnard’s unconventional use of colour, while surprising those who think they already know him.

Born 1867, Bonnard was, with Henri Matisse, one of the greatest colourists of the early 20th century. He preferred to work from memory, imaginatively capturing the spirit of a moment and expressing it through his unique handling of colour and innovative sense of composition.

The exhibition concentrates on Bonnard’s work from 1912, when colour became a dominant concern, until his death in 1947. It presents landscapes and intimate domestic scenes which capture moments in time – where someone has just left the room, a meal has just finished, a moment lost in the view from the window, or a stolen look at a partner.

Now until 6 May 2019

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtmN9FbFUsW/

The Serpentine presents Grace Wales Bonner: A Time for New Dreams

The exhibition features an assemblage of site-specific installations and shrines. Interested in the improvisations and uses of shrines throughout black histories, Wales Bonner views these spiritual structures as material portals into multiple frames of experience. Drawing upon the images and rhythms of rituals and ceremonies from all over the world, she moves across time and space by bringing these references into dialogue with one another.

This exhibition focuses on Wales Bonner’s rigorous research into multiple geographies and temporalities, culminating in the presentation of her forthcoming Autumn/Winter 2019 collection, Mumbo Jumbo. Conjuring and exploring various characters, their dress, and the worlds and spaces they inhabit, the collection features certain protagonists, such as the artist-shaman, a West African spiritual healer, and a gathering of Howard University intellectuals. At its close, the exhibition becomes an environment for the characters to inhabit.

A live programme includes composer, playwright and artist Klein, who performed a reading in the Gallery, Poet and DJ James Massiah who will present an evening of readings inside the exhibition, and performance artist Michael-John Harper, whose ritual of movements will activate the Gallery at intervals during the final days of the exhibition. New texts and invocations by Ben Okri are woven through the Gallery spaces.

Now until 17 March 2019

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt1JcjAAzKb/

The Barbican presents Daria Martin – Tonight the World

Artist and Jarman Award 2018 winner Daria Martin revisits dreams and memories from her personal family history to create a complex portrait of migration, loss and resilience.

Drawing upon dream diaries kept by her grandmother over a 35 year period, London-based artist Daria Martin creates a new installation for The Curve. Through atmospheric film and gaming technology Martin stages a series of intimate encounters, enveloping viewers in an exploration of the curious and traumatic history of her grandmother, who fled the imminent Nazi occupation of her country, Czechoslovakia.

Now until 7 April 2019 (free entry)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtdtiBFBYBA/

Cover picture © Pierre Bonard – Tate Modern

Arts November 9, 2023

All aboard the Bombay Sapphire Express!

When House of Coco was invited to step aboard the good train Bombay Sapphire for The Grand Journey we could barely hold our excitement – cocktails and travel?! Now that’s the ticket!

The Grand Journey is a spectacular celebration of ten of the key ingredients in the sparkling blue Bombay Sapphire bottle, taking us around the world to sample the ingredients and hear the stories behind them.

The train passed through London in mid-October before carrying on to other European destinations like Berlin, Barcelona and Amsterdam. We were lucky enough to jump onboard for the ride and grab a classy G&T with the culinary masterminds behind the experience – The Robin Collective…

Upon arriving at London’s Bike Shed we were welcomed by a nicely dressed chap called Gerald with what can only be described as a goblet of gin and tonic and then ushered onto the Bombay Sapphire train by the conductor. Seated in a gorgeous art deco style banquette with our fellow travellers we weren’t at all sure what to expect when the ‘train’ embarked on its journey – complete with sound effects and the very clever use of screens acting as the train windows, taking us through the countryside of Italy, the volcanoes of Java and finally the great british fields on our quest to learn about Bombay Sapphire’s ingredients.

Each of our Grand Journey stops was accompanied with a culinary trick, alcohol treat or immersive sketch to keep traveller’s fatigue at bay. The edibles by The Robin Collective immersed us in the ingredient’s location; a vegan lemon pate for lemon peel from Spain, a stunning floral jelly (that takes 20 minutes to make by hand!) and savoury almond churros that were to die for. Alongside tasty tricks and were quirky cocktails by Happiness Forgets’ Geoff Robinson that were served next to smoking volcanoes and in a Chinese tea-set. Our ever-so-slightly camp train staff kept us amused with shadow puppet stories, slight of hand magic and even a little floor show that got some of our fellow travellers a little hot under the collar!

