And back into Fashion Month we go… As FW23 London Fashion Week kicks off, the city has more than fashion to offer, with plenty of cultural good times to dig into between checking HERO for round-the-clock coverage and insider info.

An emotive watch
Elegance Bratton’s moving semi-biographical drama The Inspection arrives in UK cinemas this weekend with critical acclaim. Jeremy Pope takes on the role of Ellis, a black queer man hiding his sexuality in the Marines, based on Bratton’s own experience in the US forces, this poignant work also marks his directorial debut. After being rejected by his mother, Ellis is willing to do anything to prove his worth in a cruel, homophobic world. Tackling hard-hitting topics with devastatingly raw emotion, The Inspection paints a powerful picture of heartache and hope. Before heading to the cinema, check out Pope’s co-stars Aaron Dominguez and Raúl Castillo in conversation discussing the filming process, camaraderie on-set and Bratton’s creative bravery.

The Inspection is screening at the Barbican now, more info here. 

DIY TV
Back with a bang after a five-year hiatus, non-profit Spitalfields exhibition space Raven Row is marking the occasion with an exhibition of DIY TV from the 1970s. Compiled of footage from the BBC’s Community Programme Unit which offered the every person the opportunity to make films about issues that mattered to them, the exhibition is telling the story of British history on a micro-scale to the masses. Having closed in 2004, the archive is full of hundreds of films captured on grainy film, transporting us to bygone decades with a hearty dose of nostalgia. Hard-hitting films created by the Campaign Against Racism in the Media and the Merseyside Chinese community are shown alongside comedy shows and musical performances.

People Make Television runs at Raven Row until March 26th, more info here. 

Two venues for the price of one
The open-air pit of Shakespeare’s Globe is famously closed during winter months, hibernating until sunnier climes hit the city, but a new production of The Winter’s Tale is changing tradition. Traversing between the shelter of the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and the Globe, inside will play the part of aristocratic Sicily while outside takes on the backdrop of Bohemia. One of Shakespeare’s most recognised comedies, director Sam Holmes explores the redemptive and destructive nature of love through a freshly interpreted set of characters.

The Winter’s Tale runs at the Globe until April 16th, more info here. 

Custom Fiorucci
As fashion week takes over the capital, the BFC are hosting a series of city-wide events for everyone to get in on the action. For one day only the Fiorucci flagship store on Brewer Street is turning into a customisation station where you can get any purchase customised with initials, names, patterns and patches by Rebeckah from Embellished Talk. A special DJ set from duo Diana Maclean and Ella Lucia AKA Nae Wee So Bonnie Lassies will also be taking place, so you can have a dance while you browse – just like the brand’s Italio-disco heritage would want.

Fiorucci x BFC runs from 12-6pm on Saturday at 39 Brewer St, Soho W1F 9UD.

Getting abstract
Presenting a major retrospective of 150 paintings from 81 international female artists, Whitechapel Gallery is holding a magnifying glass up to an overlooked generation. Titled Action, Gesture, Pain: Women Artists and Global Abstraction 1940–70, the exhibition delves deeper than the male-dominated canon of art from the period to showcase pieces from instantly recognisable names such as Lee Krasner and Helen Frankenthaler, alongside lesser-known talents including Bertina Lopes and Wook-kyung Choi. It’s a clearer vision of the Abstract Expressionism movement, finally giving a platform to the female visionaries equally (if not more) responsible for the period’s impact and influence.

Action, Gesture, Pain: Women Artists and Global Abstraction 1940–70 runs at Whitechapel Gallery until May 7th, more info here. 

Electro pulse
For those who fancy a loud and wild weekend, 2manydjs are taking over London’s vast Printworks venue for a special 20th anniversary. And they’re going BIG. The Belgian electronic duo headline the night, with support from Erol Alkan, Kittin 2 and YOLO. That’s around five hours of electronic beats running through your body, mind and soul – the ideal way to kickstart a weekend (and let’s be honest, probably wipe out a day or two in the process).

2manydjs AHORS Pt 2 20th Anniversary Party takes place on Friday 17th February 2023 – buy tickets here.

Feel good about buying stuff
After starting life as a section of Kings Cross’ Classic Car Boot Sale, pre-loved fashion concept store Charity Super.Mkt is popping up at Brent Cross shopping centre. Taking up residency for four weeks, the installation is bringing together a carefully curated selection of the best donated clothing from UK charities under one roof. Stocked with pieces from organisations such as Age UK, Cancer Research, TRAID, and Shelter, Charity Super.Mkt are offering the perfect opportunity to not only find yourself a gem but give your pennies to a good cause.

Charity Super.Mkt runs at Brent Cross shopping centre until February 25th, more info here. 

Food stop
Also getting in on the fashion week action is Soho’s Nikkei hotspot Chotto Matte, marking the occasion with a series of DJ sets from the likes of Zezi Ifore and Pixie Geldof across the five-day period. Decorated with ambient art installations and tropical plants, the upstairs open kitchen and basement lounge bar are perfect spots for between runway show eats. Known for their exquisite Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine, classics include the lychee ceviche sashimi, sea bass tempura, black cod aji miso, and every type of sushi roll you can think of. Also applying a Nikkei style to the bar, a drinks menu of ‘Tokyo to Lima’ signatures features Pisco sours, a fruity twist on a whisky sour and enough Japanese gin to send you silly.

Chotto Matte is located at 11-13 Frith Street, W1D 4RB, more info here.