In an unprecedented surge of creativity, Gucci has revealed London’s Tate Modern as the venue for its Gucci Cruise 2025 fashion show. This iconic location, nestled in the heart of the British capital and flanked by the picturesque banks of the Thames River, boasts stunning views of the city’s most emblematic buildings.
Creative Director Sabato De Sarno sees in this historic setting the perfect showcase for his new collection. The Tate Modern, a renowned art gallery, serves as a crossroads for an eclectic community, bringing together art, culture, and architecture in a spirit of innovation and the transcendence of boundaries. De Sarno’s fondness for London is rooted in his numerous visits, during which he immersed himself in the city’s culture, style, and unique personality, fueling his creative vigor.
The House of Gucci has maintained a long-standing connection with this vibrant city, dating back to Guccio Gucci in the 1890s, a pivotal period that shaped his understanding of luxury and craftsmanship. Having the Tate Modern as the backdrop for Gucci’s Cruise 2025 show merges art, the world of fashion, and the House’s legacy. The event signifies the Maison’s commitment to fostering a dialogue that spans various cultural hubs, connecting places, people, and moments in time.
Gucci also announces their support for the Electric Dreams exhibition hosted at the Tate Modern, set to be on display this autumn, and further, their three-year partnership with the art gallery, supporting the Tate’s initiatives with young creatives.
SoLo Craft Fair is excited to return to Between the Bridges this summer on London’s Southbank. On Sundays throughout the season, we’ll transform the pier section of London’s largest Beer Garden into a vast summer market, bringing together 60 traders showcasing their products each week. Expect a range of art, jewelry, fashion, children’s products, and much more from some of London’s finest independent creators. In addition to this, each market will host a workshop that you can participate in, completely free of charge. This could range from candle decorating to tarot reading, so keep an eye out for more information on this. Alongside the market, Between the Bridges will host bars, vendors of delicious dishes, a giant screen broadcasting sports events, and DJs, offering plenty of activities once you’ve finished shopping at our market.
Photos : Between the Bridges
Summer dates at Between the Bridges:
– Sunday, June 2
– Sunday, July 7
– Sunday, August 4
– Sunday, September 1
– Sunday, October 6
All events will take place on the first Sunday of the month, except for our launch event in May. All markets will run from 12 pm to 5 pm.
https://betweenthebridges.co.uk
Note, no ticket is necessary for this event, just show up! The event takes place under cover, so we’ll be there regardless of the weather.
Plans have been unveiled for a fresh outdoor market is set to make its debut on the map, on Totterdown Street in Tooting. Stretching from Saint Cyprian’s Road to Blakenham Road, the newly pedestrianized stretch of road will feature food and drink stalls, as well as a seating area for visitors.
Photos : London
While the area already boasts a vibrant street food scene, including Tooting Market and Broadway Market, the concept for this particular market emerged from discussions with local businesses on how to enhance Totterdown Street. A one-way system will be implemented on Totterdown Street, Saint Cyprian’s Street, and Kellino Street to facilitate the market’s operation.
Nestled in the heart of Sloane Street, Azzurra, Chelsea’s newest culinary gem, opens its doors, promising a dining experience where Italy meets luxury in a global setting.
A Culinary Journey with Italian Accents
Amidst the glamour of Sloane Street, Azzurra stands as a beacon of Italian gastronomy. This grand and glamorous restaurant, with its cosmopolitan ambiance and seafood focus, is the brainchild of David Yeo. The corporate lawyer turned restaurateur has already captivated palates from Hong Kong to Dubai with his Aqua group, and now he brings his expertise to London. With esteemed establishments like Aqua Shard and Hutong, Yeo continues to redefine the culinary landscape of the British capital.
A Social Setting for Authentic Cuisine
Azzurra welcomes its guests into a space where modernity and timeless elegance converge. The spacious interior, bathed in soft light, invites relaxation against a backdrop of carefully curated electronic music. The dark, atmospheric decor creates an ambiance conducive to escape, while the menu, rooted in Italian tradition, showcases the splendors of the sea.
Photos : Azzura
Flavors that Narrate Italy
The journey begins with a toast to Franciacorta, the sparkling wine from northern Italy, rarely exported yet so emblematic of Italian finesse. The menu, a tribute to the flavors of the peninsula, unfolds in Crudo, Antipasti, Pasta e Risotto, and Secondi, with a seafood counter that promises freshness and quality.
An Abundance of Discoveries
To underestimate the generosity of the dishes would be a mistake. The red mullet, expertly flambéed and accompanied by a rich green herb sauce, initiates a parade of delights. The snapper, paired with pear and Calabrian chili, plays on contrasts of flavors, offering a taste experience that is both subtle and invigorating. The linguini alle vongole, true to tradition, celebrates Sicilian olive oil and chili in a dish as flavorful as one could hope for.
Photos : Azzura
An Unquestionable Verdict
Azzurra is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination. A place where the glamour of Sloane Street meets the excellence of luxury Italian cuisine. With prices ranging from £14 for Primi to £130 for Secondi, Azzurra stands as a must-visit for lovers of Italian flavors and refined atmospheres.
