1 — We adore the latest iteration of our Benson shirt in Sky Blue. This tone is undisguised colour therapy for what it evokes, while being flattering and bringing brightness to all complexions. The day ahead can only be clear when wearing such a shade and it should feature often in spring wardrobes. Team with darker hues of blue or the obvious denim to keep outfits tonal and modern.
2 — The only outerwear needed right now is one that provides gentle warmth for the morning and evening chills and can be packed easily for weekends away. For this purpose, we like to cinch the Flo Jacket at the waist with a simple leather tie or a woven belt for added interest. Notice how the tiny hearts form four leaf clovers in an all over pattern that is subtle and does not overwhelm.
3 — It is hard not to be inspired by the Achievable Adventures devised by Charlie Wild and Jessica Last in a bid to change the way people view the potential of the UK for travel. Exciting excursions feel accessible and are beautifully researched and presented as evidenced in this companion guidebook.
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, the Swinton Estate is an incredible collection of places to stay that range from a Grade II listed castle to off-grid cabins and tree lodges. There are dozens of activities to choose from, a stunning spa, bicycles to ride and local produce to consume.
4 — In London, we have booked three art shows that can appeal to younger viewers during half-term. First off, Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur at the Wallace Collection asks questions that offer multiple layers of understanding depending on maturity. Perry himself explains his thinking in a very efficient 3 minute trailer and the engaging themes of identity, class and gender are revealed via ceramics, tapestries and AI generated pieces. The works however are also fun and easily approachable even if they are not seen through a political prism (until 26th October).
At the Young V&A, Making Egypt showcases "the creativity of Ancient Egypt and how it still influences art, design and popular culture today". A related family workshop is scheduled for Friday 30th May for children aged 7 to 14.
Van Gogh used to compare Victor Hugo's works to "astonishing things" but it is uncertain whether he had in mind Hugo's writing or his drawings. Decide by visiting the Royal Academy Astonishing Things: The Drawings of Victor Hugo (until 29th June). Everyone would be familiar with the stories told in Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame and it is quite special to view another creative side of Hugo that is essentially visual. Castles and fantastical creatures depicted in sepia tones are moving and often dreamlike, an absolute must-see.
5 — We are watching Étoile, an eight-episode series made for TV on Prime Video. In an effort to reconquer dwindling audiences, Charlotte Gainsbourg is cast as the head of Le Ballet National in Paris who sets up to swap her top dancers with the Metropolitan Ballet Theater's in New York City. Cultures and temperaments clash which paves the way to a comedy that if not always perfect is entertaining and uses two stunning backdrops.