We absolutely adore a fun evening out with a few tipples and this was no exception – the cocktails were delicious and really showed another side to gin, just in time for the autumn and winter season where a crisp G&T just doesn’t quite cut it anymore!

Disembarking from the train we ended our journey in Laverstoke; the distillery location for Bombay Sapphire, nestled in rural Hampshire and shared a cheeky cocktail with Robin and Brandy, Co-Founders of The Robin Collective to learn more about vegan surprises, chefs favourite moulds and jelly technique…

HOC: We loved the treats on offer tonight and were bowled over that they were all vegan, how did that come about?

Brandy: Vegan food is accessible to everyone and you can’t say the same for meat dishes! Plus we work with an amazing chef who runs a vegan restaurant in Glasgow. Alongside the food we had a lot of fun working on the aromas in the train to help take you on your journeys.

HOC: That lemon pate (shaped like a lemon) was incredible and the jelly was a masterpiece – we almost didn’t want to eat it!

Robin: The moulds for the lemon pate were made from real lemons and our chefs have their favourites to work with, it’s so funny! The jellies are a labour of love; it takes 20 minutes to make each one as we paint them by hand. The idea for it came about in one of the ‘Inspiration Afternoons’ we held in our office. Now we’re making 1,000 jellies per location and having to send out one of our team to Berlin to keep an eye on the jelly production!

HOC: Well, they are worth it! We love what you guys do but it’s got to be tricky sometimes- what’s some of the biggest challenges you come up against?

Brandy: Kitchens are always a challenge but we’ve designed our own set up to be as mobile and efficient as possible. Running water can also be a challenge, depending on where you are working from. We love to travel and be a part of everything we work on – we’re only a small team and we like to be close to everything and make sure it all goes amazingly!

With that we let Robin and Brandy get back to painting their jellies and escape in a VR headset tour of the Bombay Sapphire distillery – looking to all onlookers as if we’d definitely had a few too many!

The Grand Journey has now departed for mainland Europe but fear not, you can enjoy a Bombay Sapphire cocktail at The Gilbert Scott, Cahoots and The Cocktail Trading Company in London until 6th November. The Bombay Sapphire distillery is nestled in rural Hampshire and open 7 days a week, perfect for a day out – we’ll see you there?

Arts November 9, 2023

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LONDON CABARET CLUB THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

The London Cabaret Club invites guests to ‘Gatsby With Love’ this Valentine’s Day. The Great Gatsby Valentine’s dinner and show is set to transport guests to the glamorous 1920s, fit with sumptuous food, mischief, tassels, champagne glasses and world-class performances. This bespoke show and immersive fine dining experience, is created especially for Valentine’s romancing by London Cabaret Club artistic director Doni Fierro.

Cabaret goers can immerse themselves into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s world renowned love story and feel as if they are a party guest at Gatsby’s mansion. The varied acts at the show will be performed to heart-soaring songs such as Lana Del Ray ‘Young and Beautiful’. All will be played out against the lavish backdrop of the 1920’s Art Deco Bloomsbury Ballroom with its high-reaching ceilings, intimate seating areas, ornate windows, spectacular bar and commanding marble entrance. The event is ideal for an extravagant and interactive date night with a partner or a girlie and glamorous Friday night out.

Now in its 6th year, The London Cabaret Club originally launched as a pop-up within the Chelsea Arts Club in July 2013, followed by sell-out residencies at One Mayfair and The Collection in South Kensington, before moving in to their permanent home within beautiful art deco settings of The Bloomsbury Ballroom, a stunning venue perfectly situated between The City and The West End. Their winning formula of original choreography and unparalleled production with unrelenting attention to detail makes it one of the capital’s most exciting nights out.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day we met with the CEO and Founder of The London Cabaret Club and asked her about the upcoming show and what she loves the most about her job…

What led you to work in such a fabulous industry?

