Best Valentine's Day Surprise Ideas of 2024 For The Best Date

As Valentine's Day approaches, the quest for the perfect romantic surprise intensifies. For those grappling with ideas on how to create an unforgettable celebration of love, we've curated a list encompassing everything from lavish dining experiences at upscale restaurants to more laid-back dinner options. Additionally, we've included suggestions for events, exhibitions, and unique experiences scattered throughout the city, ensuring a diverse range of possibilities to make this Valentine's Day truly special. Pick a restaurant for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner with your loved one. Our top picks are: 14 Hills 14 Hills is a vibrant and versatile restaurant and bar located in the heart of London's Square Mile. Positioned on the 14th floor of 120 Fenchurch Street, the establishment offers stunning panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks, including The Shard, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the River Thames. The name "14 Hills" is a nod to the breath-taking vista that extends as far as the eye can see from this elevated vantage point. The Oratory Nestled in a Grade II listed building, the five-star Milestone Hotel & Residences offers a luxurious and romantic escape, conveniently situated opposite Kensington Palace with captivating views across Kensington Gardens. Boasting a rich historical heritage and proximity to some of London's most iconic landmarks, the hotel provides couples with an intimate and elegant setting for a romantic evening, particularly in The Oratory. Clos Maggiore Situated in the bustling heart of Covent Garden, Clos Maggiore is a serene haven that draws inspiration from the chic country inns of Provence and Tuscany. The distinct interiors radiate an unmatched warmth and intimacy. The conservatory, adorned with cherry blossoms, boasts a fully retractable glass roof, providing a luminous and open dining ambiance during the summer. As winter arrives, the space undergoes a captivating transformation, with the soft glow of candles, starlight, and a crackling fire enveloping it in an enchanting and cosy atmosphere. Choose a wine tasting. We recommend: The Harvey Nichols Wine Flight for Two It's currently available for £55 for two people, it includes 6 wines from the Harvey Nichols' own label for 90 minutes and is served with light nibbles. Wine and Cheese Tasting for Two at Dionysius Shop Currently retailing at just £43, it comes with a selection of cheeses and 5 wines for two. Learn facts about wine and how to recognise different grapes and flavour notes. See a theatre play or a musical Cruel Intentions The creators of Heathers the Musical have a new production in store for us this winter and it comes in the form of a film-to-theatre adaptation. Introducing Cruel Intentions, the new must-see experience based on the Reese Witherspoon-starring 90s hit. Stranger Things: The First Shadow The stage adaptation of the Television hit, Stranger Things. Set in the 1959 version of Hawkins Indiana, Stranger Things: The First Shadow tells the story of fan-favourite characters Henry Creel, Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado through a thrilling prequel that may or may not hold the key to stopping the ongoing spread of the upside-down… The Picture Of Dorian Gray Watch as Golden Globe-winner Sarah Snook returns to London in The Picture of Dorian Gray starting in February. Snook takes on every role in this gripping, witty and vibrantly contemporary production that breathes new life into Oscar Wilde’s classic tale. Book a couples spa day. Our recommendations Mondrian Shoreditch: The Winter Couples Retreat Package Mondrian Shoreditch offers a luxurious experience. You’ll receive a Lola’s Apothecary gift box with massage oils, scented candles, body soufflés, and wellness teas to take home. While you might not replicate the hotel’s rooftop V-day menu, the 45-minute couples massage is heavenly. Bulgari Hotel London: The Couples Ritual It includes a 120-minute Cleanse and Clarify Body Ritual in their private Onyx Spa Suite. After the treatment, relax in the Bulgari’s scenic pool. Rosewood London: The Sense of Connection The Sense of Connection package includes an hour-long massage, an hour-long facial, and time in the private steam room. Ideal for time-poor couples looking for blissful relaxation.
Machine Gun kelly and Megan Fox wearing an all Barbie inspired look to the MGK Hulu premiere