For an experience that transcends borders, where each bite is a celebration of Italy in all its splendor.
Nearly 120 years in the making, the canvases of Claude Monet depicting the Thames will finally be exhibited in London, where they were originally conceived. In 1905, Monet had planned to present these works at a London exhibition, but, plagued by doubt, he postponed the event, deeming his canvases unfinished.
Today, the Courtauld Gallery gathers these historical pieces for an exhibition titled “Monet and London: Views of the Thames,” set to open this fall.
Between 1899 and 1901, during three stays in London, Monet captured the essence of the Thames in 94 canvases, depicting iconic sites such as the Charing Cross and Waterloo bridges, as well as the Parliament, under various lights and weather conditions. These works, though created outside of France, are among the most remarkable of Impressionism. The Courtauld Gallery describes them as offering unprecedented perspectives on the Thames, bathed in captivating atmospheres and vibrant colors. In 1904, Monet exhibited 37 of these canvases in Paris, garnering resounding success. Encouraged by this reception, he planned an exhibition at Dowdeswell’s Gallery in London. “My desire has always been to show my Londons here, for my own satisfaction,” he confided. However, shortly after the announcement, Monet canceled the exhibition, dissatisfied with the perceived quality of his canvases. Known for his perfectionism, Monet was often critical of his own creations, even in the face of praise. Ross King, author of “Mad Enchantment” : Claude Monet and the Painting of the “Water Lilies,” emphasizes that, despite their soothing beauty, Monet found the painting process anything but relaxing, even throwing his equipment into the river in a fit of anger.”
Despite his doubts, Monet’s Thames works have only grown in popularity, some fetching astronomical prices at auction. In 2022, “The Parliament, Sunset” sold for $76 million at Christie’s.
The upcoming exhibition will feature 19 of the 37 original canvases exhibited in Paris. The Courtauld Gallery hopes to fulfill Monet’s unmet desire to present these extraordinary paintings in London, not far from the Savoy Hotel where they were painted. The exhibition “Monet and London: Views of the Thames” will be held from September 27, 2024, to January 19, 2025, promising to captivate art and history enthusiasts.
Photos : The Courtauld Gallery/Musée Marmottan Monet
Headline: In an unprecedented move, Wembley Stadium is implementing the largest security operation in its history for the Champions League final, aiming to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes that marred previous editions.
Paris, Istanbul, and London: Three Cities, One Challenge
Champions League finals are global spectacles, but they have also witnessed less glorious moments. Previous editions in Paris and Istanbul encountered issues with supporters, and the Euro 2020 final at Wembley was not exempt from mass disturbances. These incidents prompted a thorough review by Baroness Casey, and the Football Association (FA) asserts that crucial lessons have been learned.
Photos : UEFA/Wembley Stadium
Enhanced Security Measures for a Historic Match
For this year’s final, which will see Borussia Dortmund face Real Madrid, the FA and UEFA have joined forces to ensure a seamless event. Over 2,500 stewards will be mobilized, a record for Wembley, supported by a significant police presence both inside and outside the stadium. Since the Euro 2020 final, a £5 million investment has been dedicated to enhancing Wembley’s safety and security infrastructure. Reinforced gates, new fences, and a substantial increase in body-worn cameras for stewards are among the measures implemented. A brand-new control room now monitors the critical “Zone X,” the area outside Wembley, allowing security staff to track fan movements in case of any issues.
Real-world Testing for a Smooth Final
Preparations for the final have been meticulously tested during this year’s matches, including the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United. Fans attending on Saturday will undergo double ticket checks before accessing the turnstiles, which will be exceptionally open four hours before kick-off, compared to the usual two. Incentives for food and drink consumption inside the stadium await early arrivals.
London: The Fans’ Capital
Dedicated fan zones have been set up across the British capital, with Dortmund supporters gathering in Hyde Park and Madrid fans near Victoria Embankment.
Chris Bryant, FA’s Director of Tournaments, Events, and Interim Stadium, expresses a sense of responsibility and optimism: “We can only control what is within our power, and we have done everything possible to be at our best. I am confident we have succeeded this time.” He sees this final as an opportunity to demonstrate that London remains a premier city for hosting major sporting events, and Wembley continues to be the sanctuary for top-level football.
As Wembley prepares to host the world for a memorable football evening, the efforts invested in ensuring everyone’s safety promise a Champions League final worthy of its name, where only the game will shine under the spotlight.
Uzbekistan, renowned for its warm hospitality traditions and delectable cuisine, recently hosted a vibrant celebration of the Spring Holiday of Navruz at the Uzbek Embassy in London. The event, organized by ORZU Arts and the British-Uzbek Society, brought together over 150 guests, including representatives from parliament, government, business entrepreneurs, and cultural circles.
