Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail

A colony of penguins have shed their tuxedos and descended upon London, calling the Fleet Street Quarter home through January 5th. The “Penguin Parade Sculpture Trail” is made up of  twelve individual penguins decked out in their holiday finest. Each penguin is designed by a different artist in collaboration with Wild in Art and the conservation charity WWF, and the sculptures share interesting facts about our fine feathered friends and the Fleet Street Quarter. Author and stand-up comedian Olaf Falafel provides an audio tour through the parade and visitors can use a map to locate the entire waddling crew. On our recent quest through the neighborhood, we were greeted by penguins Percy, Buddy, Snowy, Santa Paws, Kevin the Kinguin, The Forest at Christmas, and Pullover Penguin.

Holiday Lights

The holiday season is upon us, and with it the annual light displays that have become a favorite tradition are enveloping us. This week we explored light displays across New York and London, enjoying the twinkling lights at some of our favorite destinations. In New York we enjoyed gorgeous displays of hot air balloons and stars at Hudson Yards and Columbus Circle. In London,  we were greeted by the ever gorgeous angel hovering above Regent Street and a light display at The Shard. We hope everyone is able to take a moment and enjoy the magical displays that welcome us all to celebrate the season. Take the advice of the London Underground and care for yourself this holiday season!

A New Friend

Our last Friday Photo series showcased flowers; our new installation puts pigeons at the forefront. We begin with our chubby feathered friend, a grounded fowl who lives in London. This happy pigeon can be found wandering around on foot by Buckingham Palace, as flying is not aerodynamically possible for the little guy. He makes the best of it and enjoys all the snacks the residents share. Stay tuned next week as our pigeons get bigger…

Favorite Meals of Summer

It has been a long, hot, and fun-filled summer for us at DLG, and we are sad to see it end. As we enjoy some final moments of summer this weekend, we are reflecting on our favorite indulgences of the last few months – delicious food! 

We ate a Greek brunch in Brooklyn and tallines in Ra Riera. We also had grilled oysters in New Orleans, Korean fried barbecue in Manhattan, and capped it off with strawberries in London. We are stuffed!!! 

Happy Labor Day and Happy Eating! 

“Flow” by d’strict

In London’s West End, visitors can explore the various art installations at the media company Outernet, featuring installations and designs from various artists. This week we came across “FLOW,” an art performance traversing time that guides viewers through the history of Western art in a dance format. Designed by d’strict, this visual experience offers busy Londoners and tourists alike chance to pause and experience a ‘giant’ who moves through various art movements.  

As the artist explains: “‘FLOW’ tells a story about the relationship between ‘the world and oneself.’ As the ‘flow' progresses, the world where our ‘giant’ once stood gradually fades away, replaced by their inner worlds. Our ‘giant’ continues to advance endlessly, questioning the relationship between the world and oneself. We hope this performance serves as a starting point that raises fundamental questions about human pursuits and increases interest in art history rather than merely presenting a self-contained narrative.”

Visitors can find the installation at The Now Building, located on Charing Cross Road.

Tulip Mania

Impressed by the NY flowers last week, London decided to up the ante - plus the sun came!  We captured even more flowers in bloom on a glorious afternoon in St. John’s Wood. 

Embankment Gardens are in Bloom

It’s Tulip season here in London and the Embankment Gardens are in full bloom! For a few more weeks, until tulip season ends in Mid-May, a stunning rainbow of tulips will be in bloom at the Victoria Embankment Gardens.

The Gardens, which were opened in 1875, have given Londoners and visitors alike a beautiful spot to relax along the Thames, and provide the perfect setting the tulips in their full splendor in glorious shades of orange, pink, and purple. Spring has sprung and what better way to welcome her than a stroll amongst the tulips!

London Views

Hello again, London! ✈️☁️🎊

“Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” at Victoria & Albert Museum

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the visionary force behind one of the most esteemed fashion houses, Chanel, has undeniably shaped the fashion industry. The Victoria & Albert Museum in London pays homage to her extraordinary fashion journey with the exhibit “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto.”

The exhibit provides a deep dive into the evolution of Coco Chanel's creative process, showcasing a diverse range of fashion artifacts—with over two hundred looks, alongside jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, and fragrances.  From Coco’s initial sketches to the iconic tweed suit worn by Lauren Bacall, each piece shares a part of Coco Chanel’s story. You can even find a handwritten thank-you note from Queen Elizabeth II expressing gratitude for the gift of Chanel No.5 from a close friend.

Coco Chanel's timeless impact, encapsulated in her famous quote "fashion changes, but style endures," resonates throughout the exhibit, as her designs have truly withstood the test of time and remain relevant in the fashion world. For enthusiasts of fashion and admirers of Coco Chanel's legacy, this exhibit is must-see; however, with a closing date set for February 25th, time is of the essence!

Regent Street Lights : The Spirit of Christmas

Happy Holidays from London’s Regent Street! Crafted by the design company, James Glancy Design Ltd, also known as “the secret force behind Christmas”, the lights include 45 large-scale angels or "spirits" playing trumpets. The captivating layout and design of the Regent Street lights draws inspiration from the original lights that graced the street in 1954. No matter where this Holiday Season takes you, may you be surrounded by the glow of lights, family, and friends! From our family to yours, Happy Holidays!