The Best And The Worst Trends of 2023

In the dynamic world of fashion, where a myriad of brands and fresh designers constantly vie for our attention, each season brings forth a flood of innovation and creativity. Yet amidst this ever-evolving landscape, there are perennial trends we eagerly embrace and others we're quick to consign to oblivion. Thanks to the omnipresence of social media, the lifespan of a trend can be as fleeting as a mere 24 hours, leaving us in a perpetual whirlwind of style sensations and forgotten fads. As we reflect on the past year, it's impossible to overlook the seismic shifts in pop culture, the audacious fashion statements gracing red carpets, and of course, the plethora of footwear designs that captivated our imaginations. MSCHF red inflated boots Adidas Samba Barbiecore Maison Margiela's Tabi Boots Return of Denim Sheer everything No-pants trend Friendship bracelets Quiet Luxury It's understandable to feel frustrated by the pervasiveness of certain trends, especially when they seem to miss the mark on what true luxury embodies. The concept of "quiet luxury" is rooted in understated elegance and refined taste, yet it's often overshadowed by the ostentatious display of logos and brand names. The irony of influencers hashtagging their outfits with "quiet luxury" while loudly flaunting designer labels can be quite glaring. What's more disheartening is the oversimplification of the concept, such as the TikTok channels advocating for cheap white t-shirts tucked into trousers as a representation of quiet luxury. While a classic, logo-free aesthetic certainly has its appeal, it's unfair to pit branded and non-branded clothing against each other without acknowledging the craftsmanship and creativity behind each piece. At its core, true luxury transcends labels and logos; it's about quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design. It's about appreciating the subtle details and the artistry that goes into creating a garment, regardless of whether it bears a prominent brand name. Perhaps the true essence of quiet luxury lies in celebrating individual style and discerning taste, rather than conforming to trends dictated by logos and labels.
Elsa Hosk - a supermodel from Victoria's Secret wearing a Viktor & Rolf baby blue and pink dress at the Cannes Festival

The 10 most iconic red carpet looks of 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, we revisit some of the most memorable looks on the red carpet this year. This year the red carpet was dominated by cat cosplay outfits which made waves online. Starting off with the videos of Kim Kardashian trying to befriend Karl Lagerfeld's cat Choupette, to the iconic Doja Cat red carpet turnup and interview where she just continuously mewed to the camera; and the unforgetable Jared Leto costume show off. Margot Robbie in Vivienne Westwood Rihanna in Valentino Harry Styles in Egonlab Anne Hathaway in vintage Valentino Jared Leto at the Met Gala Elsa Hosk in Viktor & Rolf Sienna Miller in Schiaparelli Cardi B in Gaurav Gupta Fan Bingbing in Christopher Bu Rihanna in Schiaparelli

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Winter knit jumpers from brands such as Zara, Loewe, Polo Ralph Lauren and others perfect for the festive season 2023

The Most Stylish Winter Jumpers To Carry Us Through The Cold Festive Season

With Christmas only a fortnight away, I must confess that I'm in a festive mood, and I hope you are too. So, why not embrace the holiday spirit by snagging a Christmas sweater and filling your favorite mug with hot chocolate? In this brief guide, we'll explore our top Christmas knit picks for the year, ranging from classic to novelty and standout styles – ensuring you're all set to dive into the holiday cheer.
Annabel's is the best members' club in London and makes the top of our list