Following business school in Sydney, I spent some time working in management consultancy and finance in London then moved to New York to continue further study in the Arts. I then became a huge Broadway theatre enthusiast. My working life subsequently took me to London, and here I fell in love with the West End. With my love of musical theatre and experiencing the social scenes of both London and New York, I felt there was a gap in the market to create an new unique experience in London which would entail a combination of excellent theatre style entertainment combined with a high end dining experience – and so The London Cabaret Club was born!

What sets the London Cabaret Club apart?

The first thing that sets us apart is our permanent residence at The Bloomsbury Ballroom. It is an amazingly beautiful art deco building between the City and the West End that is perfect for our performances and the atmosphere there really enhances our shows.

The second, is the quality of our shows. To date, The London Cabaret Club shows have been centred around a range of quintessentially British themes. For example our show ‘Queen Of Roses’ celebrates Britain’s female monarchs. ‘Hats, Heels & Horses’ focuses on a day at the races and our current show ‘Gatsby with Love’ transports guests into a decadent 1920’s party, inspired by the Jay Gatsby, the great anti-hero in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. We offer interesting and very entertaining themes which change seasonally to keep customers coming back. The London Cabaret aims to become an icon of London which appeals to our own residents as well as visiting tourists.

What is the usual crowd at the venue?

The crowd reflects the rich diversity of the city of London. It’s not unusual for celebrity clientele to attend our shows – visitors and fans have included famous figures as varied as Simon Cowell, Millie Mackintosh, Darcy Bussell, Louis Walsh and Olivia Colman. We also have some wonderful loyal fans from all walks of life who love to return to experience the different shows that we host throughout the year.

Why does it make the ultimate night out?

The sheer variety of unique, high quality entertainment, combined with fantastic level of service and fine dining options that accompanied the performance is what makes the London Cabaret Club a one of a kind experience.

What is the favourite thing about what you do?

The most favourite thing about my job is being able to be creative with what I do and through this creativity being able to deliver a unique and wonderful experience to our clients…

Start your Valentine’s Day by joining The London Cabaret Club at The Rose Bar from 6.30pm. For more information and to book tickets, see: www.thelondoncabaretclub.com/valentines-show

Arts November 9, 2023

FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LONDON CABARET CLUB THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

The London Cabaret Club invites guests to ‘Gatsby With Love’ this Valentine’s Day. The Great Gatsby Valentine’s dinner and show is set to transport guests to the glamorous 1920s, fit with sumptuous food, mischief, tassels, champagne glasses and world-class performances. This bespoke show and immersive fine dining experience, is created especially for Valentine’s romancing by London Cabaret Club artistic director Doni Fierro.

Cabaret goers can immerse themselves into F. Scott Fitzgerald’s world renowned love story and feel as if they are a party guest at Gatsby’s mansion. The varied acts at the show will be performed to heart-soaring songs such as Lana Del Ray ‘Young and Beautiful’. All will be played out against the lavish backdrop of the 1920’s Art Deco Bloomsbury Ballroom with its high-reaching ceilings, intimate seating areas, ornate windows, spectacular bar and commanding marble entrance. The event is ideal for an extravagant and interactive date night with a partner or a girlie and glamorous Friday night out.

Now in its 6th year, The London Cabaret Club originally launched as a pop-up within the Chelsea Arts Club in July 2013, followed by sell-out residencies at One Mayfair and The Collection in South Kensington, before moving in to their permanent home within beautiful art deco settings of The Bloomsbury Ballroom, a stunning venue perfectly situated between The City and The West End. Their winning formula of original choreography and unparalleled production with unrelenting attention to detail makes it one of the capital’s most exciting nights out.

Ahead of Valentine’s Day we met with the CEO and Founder of The London Cabaret Club and asked her about the upcoming show and what she loves the most about her job…

What led you to work in such a fabulous industry?

Following business school in Sydney, I spent some time working in management consultancy and finance in London then moved to New York to continue further study in the Arts. I then became a huge Broadway theatre enthusiast. My working life subsequently took me to London, and here I fell in love with the West End. With my love of musical theatre and experiencing the social scenes of both London and New York, I felt there was a gap in the market to create an new unique experience in London which would entail a combination of excellent theatre style entertainment combined with a high end dining experience – and so The London Cabaret Club was born!

