An exhibit at The Bright Young Things at Selfridges in London.Andrew Meredith
News roundup for the savvy traveller.
NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S DEPARTMENT STORE
London Window shoppers on Oxford Street are in for an avant-garde exhibition at Selfridges. The swank department store is showcasing original works by the Bright Young Things, a group of up-and-coming British-based designers, artists, jewellers and hat makers that were hand-picked to freshen up the February sales season. On show are the ethereal snow-white dresses of London College of Fashion graduate Lilee and RP/Encore's jewellery that is cast from animal teeth, bones and organs. Don't miss the feather-filled fashions of Alex Noble, the mixed-media artist who is also credited for designing Lady Gaga's wacky wardrobe. A selection of limited-edition products are on sale inside the store. The Bright Young Things exhibit runs until Feb. 28. selfridges.com
PHOTOGRAPHS YOU CAN'T FORGET
Paris A collection of historic photographs, taken by award-winning Associated Press photojournalist Henri Huet, are on display at La Maison Européenne de la Photographie. The chilling images, some of which are being exhibited for the first time, span the nearly 20 years that Huet spent documenting the Vietnam War. Some of his personal effects, including his photo equipment, letters and the gold medallion that he carried with him, are also on display. The exhibit opens on Feb. 9, the 40th anniversary of Huet's death in a helicopter explosion over Laos, and ends April 3. www.mep-fr.org/us/default.htm
MAKE FANTASY YOUR REALITY
Nassau Are you ready to channel your inner rock star? From Feb. 17 to 20, the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp at Atlantis Paradise Island will be led by some famous camp counsellors - including Motley Crue's Tommy Lee, original KISS member Ace Frehley and the Runaways' lead guitarist, Lita Ford. The crash course includes four days of skill-honing master classes, intensive rehearsals and a studio recording session, culminating in a live performance at the Atlantis Theater. The basic Rock Star package is $4,999.99, but serious fans may want to upgrade to the Headliner ($5,999.99), which allows them exclusive access to the stars as well as an autographed Epiphone guitar. rockcamp.com
HOLLYWOOD NOSHING
Los Angeles North Hollywood's newest hangout is serving up a decidedly un-Hollywood menu. While Los Angeles's A-listers are enduring their awards-season detox diets, The Federal Bar - an atmospheric gastropub carved out of a 1926 bank building - is serving up areasonably priced menu of comfort food, craft beer and signature Prohibition-era cocktails with names such as the Speakeasy Martini and Bootlegger Boiler Maker. After you've tucked into a meal of barbecued pork belly skewers, southern fried chicken and chocolate-ganache-dipped ice-cream sandwiches, you can retire to the restaurant's second floor to take in a live band. The Federal Bar's general manager used to run The Viper Room, The Roxy and The Conga Room, so you can bet this will become a Hollywood hot spot. facebook.com/thefederalbar
Special to The Globe and Mail