Photos : Uzbek Embassy
Rich Program of Culture and Cuisine
The Spring Holiday of Navruz, which dates back nearly 3,000 years, symbolizes spring, awakening, and the renewal of nature. At the heart of this celebration were Uzbek poetry, traditional music, and delightful cuisine. Yuldosh Juraboyev, Director of ORZU Arts, and Rosa Verco, CEO of the British-Uzbek Society, curated an engaging program that showcased the best of Uzbek culture.
Honoring Eminent Figures and Cultural Exchange
His Excellency Mr. Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the United Kingdom, extended a warm welcome to all guests. In his speech, he emphasized the robust pace of Uzbek-British relations across political, economic, and humanitarian domains. Notably, he highlighted the significant contributions of Orzu Arts and the British-Uzbek Society in fostering cultural and educational connections between the UK and Central Asia. During the event, renowned British poet Mr. Andrew Staniland was introduced. He has undertaken the translation of masterpieces by eminent Uzbek poets into English, including works by Alisher Navoi, Nodira, Uvaisiy, and Abdukhamid Chulpon. The official ceremony also unveiled the book “New Method & New Poetry,” introducing English-speaking readers to Uzbek poetry.
Jadids: Modernist Intellectuals and Reformers
The event delved into the Jadids, a group of modernist intellectuals and reformers in late 19th and early 20th-century Central Asia. Leaders like Munawwar Qari, Mahmud Khoja Behbudiy, Sadriddin Ayniy, and ʿAshur ʿAli Zahiriy advocated for social and educational reforms, aiming to modernize Uzbek society. Despite opposition, they established schools, theaters, libraries, and publishing houses, shaping Uzbekistan’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
Photos : Uzbek Embassy
Culinary Delights and Cultural Exhibits
Guests enjoyed traditional Uzbek cuisine, including Pilauv, Samsa, and Manty, prepared by London’s renowned chef, Mr. Muzzafar Sadiqov. The garden patio featured suzane textiles, khan-atlas fabrics, and a tapchan—a traditional wooden divan—creating an inviting atmosphere. Ceramic souvenirs and tourist information magazines about Uzbekistan adorned the space.
Honoring Mrs. Laurel Victoria Gray
The evening also celebrated Mrs. Laurel Victoria Gray, who has dedicated her life to enhancing people-to-people ties and promoting Uzbek culture in the USA. Her book, published by Bloomsbury Publishing Company in London, sheds light on Uzbek culture and traditions. Mrs. Gray’s Silk Road Dance company, based in Washington University, performs traditional Uzbek classical dances.
Unforgettable Performances
The event concluded with a concert featuring Uzbek artists. Lola Gazoroli, a soprano and singer-songwriter, mesmerized the audience, while the dynamic duo Sherkhan (Sherzod Nuraliev) and Dildora Olimova brought Central Asian beats to life. Mr. Yuldosh Juraboyev shared upcoming events for June and September, including an open-air Uzbek Culture & Food festival near Tower Bridge. Don’t miss this year’s biggest event—a celebration of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage through music, dance, and culinary delights. Mark your calendars for June 8th and 9th!
UzbekCulture & Food Festival: A Vibrant Celebration Near Tower Bridge
London, June 8-9, 2024: Mark your calendars for the most anticipated event of the year—the Uzbek Culture & Food Festival ! Set against the iconic backdrop of Tower Bridge, this open-air celebration promises an unforgettable experience for all.
Immerse Yourself in Uzbekistan’s Rich Heritage
1. Musical Extravaganza
Prepare to be mesmerized by the best musical performances from Uzbekistan. From soulful melodies to rhythmic beats, our talented artists will transport you to the heart of Central Asia. Whether you’re a connoisseur of traditional tunes or simply love good music, this festival has something for everyone.
2. Authentic Uzbek Cuisine
Indulge your taste buds with the flavors of Uzbekistan. Renowned chef Mr. Muzzafar Sadiqov, founder of the popular Oshpaz restaurant on Regent’s Street, will prepare mouthwatering dishes. From aromatic Pilauv to savory Samsa and delicate Manty, each bite tells a story of centuries-old culinary traditions.
3. Cultural Exhibits and Textiles
Explore the garden patio adorned with suzane textiles, khan-atlas fabrics, and ceramic souvenirs. Learn about Uzbek craftsmanship and take home a piece of our vibrant culture. Tourist information magazines will guide you through the wonders of Uzbekistan.
4. Literary Gems
Discover the literary world of Uzbekistan. Mrs. Laurel Victoria Gray, choreographer and author, shares insights into Uzbek culture and traditions. Her book, published by Bloomsbury Publishing Company, unveils the beauty woven into our history.
5. Unforgettable Performances
Lola Gazoroli, a soprano and singer-songwriter, will enchant you with her soul-stirring voice. Sherkhan, the dynamic duo of Sherzod Nuraliev and Dildora Olimova, will infuse the air with Central Asian beats. Let their music ignite your spirit.
Join Us at Potters Field Bar
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate Uzbekistan’s vibrant heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a curious soul, the Uzbek Culture & Food Festival awaits. See you there!
