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The culture list: what to experience and enjoy in April
From exclusive shopping pop-ups to fashion-focused exhibitions, here's what to book, see and do this month
Daffodils hopefully peeking up from the grass and longer (if not always warmer) days can only mean one thing: that spring is finally here. It's time to order yourself a bunch of fresh blooms and start booking summer holidays – and you might want to restock your wardrobe with some new season essentials too, from a pair of cowboy boots to a padded jacket. Meanwhile, we've got plenty of fun ideas to celebrate spring, from shopping pop-ups and fashion-focused exhibitions, to interiors showcases and must-buy books.
Whether you're in the market for a new season home refresh (we'd recommend picking up Bryan O'Sullivan's new book) or looking to explore something further afield (in which case, look no further than the latest exhibition at La Galerie Dior in Paris – and be sure to book one of our favourite restaurants while you're there) our run-down of what to do, see and visit is all you need to give your weekends a boost from now until the end of the month.
Whatever you're planning, we've got you covered with an edit of enticing options with which to fill your calendar. Read on for the team's pick of cultural happenings, taking place throughout April 2024.
Whip up cocktails worthy of a luxury hotel at home
If you've ever been lucky enough to sample one of The Connaught Bar's mean martinis, you'll know that the hotel's latest venture – a book of 100 elegant, signature cocktails – is an absolute must-buy. Through a mixture of engaging stories and recipes, this handy tome will take you through how to recreate The Connaught's famous drinks (and vibe) at home. With this at your side, you'll be hosting the best cocktail parties in town. Clara Strunck
'The Connaught Bar: Recipes and Iconic Creations' is available from 10 April and costs £29.95.
Discover the costumes behind the Dior TV series
Fans of The New Look, the Apple TV+ show starring Maisie Williams as Catherine Dior, will be keen to know that La Galerie Dior in Paris has unveiled a new exhibition room featuring costumes from the series. Each pieces was created by the costume designer Karen Serreau and her team – in collaboration with the French fashion house – who reproduced several Dior couture garments, based on sketches, fabric samples, period photographs and other treasures preserved over the years in the archives. The room forms part of a wider exhibition examining the close relationship between Dior and women over the years. Sarah Karmali
'The New Look' costumes are on display until 13 May at La Galerie Dior in Paris.
Read up on the king of glamorous interiors
It doesn’t come much sexier than a room designed by Bryan O’Sullivan, the mastermind behind spaces such as the cosy and inviting Red Room at The Connaught, the dimly lit bar and terrace at The Berkeley, and the Art Deco fabulousness of the Painter’s Room at Claridge’s. Now, the designer is releasing his first book, A New Glamour, which charts his most iconic projects and the many and varied influences behind them – along with, naturally, stunning imagery to match. CS
'The New Glamour' is out now.
Step into one of the world's largest public galleries
Moncler has taken over Milan's Central Station, turning it into one of the world’s largest public galleries with an immersive exhibition titled 'An Invitation To Dream'. The exhibition has been curated by Jefferson Hack, filmed and photographed by Jack Davison, and features the likes of Daniel Arsham, Deepak Chopra, Rina Sawayama, Isamaya Ffrench and Ruth Rogers, among others. Following the exhibition in Milan, Moncler will take 'An Invitation To Dream' into a worldwide campaign. Amy de Klerk
'An Invitation To Dream' runs from 15-21 April at Milan Central Station.
Shop a new pop-up at Selfridges (complete with styling sessions)
Roll up, roll up, those looking for the perfect wedding guest dress this summer: Rixo, the beloved British high street brand, is popping up at Selfridges just in time for the new season. Boasting a curated selection of the brand’s latest collections, along with a few exclusive pieces only available at the landmark department store, the new space is characteristic of Rixo’s distinctive prints and timeless silhouettes. Open for 10 weeks, it’s the biggest space the brand has launched outside of its permanent store, and will host a series of activations throughout its tenure, including exclusive styling sessions. CS
Rixo’s pop-up is open at Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, W1A 1AB from 1 April for 10 weeks.
Grab a table at a new Greek must-visit in Mayfair
Gaia, the globally celebrated Greek restaurant with outposts in Monte Carlo, Dubai and Doha, has now opened its doors in London's Mayfair. With a menu packed full of fresh Mediterranean dishes and mezze plates – from smoked cod roe to Kritharaki (seafood orzo) and Paidakia Arnisia (lamb cutlets with tzatziki and pita) – plus a bright, airy dining room that brings to mind coastal suppers (not least because of all the fresh shellfish proudly on display) it's a very welcome addition to the high-end eateries in this most luxurious district. SK
Gaia, 50 Dover St, London, W1S 4NY
Visit – and shop – a nature-inspired exhibition
Jess Wheeler is the latest name to know in design – her sculptural, nature-inspired pieces are at once both charming and understated. Her new collection, ‘Left, Right and Rhubarb’, is made from directly cast rhubarb stalks and their leaves, specially grown in North Wales by Wheeler. Working with bronze and plaster, Wheeler playfully reconfigures these natural shapes into elegant, covetable homeware pieces. An exhibition will showcase the new collection, alongside a film made with Joya Berrow on the Rhubarb triangle (the area famous in England for producing forced rhubarb) and other plaster artworks. CS
The 'Left, Right and Rhubarb' exhibition is from 5-6 April between 10-4 pm at 34 Bourdon Street, W1J 5BF.
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