MSH Backup

‪On Wednesday morning I was lucky enough to attend a very special preview of Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams at the V&A, the first fashion exhibition to take place in their recently opened Sainsbury Gallery, and the largest design exhibition at the museum since their stunning Alexander McQueen retrospective in 2015. Charting the journey of the label from inception, to the explosion of the New Look in 1947, through a succession of artistic directors to the present, the exhibition explores both the heritage and influence of the brand across a series of meticulously curated displays. Through a series of stunning couture clothing, intricate objects and archive pieces, the exhibition immerses visitors in all things Dior from start to finish, across a multitude of contrasting aesthetics and attitudes:‬ ‪ ‬  Drawn from an array of collections all over the world, as well as the V&A’s own archive, the exhibition encompasses over 500 objects from across the tenures of D...

Of all of the little luxuries in life, there are few which, for me at least, feel like more of a treat than getting my nails done. I’m not the most proficient with paining them myself, and as someone who was truly terrible at art when I was at school, I’ve realised that no matter how hard I try, anything paint related and I are more or less destined not to get on! My lack of ambidexterity aside, having a professional manicure is a lovely way of treating myself, especially as it offers the opportunity to escape from the office too- two birds, one stone etc. Sadly, I recently discovered that my salon of choice (Cheeky in High Holborn) has closed down, so I’ve since kept a beady eye peeled for an alter native. Stepping into the breach, a destination which I visited for the first time last week- Skinny Dip London’s Nail Club: With decor this on trend, it’s hard to see how you can go wrong, right? Amidst a cosy millennial pink salon which occupies the downstairs of the Skinny Dip store in C...

Another week, another post on a previously undiscovered (for me at least!) corner of London. After enjoying an autumnal wander around Hampstead a few weeks ago, a visit to Fenton House seemed like the perfect way to round off the day. This 17th-century gem not only offers lots of opportunities to explore an extensive porcelain and piano collection, but it's also set in some truly spectacular surroundings too: A climb to the attic of the house is well worth it to take in some glorious panoramic views over London, especially as it also gives you a real sense of just how much the skyscape must have transformed since Fenton House was built. As well as an extensive collection of interior treasures, the gardens which sit at the back of the house are truly stunning, encapsulating an array of different styles, and proving fabulously functional too- with the original orchard still bearing fruit 300 years after it was first planted. Definitely proof of the enduring success of this hidden gem...

It's always great to have the opportunity to discover something new in a city which you think you know, and even better when it's a spontaneous find too. A couple of weekends back, a leisurely autumnal walk around north London afforded me the opportunity to explore a spot which I'd never encountered before- namely Hampstead Pergola and Gardens. A real hidden treasure, this gem affords weary walkers and photographic fiends alike the perfect tranquil spot to stop and reflect: Unfolding like a location from Game of Thrones (think Highgarden meets Dorne), the Pergola and Gardens were created in the early 1900s, cannily using surplus material from the Northern Line extension to create a luxurious spot from which to spend summer evenings and enjoy the general splendour of the gardens. Today the Pergola is peppered with an eerie quiet, making it a dream destination if you're looking for some much needed peace and quiet only a short way out of central London. In autumn, it'...

As much as the last few weeks have been peppered with attempts (however futile) to dodge rain shower after rain shower, we've also been lucky enough to have a few days here and there of glorious autumn sunshine. Knowing that it won't be long before the sun bids us farewell for another few months, I've been determined to make the most of the bright spells as and when they appear, and a few weeks ago, on a particularly glorious Friday morning, I avoided my usual route on the Tube in favour of a brisk walk to work through St James's Park: I've adored St James's Park since I first visited when I was kneehigh to a grasshopper- and it's one of those wonderfully tranquil spaces which makes you feel calmer the moment you step into it. It's beautiful in spring and summer, but there's something about autumn in this area which makes it all the more magical- particularly first thing in the morning when it's not too busy. I love the walk from Victoria as it t...

One of the most exciting things about any city is the opportunity to discover something new- whether that be a new part of town, a fresh foodie favourite, or indeed a hidden treasure which you might have walked past countless times before but never ventured inside before. Having become quite familiar with Farringdon over the last few years, I've been in the vicinity of Old Sessions House time and time again, but up until this weekend had never really thought much about the hidden story behind the glorious Georgian facade. Thanks to Burberry, however, the building is open for discovery until 1st October, as they take over the space with their Here We Are  exhibition: Curated with the same sensibility to their Maker's House installation back in February, Here We Are encompasses an array of inspiring photography and design, concocted by Christopher Bailey. Showcasing the work of photographers who captured a spectrum of day to day life in the UK throughout the 20th century, the ex...