The Best Private Members' Clubs In London

London is a cosmopolitan city that carries tradition and carefully blends it in with the contemporary, and as such it hosts a plethora of members clubs scattered across the central area. In this article we will explore the best clubs, but also figure out the ones that might most suit your personality and interests. You should remember - a members club isn’t made up of the facilities or perks it offers but rather by the people who visit it. Annabel's Guided by the design prowess of Martin Brudnizki, an omnipresent figure in crafting the aesthetics of some of London's most elite establishments, Annabel’s has become a playground tailored for the affluent and famous. Boasting multiple restaurants, bars, and its notorious nightclub, Annabel’s re-entered the bustling members' club market with an offering that impresses on multiple fronts. WHERE: 46 BERKELEY SQUARE, MAYFAIR, W1J 5AT WEBSITE: WWW.ANNABELS.CO.UK Home House WHERE: 20 PORTMAN SQUARE, LONDON W1H 6LW WEBSITE: WWW.HOMEHOUSE.CO.UK AllBright Mayfair WHERE: 24-26 MADDOX STREET, MAYFAIR, W1S 1PP WEBSITE: WWW.ALLBRIGHTCOLLECTIVE.COM Ned’s Club Ned's Club is located inside an old 1920's bank, the rooftop features a heated pool and a restaurant, and the basement offers a club with live music. It is kitted with a spa and a gym, and since it's under the umbrella of the hotel under the same name, as a member you receive preferential rates for room bookings, and access to a roaster of exclusive members only events. WHERE: 27 POULTRY, EC2R 8AJ WEBSITE: WWW.THENED.COM Apollo's Muse Crafted by Mayfair's billionaire club mogul, Richard Caring, the remarkable Greco-Italian space takes inspiration from the impressive influences of Martin Brudnizki and Damien Hirst evident in Bacchanalia. Going toe-to-toe with some of the world's premier museums and galleries, visitors can bask in the splendour of a collection of priceless antiquities, including a Roman marble Venus (circa 1st/2nd century AD), a Greek funerary Lekythos (circa 4th century AD), and, naturally, the club's eponymous centrepiece: Apollo’s Muse (2nd century AD). The room's opulent grandeur is further accentuated by mirrored tables, velvet-clad bar stools, custom Murano wine glasses, and napkin rings inspired by gold leaf. WHERE: 1 MOUNT STREET, MAYFAIR WEBSITE: WWW.APOLLOS-MUSE.CO.UK The Ivy While The Club exudes a theatrical essence, influenced by its prime location, its membership spans across diverse realms such as film, music, art, media, and advertising. Noteworthy events, including the judging of the Booker Prize and hosting NME Awards after-parties, have added to its illustrious history. The allure of The Ivy Club lies in its unmatched class and style, a standard many aspire to achieve but few manage to equal. WHERE: 9 WEST STREET, COVENT GARDEN, WC2H 9NE WEBSITE: WWW.THE-IVYCLUB.CO.UK
A photograph from the book Just to Land In Tokyo, featuring a character wearing a rugby helmet, gold sunglasses and covered in gold bugs

Just to Land in Tokyo - A New York Love Story

Half book, half work of art, Just to Land in Tokyo is a charming New York love story about German photographer Hans and Japanese Jazz singer and bass player Yuma, whom he met while she was performing in The Blue Note Jazz Club. This is the beginning of a scenario that may or may not be true. The story of Hans's overheated imagination about a girl who may be completely made up. The book's format comes close to a monologue involving events that may never have happened – in the end, we’re not sure whether Hans ever existed at all. Just to Land in Tokyo tells a beautiful love story that could easily have happened in New York. The authors, multimedia artists Kuzma Vostrikov and Ajuan Song, work together to create a photographic collaboration imbued with fashionable surrealism. The visual images complementing the narrative show feelings and loneliness through the use of masks, faces, isolation and reincarnation. The book came about as the duo wanted to create a novel about New York and its loneliness, with improvisational visual content. Kuzma – filmmaker, artist and writer – is Ajuan’s mannequin who was used as the main character of the photographs. As active participants in the artistic process, throughout Just to Land in Tokyo , Kuzma and Ajuan explore how one overcomes distance to settle in a new, unknown place and the challenges of running away from their loneliness. Having both moved separately to New York, they have both experienced their share of discomfort and finding where they belong. Ajuan and Kuzma’s aim is to remind people that love exists, one just has to learn how to fly properly, that you can still become a superhero and the big city is a true monster, but you can be a winner. The book launches on the 7th of December and is available here . About the Authors Kuzma Vostrikov Description automatically generatedFilm maker and visual artist Kuzma Vostrikov’s practice reflects diverse interests including the role of technology in contemporary society, psychology, and history. The artist’s work is found in international collections including the CICA Museum, Korea, The Yokyung Art Museum, Korea and The Museum of Russian Art, New Jersey. Ajuan Song Ajuan Song’s artistic practice includes analog, digital photography and multimedia works. In addition to a classical Chinese education, Song’s time in Africa has informed her aesthetic as has an interest in Confucianism. Song holds her BS, Physics from the Anqing University, China and studied fine art and photography at the International Center of Photography and Pratt, New York.