What sets the London Cabaret Club apart?

The first thing that sets us apart is our permanent residence at The Bloomsbury Ballroom. It is an amazingly beautiful art deco building between the City and the West End that is perfect for our performances and the atmosphere there really enhances our shows.

The second, is the quality of our shows. To date, The London Cabaret Club shows have been centred around a range of quintessentially British themes. For example our show ‘Queen Of Roses’ celebrates Britain’s female monarchs. ‘Hats, Heels & Horses’ focuses on a day at the races and our current show ‘Gatsby with Love’ transports guests into a decadent 1920’s party, inspired by the Jay Gatsby, the great anti-hero in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. We offer interesting and very entertaining themes which change seasonally to keep customers coming back. The London Cabaret aims to become an icon of London which appeals to our own residents as well as visiting tourists.

What is the usual crowd at the venue?

The crowd reflects the rich diversity of the city of London. It’s not unusual for celebrity clientele to attend our shows – visitors and fans have included famous figures as varied as Simon Cowell, Millie Mackintosh, Darcy Bussell, Louis Walsh and Olivia Colman. We also have some wonderful loyal fans from all walks of life who love to return to experience the different shows that we host throughout the year.

Why does it make the ultimate night out?

The sheer variety of unique, high quality entertainment, combined with fantastic level of service and fine dining options that accompanied the performance is what makes the London Cabaret Club a one of a kind experience.

What is the favourite thing about what you do?

The most favourite thing about my job is being able to be creative with what I do and through this creativity being able to deliver a unique and wonderful experience to our clients…

Start your Valentine’s Day by joining The London Cabaret Club at The Rose Bar from 6.30pm. For more information and to book tickets, see: www.thelondoncabaretclub.com/valentines-show

Arts November 9, 2023

Simplify your Mornings with Filippa K

Here at House of Coco, our team is always on-the-go, jet-setting from one dreamy destination to another. So, we all know that here is no better way to recharge after a busy work week, than having a Saturday morning lie in — and this is exactly what Filippa K’s latest campaign “Simply Slip Into” is all about.

Founded in 1993 in Stockholm, Filippa Knutsson began her brand on her kitchen table, and is now redefining Scandinavian fashion through her clean cut approach to style. Filippa K has taken her unique aesthetic, and sustainable approach to the curated wardrobe to a global stage. Her latest campaign emphasises the simplicity of Filippa K’s garments throughout various stages of undress. Featuring fellow GilBoss Nike Felldin, stylist and co-founder of world-renowned Space Matters, and her boyfriend Elliot Gillström, as they spend a lazy morning together talking about reducing the stress of getting dressed, and how to make time in the morning for what really matters.

Arts November 9, 2023

City of Stars: Make like La La Land & dance in the streets!

Here at House of Coco we love a good theme and we got giddy with excitement when we heard about Grey Goose new Film Awards Season Cocktail Collection in celebration of those who defy expectations in film.

After collaborating with five leading bars in London there’s a classy cocktail crawl to be done to try a smoky Blindfold at Sexy Fish, a refreshing dose of Bear Necessities at London Edition Hotel, a bittersweet Mezzo e Mezzo at Cafe Monico and the intriguingly named and szechuan infused A Dream Has a Price.

Much like the dazzling Emma and Ryan, the American Bar at The Savoy has us falling in love with the city all over again with ‘City of Stars’. It’s the perfect tipple to enjoy out or when tinkling the ivories with a jazz musician, as you do….

Grey Goose, City of Stars

45ml Grey Goose Vodka

15ml Roots Mastiha

30ml Lemon Juice

15ml Roasted sunflower honey

Egg white

Matcha tea

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

Dust with Matcha tea and enjoy!

Arts November 9, 2023

Getting ship shape at Camp Bestival

At #TeamCoco, we love a good festival and Camp Bestival is no exception. Set in the majestic grounds of Lulworth Castle, on Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic coastline, Camp Bestival is ideal for all ages thanks to their diverse mix of entertainment; from fabulous music acts and comedy to cultural delights and intriguing sideshow attractions.

