From fabulous fashion frenzies to exotic flamenco dancers, Team ELLE have it all with our weekly round-up of the hottest events taking place in the heart of the capital.
Words by Tabithah Rahman
DAY OUT: W10 Games
The W10 Games returns, and the competition will bring together local residents and businesses of the W10 area, and surrounding postcodes to compete against each other in a chain of fitness events exploring elements of strength, endurance, physical and mental power.
Oh, and did we also mention that they are the #ELLEFit marathon coaches?
Plus you'll get a goodie bag with freebies from Sweaty Betty, Planet Organic, Living Proof haircare, Chi coconut drinks and Pukka Organic teas. Join us at #ELLEFit.
w10performance.com; 208 Kensal Road, London W10 5BN
ART: Marlene Dumas – The Image as Burden
Completely compelling, Marlene Dumas has been categorized as one of the most prominent painters of her generation, and will now showcase her masterpieces at the Tate Modern.
Known for her controversial subject matters, the exhibition will explore the physical and psychological reality of human existence, referencing art history, popular culture and current affairs from paintings of Amy Winehouse to Princess Diana.
tate.org.uk; Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
DANCE: Flamenco Festival London
As the Flamenco Festival kicks off this week, with it returns the highlight performance, the Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía. Returning under the direction of multi-award winning Rafaela Carrasco, the intensely sensual Flamenco de Andalucía is recognized as the most iconic of flamenco arts in Spain, oozing a sense of passion and vibrancy within every move.
sadlerswells.com; Sadler’s Wells, Rosebery Avenue, London EC1R 4TN
DAY OUT: Chinese New Year Parade
London will play host to one the biggest celebrations of Chinese New Year outside of the Far Eastern land as it welcomes the Year of the Sheep; a symbol of peace and harmonious co-existence.
With a range of traditional performances including acrobatics and traditional lion dances, the official parade will begin early at Trafalgar Square winding its way down to Chinatown where you can indulge in an abundance of traditional cuisines.
NIGHT OUT: Alluring Orchids
Enter into the tropical jungle of the Princess of Wales Conservatory after hours as Kew Gardens brings ‘a floral feast to seduce the sense’ with its latest exhibition, Alluring Orchids.
The after-dark experience will include a Botanical Gin Garden pop-up bar serving drinks with an exotic twist, and will be accompanied with talks, music and crafts amongst an abundance of tropical flowers.
kew.org; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
FOOD AND DRINK: The Dolls House
The Dead Dolls Club invites you to the grand opening of their humble abode, The Dolls Club Islington. Set across three floors, the Victorian townhouse has been transformed into a realm of opulence, with decadent monochrome marker pen detailing sketched on the walls and liquid gold tabletops to provide a memorable experience.
Enjoy live nights of jazz and swing or hideaway in the Library complete with an Espresso Martini Bar.
thedollshouse.org; The Dolls House, 181 Upper Street, N1 1RQ
THEATRE: Man and Superman
The hero, the heroine, the villain and the jester, Man and Superman checks off all the points of a classic fairytale adding its own twist. As Ralph Fiennes brings his charm to the stage playing bohemian bachelor Jack Tanner in this thrilling recreation of George Bernard Shaw’s dramatic masterpiece, the production certainly redefines our standards of this provocative cult classic.
nationaltheatre.org.uk; National Theatre, Southbank, London SE1 9PX
FASHION: London Fashion Week
The social event of the season kicks off with London Fashion Week, and opening the show is none other than star-studded supermodel Naomi Campbell, playing host to the Fashion for Fashion Relief Charity Show.
As she and her friends hit the runway wearing pieces donated from globally renowned fashion houses including Givenchy and Alexander McQueen, fashion lovers can also attend an array of events from International Fashion Showcases to the Braid Bar Pop-up Salon.
FOOD AND DRINK: Where The Pancakes Are Pop-Up
Celebrate Pancake Day into the weekend with Where The Pancakes Are pop-up store, where the pancake house will be serving up a taster of sweet and savoury treats ahead of its grand opening this summer.
Enjoy deliciously fluffy buttermilk pancakes and waffles stacked with an endless amount of toppings, from succulent berries and elderflower syrup or poached kumquats with blood orange Cointreau cream.
wherethepancakesare.com; The Proud Archivist, 2-10 Hertford Road, London N1 5ET
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