Events
The Essentials: March
Spring is on its way, and we’re greeting the season with fresh inspiration – from an anticipated book release to a star-studded awards show, an art fair and a virtual race
Catch an iconic awards show, read an intriguing new book, join a virtual race, take a deep breath. There’s much to see, do and experience in March, even if you’re (still) stuck at home.
THE WORD: Respire
Is it only us, or does it feel as if the world has been holding its collective breath for the past year? Quietly hoping that troubled times will pass and that some sense of normality, any normality, will return? With vaccination programmes now starting around the world, it seems that hope has finally returned, and with it a chance to breathe freely once again: to live, to laugh, to respire.
PERFECT IF: You take heart from the knowledge that to respire – the act of breathing – also means to regain fresh hope and courage after a time of struggle.
THE SOUND: The 63rd Annual Grammy Awards
Yes, we get it, awards of any description seem so trivial while living through a pandemic, but the Grammys still punctuate our collective musical memory – for their performances as much as the awards themselves. Trevor Noah hosts this year’s event, which may see Dua Lipa crowned as the pop diva of her generation.
PERFECT IF: You gasped at Pink’s Cirque du Soleil moves in 2008, smiled at Lady Gaga’s arrival in an egg in 2011 or teared up at Jennifer Hudson’s heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston, who passed away the day before the 2012 Grammys.
THE BOOK: Klara and the Sun
Any new work from Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro is a publishing event in itself. While his plots vary, recurring themes of memory and self-awareness are usually at the forefront, which makes his latest novel so intriguing with it being narrated by Klara, an artificial friend. Published on 2 March.
PERFECT IF: You were haunted by Ishiguro’s disturbing and heartbreaking Never Let Me Go or moved by the dignified, restrained desperation of Remains of the Day.
THE LOOK: Professional Loungewear
Love it, hate it or really, really hate it, the new professional lockdown look is apparently here to stay as the global pandemic heads into overtime. From matching knit sets to drawstring trousers and crew neck jumpers, the reality of life in quarantine has combined style and comfort into one, and it’s only smart to follow the trend.
PERFECT IF: You need to look sharp for daily Zoom meetings, but aren’t willing to sacrifice round-the-clock comfort.
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THE FAIR: Online Affordable Art Fair
First held in London in 1999, the Affordable Art Fair has grown into a global phenomenon with 13 local fairs held worldwide before the pandemic. Now, like most events, it’s become an online affair – but the concept remains the same: a relaxed setting for art-lovers of all ages and wallet sizes to browse and buy contemporary, affordable art. The second iteration of the virtual Affordable Art Fair will bring a roster of international galleries and their artists to our homes, featuring emerging talent and established names from across the globe.
PERFECT IF: You’d like to support up-and-coming artists, and perhaps score some ‘bought it before they were big’ bragging rights.
THE COLLECTION: H&M x Simone Rocha
The classic tulle dresses, tartan trousers and tweed coats of Irish designer Simone Rocha will now be available to everyone, thanks to her capsule collection for H&M launching 11 March. For the first time in her career, she’s also designed attire for men and children, while remaining true to her iconically quirky style and feminine aesthetic.
PERFECT IF: You’re looking for a high-fashion piece to amp up your spring wardrobe without breaking the bank.
THE RACE: International Day of Happiness Virtual Run
20 March marks the official International Day of Happiness, set aside by the United Nations to recognise the important role that happiness plays in the well-being of people around the world – the perfect occasion to get out, go for a run and give your own endorphins a boost. Even better if you make it count for a good cause. Sign up for this virtual run, complete your 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half or full marathon distance anywhere you want, at any time during the month of March, and 25% of your registration fee will be donated to disaster relief organisation All Hands and Hearts.
PERFECT IF: ‘Happy’ hasn’t exactly been in your vocabulary lately. Lace up those sneakers, turn up your favourite tunes, and let your ‘happy hormones’ do their thing.
THE FILM: Coming 2 America
In this sequel 33 years in the making, Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall reprise their roles as the charming Prince Akeem and his best friend Semmi, returning to the scene of their first adventure in Queens, New York to meet the son that Akeem never knew he had – and prepare him to become the next crown prince of Zamunda. The comedy is set for release on 5 March, streaming straight into living rooms worldwide via Amazon Prime Video.
PERFECT IF: You love a good throwback – and need some deep belly laughs.
THE ACTIVITY: Repotting Your Plants
Your little green oxygen-makers and air-purifiers have been working hard for you all winter, and it’s time you returned the favour. Early spring, before new buds have sprung, is the perfect time to repot your houseplants, giving their roots more elbow room and providing fresh soil for them to keep growing big and strong. You can also take the opportunity to prune any excess leaves and leggy stems, which will encourage denser, more shapely foliage growth.
PERFECT IF: You’ve been keen to spruce up your space. A few pretty planters in bright spring colours will do the trick.
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