I’ve been lagging behind on the Stop, Look, Listen posts (no excuse, smack on the wrist…), but here’s a cracker for this week: an unmissable pop-up between Toast and east London plant and lifestyle store Botany, an exhibition all about how fashion change and flourished during the war, and a show of photographs taking a behind-the-scenes look at Alexander McQueen’s work. I hope you all have a lovely weekend and that the sun comes out to shine!
STOP
What: Toast and Botany pop-up
Where: TOAST, 191 Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill, London, W11 2S
When: for 6 weeks from 21 March
One of my favourite clothing and homeware brands Toast is teaming up for a pop-up with independent plant and lifestyle store Botany. If you haven’t visited Botany before, it’s definitely worth a trip east to Chatsworth Road. Nestled in the heart of Hackney’s creative community, Botany houses a carefully curated selection of ethically sourced hand-crafted products, organic skincare and paper goods, alongside an abundance of indoor plant life – from unusual succulents, cacti and house plants. And for six weeks, a little of this urban jungle paradise will be transported to Toast’s Notting Hill store.
You can also read a little interview with the founder Angela Maynard on Toast Travels here.
LOOK
What: Fashion on the Ration
Where: Imperial War Museum, London
When: Until 31 August
This exhibition explores how fashion survived and flourished during the Second World War. Bringing together 300 exhibits including clothing, photographs and film, artworks, wartime letters and ephemera, Fashion on the Ration presents a sense of what life was like on the home front for men and women during wartime Britain. There’s a bridesmaid’s dress made from parachute material, a bracelet made from aircraft components and even a bra and knickers set made from RAF silk maps for Countess Mountbatten!
LISTEN
What: Nick Waplington Alexander McQueen: Working Progress
Where: Tate Britain, London
When: Until 17 May
While everyone’s flocking to the V&A for the sell-out McQueen exhibition (it’s extremely good and you must, must see it if you can get your hands on a ticket) this exhibition at the Tate Britain provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the work of the late fashion designer and couturier. Waplington’s photographs capture the creative journey of McQueen’s final Autumn/Winter collection, Horn of Plenty in 2009; candid images of McQueen’s working process are juxtaposed with rigorously produced photographs of recycling plants and landfills to create a powerful commentary on destruction and creative renewal.
What are you doing this weekend?