Camp Bestival was awarded Best New Festival in 2008 at the UK Festival Awards in its first year of operation. Deemed as the ‘little sister’ of the more dance-orientated ‘Bestival’, Camp Bestival is known for being very family focused and has the most relaxed and friendly vibe.

We arrived on the Friday lunchtime (despite many arriving the night before) to the festivities. Every year Camp Bestival’s founder Rob Da Bank and his team pick a different theme and this year it was a nautical theme which was reflected in the fancy dress costumes and the many HMS Camp Bestival hats worn by various festival goers.

With the sun beating down on, we took the opportunity to explore the expansive festival site. Camp Bestival divides their entertainment into different areas which includes the Castle Stage (the primary stage for entertainment) The Big Top, Bollywood, The Greatest Tent on Earth, Caravanserai, the Literary Institute and HMS Bestival – a new highlight for 2018 which is essentially, a big old boat which features a wide range of entertainment including BBC Radio presenter Fearne Cotton DJ’ing!

Also new for 2018 is the ‘Gin Festival’ where you can try more than 50 gins from around the world. As a gin aficionado, I did take the opportunity to try some new gins and to reacquaint myself with some old favourites such as the delicious Mermaid Gin.

Strictly Come Dancing fans were in luck, as they were able to learn how to foxtrot with Karen Hardy’s Dance Studio. It was lovely seeing people of all ages learning how to dance. There were also various crafting, literary and foodie activities to enjoy throughout the day.

Friday’s music line-up included Camp Bestival regulars – The Cuban Brothers, who entertained the crowd with their energetic set. The group have played for the likes of Robbie Williams, Elton John and more have played Camp Bestival 12 times now.

Other acts on The Castle Stage included 80’s band Pop Will Eat Itself, Dodie, Lauren Hibberd, The Skatalaties and with a further nod to the 80’s, BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox took to the decks for a DJ set featuring some nostalgic tunes from the decade.

One of my festival highlights has to be seeing Huey Morgan (from the Fun Lovin’ Criminals) DJ’ing with his renowned ‘NYC Block Party’ set.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Rae Morris took to the stage on Friday evening, her latest album ‘Someone out there’ is certainly more ‘poppy’ than her 2015 debut ‘Unguarded’, thanks to the experimental drum patterns and electro-pop synths. It was my first time seeing Rae live and she is a truly captivating performer and I will definitely be downloading her new album.

Headlining Friday night was Rick Astley who has been enjoying a second wave of success over the last two years since the release of his number one album 50 and his recent top ten album Beautiful Life. Last year, Rick jammed on stage at the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan with the Foo Fighters, which quickly went viral (but not as much as the Rickrolling phenomenon!)

When Rick announced that he was going to bring on a guest drummer, we all held our breath thinking it might be a member of the Foo Fighters, so imagine our surprise to see Mary Berry on stage. Yes, you read that right – Mary Berry was on a drumkit, keeping a tidy beat to Rick’s song – Beautiful Life. As you can imagine, the crowd went wild as this was completely unexpected. Rick’s set was a fantastic way to round off our first day and night at Camp Bestival.

We spent a lot of time on the Saturday checking out the amazing selection of traders – you can buy all manner of things, from a vintage style dress to a gluten free pizza (I admit, I may have brought both!) There is always an excellent selection of food choices at Camp Bestival. Gone are the days when all you can buy is a soggy burger, here you can choose from everything from a pulled pork hog roast to Ghanaian food.

Saturday’s festivities saw fantastic sets from indie band Jesus Jones and hip hop-electronic dance group the Stereo MC’s who really brought the energy. Sadly, Tokio Myers (last year’s winner of Britain’s Got Talent) was ill, so his replacement was pop duo Max and Harvey.

We trundled off to see singer-songwriter Adam French play in The Big Top which we were really pleased that we went to see. Adam was not an artist I was familiar with and this is why I love festivals, as it’s an ideal opportunity to get to know bands and singers that you hadn’t previously been familiar with.

