Ici Fashion: CULTURE VULTURE (vacation series)

WHY: ‘Travel broadens the mind’ is your personal motto. For you, travel is really the point of a vacation. Perhaps you’re fascinated with the architecture and culture of Rome, or the social differences of a Spanish lifestyle (okay, okay – perhaps it’s the architecture of Italian shoes and the play-hard-party-hard-siesta-hard aspect of the vida española that really catches your fancy). Either way, the word ‘staycation’ might as well be spelled ‘sacrilegious’.

WHERE: London, England. Really, it’s the perfect destination: you get all of the culture (Shakespeare, the Palaces, war museums, world-famous art galleries) without any of those pesky language barriers or the one cultural thing you could do without – ‘misunderstanding’.

WHAT: Kick off your London visit in style by visiting one of the most prestigious art galleries in Europe. Previously a power station, the Tate Modern opened in 2000 and has since played host to the work of some of the most celebrated contemporary artists in history. Dedicate your early-morning energy to wandering the famous Turbine Hall on the first level of the Tate: at 3,400 square metres, it houses large, commissioned exhibitions that will cater to even the most insatiable cultural appetite. From there, you can work your way up to the notable third and fifth levels, which house shorter exhibitions and focus on themes of 20th century art, from 'Poetry and Dream' and 'Material Gestures' (Monet, Mark Rothko, Anish Kapoor) to 'Energy and Process' and 'States of Flux' (Picasso, Warhol). Discover your next favourite contemporary artist in an equally spectacular, if slightly spooky, setting: the Crypt Gallery, located underneath St Pancras Church, plays host to various exhibitions (which usually include free guided tours) as well as its original 557 occupants. St Pancras Church is located on the corner of Euston Road and Upper Woburn Place and is reachable (walking distance) from the Euston, St Pancras and King’s Cross stations. Tired out from absorbing all that creative genius? Take your evening to relax, intellectually, with one of England’s most famous creative visionaries by catching a play at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

IT’S FASHION, DAHLING: Both contemporary art and London street style are renowned for being a little off-the-wall, so feel free to let your (sartorial) creativity show. Going to the theatre is (unfortunately, in our opinion) a pretty casual affair, so feel free to pick a kooky day-to-night outfit to wear throughout all your cultural excursions. In homage to the artsy spirit of your tour, why not pair a cool pair of printed trousers (you can pick any of the hot summer prints, from paisley to floral – we love A.L.C.’s Briggs silk pants) with the perfect white t-shirt (Topshop’s Premium Crepeon Panel Tee should do it), a baroque cuff (Dannijo’s Molly cuff rocks) and sleek black court shoes (we’re currently lusting after the Kelsi Dagger Karmine pump).