The headline act for Saturday was electropop sensations Clean Bandit who performed a selection of their hits including ‘Rather Be’, ‘Symphony’ and ‘Rockabye’. Whilst the likes of Jess Glynne and Anne-Marie weren’t there, they were supported by two singers who really made the songs their own.

One of the best things about Camp Bestival is the sideshow attractions such as the Caravanserai where we saw fire dancers, trapeze artists and more whilst festival goers relaxed in vintage caravans.

Sadly, due to adverse weather conditions, Sunday’s Camp Bestival was called off. A difficult decision to make for the organisers, but absolutely the right one. Acts that were scheduled to perform were Simple Minds, Shed Seven, The Undertones and Jade Bird.

In summary, if you are looking for a chilled-out festival where you can see some of the best musicians, comedians, DJ’s around in one of the most beautiful locations in the UK, head to the Dorset coast of Lulworth and check out Camp Bestival. There is fun for all the family and even if you don’t have little ones, there is still plenty of grown-up shenanigans to enjoy. Camp Bestival’s (slightly crazy) older sister Bestival takes place this weekend coming – 2nd-5th August featuring London Grammar, M.I.A, Rudimental, Diplo & Mark Ronson and many more. Tickets are still available, so head over to the Bestival website for more information. Plus, we think the weather will be much better this coming weekend.

Thank you so much Camp Bestival – we will see you next year!

Arts November 9, 2023

Experience A-list treatment at Toronto’s most stylish and chic hotel

Nestled in the trendy Yorkville district and overlooking the fashionable boutiques, bars and restaurants you’ll find The Hazelton Hotel. The hotel is a sophisticated retreat from the city, showcasing a selection of Canadian artwork throughout, it oozes glamour and feels almost like a private members club minus the stuffiness. It’s easy to see how this place attracts the glitterati, low lighting combined with discreet dark colours and plush fabrics gives it that vintage, Hollywood vibe. The hotel has hosted the likes of Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Naomi Watts and home-grown talent like Drake and Justin Bieber are often spotted in the bar.

While this place oozes style you don’t feel like an outsider, the staff and team under General Manager, Hani Yousef are friendly, relaxed yet professional. As soon as I arrived, I was given an A-lister welcome, the concierge and front of house team are attentive, nothing is a problem and they make you feel you’re just as important as the celebrities that regularly frequent the place.
With just 77 rooms there’s a real boutique feel to the hotel. My room didn’t disappoint, a large and contemporary space with lounge area and comfy king size bed backed with sumptuous leather surrounds. I had my own large dressing area made of zebrawood and with floor to ceiling mirrors, I felt every inch the celebrity. The bathroom was the jewel in the crown, complete with heated floors, an LCD television built into the mirror, separate deep soaking tub & rain shower and a selection of, L’Occitane goodies to pamper myself with.

Executive chef (and Top Chef Canada judge) Mark McEwan oversees One at The Hazelton Hotel, this is the place to be seen so book your table in advance as it’s popular with locals and visitors. The menu combines French and Italian flavours with some of the best local Ontario produce. Team Coco was lucky enough to be invited to a private dining Style Plate with Canadian menswear designer Christopher Bates, to celebrate Toronto Fashion Week. The dishes were excellent, the Eggplant Arrabiata combined fried eggplant, ricotta, buffalo mozzarella dressed with aged balsamic, pickled onion and basil. This was followed by a Sweet Pea Falafel served with pomegranate yogurt, apple, on a soft, fluffy bed of couscous with a coriander dressing. While we are talking food, I have to mention the breakfast, I like to think of myself as an avocado and poached egg on toast connoisseur, it’s my go-to breakfast and brunch choice and the offer at One was the best I’ve ever tasted. The plumpest green avocado was smashed on freshly toasted sour dough with juicy red cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of red chilli and a soft poached egg. It was divine!

The hotel has an amazing cinema room, the 25 seater theatre draws all the film stars during Toronto International Film Festival, perfect for a private screening. During the festival guests have included Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Reese Witherspoon and George Clooney. The room has a 16-foot high ceiling and mohair wrapped walls for extra soundproofing. Then there’s all the cool gadgets and gizmos like super surround sound and a high-tech digital projection system. If you are looking for Hollywood movie star treatment the team at The Hazelton will arrange for you watch your favourite film along with the obligatory popcorn.

If you want to relax and unwind you can visit the Spa by Valmont and try one of the luxurious treatments using their luxurious Swiss skincare line. The spa offers world-class facial treatments, luxurious body treatments and specialised massages designed to release stress and toxins. I opted for their signature massage, I literally floated out the door and it was much needed after a long flight and lots of walking around the city. You can also take advantage the 24-hour gym as well as a heated saltwater pool.

The Hazelton manages to tick every box, it has that welcoming home from home vibe with that touch of glamour. I really didn’t want to leave but rest assured the next time I’m in Toronto I’ll be checking in.
Team Coco travelled to Toronto courtesy of Tourism Toronto www.seetornotonow.com
For more information or to book a room visit www.thehazeltonhotel.com

Arts November 9, 2023

#CocoStyle Celebrating 25 years of iconic fashion from Viktor&Rolf

Love fashion and travel? A trip to Rotterdam to visit the hottest exhibition in town – Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists 25 Years’ is an absolute must.

This incredible exhibition celebrates the wonderful collaboration between Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren, who together over the last 25 years have captured the imagination of the fashion world whilst pushing the boundaries between fashion and art.

Curated by Thierry-Maxime Loriot, the exhibition of uncompromising beauty, takes place at the renowned Kunsthal in the heart of Rotterdam. Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists 25 Years’ shows Viktor&Rolf’s radical conception of ‘wearable art’ and explores the elements that has made their designs truly unique in the contemporary fashion world.

Visitors can expect to see around sixty works from Viktor&Rolf’s haute couture collections on display, many of which are on rotating dummies. The exhibition provides a true insight into their unconventional and conceptual approach, their creativity and interplay of lines, volumes, bows, collars, ruffles and more.

Highlights include creations from some of their most iconic collections such as Van Gogh Girls, Wearable Art, Bedtime Story, The Fashion Show and Cutting Edge Couture. There are also some amazing never-seen-before pieces from their latest collection on display too – Boulevard of Broken Dreams (2017), Action Dolls (2017/18) and Surreal Satin (2018).

Fans of Madonna will be thrilled to see the outfit that Viktor&Rolf designed for her 2016 benefit concert at the Miami Art Basel. You can also see the wedding gown that Viktor&Rolf designed for Princess Mabel van Oranje-Nassau in 2004.

The exhibition also includes 25 handmade examples from Viktor&Rolf’s ‘Dolls’ series which consists of replicas of antique dolls dressed in some of the fashion artists’ most iconic designs. Each porcelain doll is dressed in an haute couture creation that was exactly scaled-down based on the original patterns, a meticulous and extremely labour-intensive process. Even the fabrics have been woven to scale, and the miniature model’s hair and make-up are exact copies of the runway styles.

Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren (Viktor&Rolf) graduated in 1992 from ArtEz Institute in Arnhem (The Netherlands). In 1993 they won the first three prizes of the most important fashion competition in the world: Le Salon Européen des Jeunes Stylistes in Hyères (France). From 1994, they started to present their haute couture collections as installations, mainly in art galleries, until 1998 when they presented their first haute couture collection. In 2000, they launched their ready-to-wear line for women, until 2013, to focus only on haute couture since then.

In 2005 they developed their first perfume called ‘Flowerbomb’; the following years they successfully introduced the additional fragrances ‘Bonbon’,’Spicebomb’ and ‘Magic’. Their work is included in numerous Dutch and international museum collections and is worn by famous artists such as Tilda Swinton, Tori Amos and Rufus Wainwright. In 2016- 17, the exhibition titled ‘Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists’ was presented at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in Melbourne followed in 2018 by its adaptation to celebrate the duo’s 25th anniversary exhibition at Kunsthal Rotterdam.

#TeamCoco had the pleasure of being invited to the press preview yesterday (Friday 25th May) and we can confirm that it is spectacular and a truly fitting tribute to Viktor&Rolf. Take a look at some of the wonderful pieces from the exhibition below.

Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists 25 Years opens to the public today and closes on 30th September.