Barbie, The, Exhibition, at, the, Design, Museum, in, Kensington, is, a, captivating, showcase, open, until, February, 23, 2025. This, exhibit, offers, a, delightful, journey, through, the, evolution, of, Barbie, dolls, highlighting, their, diverse, range, and, cultural, impact. Visitors, can, enjoy, displays, featuring, a, variety, of, Barbies, including, those, of, different, ethnicities, and, styles, reflecting, the, changing, representation, of, beauty, over, the, years. The, exhibit, evokes, nostalgic, memories, and, demonstrates, how, Barbie, has, evolved, from, a, classic, blonde, doll, to, a, symbol, of, inclusivity, and, identity. Whether, you're, a, long-time, Barbie, fan, or, simply, curious, about, her, impact, this, exhibit, offers, a, unique, and, engaging, experience.
FASHION, LIFESTYLE

HELLO MUSEUM | BARBIE; THE EXHIBITION

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Today, I’m delighted to share my enchanting experience at the “Barbie: The Exhibition,” currently open at the Design Museum in Kensington until February 23, 2025. This delightful exhibit promises a nostalgic trip down memory lane for many of us familiar with Barbie from our childhoods.

Barbie, The, Exhibition, at, the, Design, Museum, in, Kensington, is, a, captivating, showcase, open, until, February, 23, 2025. This, exhibit, offers, a, delightful, journey, through, the, evolution, of, Barbie, dolls, highlighting, their, diverse, range, and, cultural, impact. Visitors, can, enjoy, displays, featuring, a, variety, of, Barbies, including, those, of, different, ethnicities, and, styles, reflecting, the, changing, representation, of, beauty, over, the, years. The, exhibit, evokes, nostalgic, memories, and, demonstrates, how, Barbie, has, evolved, from, a, classic, blonde, doll, to, a, symbol, of, inclusivity, and, identity. Whether, you're, a, long-time, Barbie, fan, or, simply, curious, about, her, impact, this, exhibit, offers, a, unique, and, engaging, experience.The exhibition, though concise, is packed with vibrant displays that evoke fond memories of playing with Barbie dolls. I was particularly struck by the diversity on display, showcasing an array of beautiful Barbies of colour. This was a pleasant surprise, as my recollections from childhood were dominated by the image of the classic blonde Barbie. Back then, I had a friend who boasted an impressive collection of Barbies, Kens, and even a dollhouse, making playtime an exciting adventure.

Barbie, The, Exhibition, at, the, Design, Museum, in, Kensington, is, a, captivating, showcase, open, until, February, 23, 2025. This, exhibit, offers, a, delightful, journey, through, the, evolution, of, Barbie, dolls, highlighting, their, diverse, range, and, cultural, impact. Visitors, can, enjoy, displays, featuring, a, variety, of, Barbies, including, those, of, different, ethnicities, and, styles, reflecting, the, changing, representation, of, beauty, over, the, years. The, exhibit, evokes, nostalgic, memories, and, demonstrates, how, Barbie, has, evolved, from, a, classic, blonde, doll, to, a, symbol, of, inclusivity, and, identity. Whether, you're, a, long-time, Barbie, fan, or, simply, curious, about, her, impact, this, exhibit, offers, a, unique, and, engaging, experience.It’s heartwarming to see that today’s children have a diverse range of Barbies to choose from, reflecting their identities and allowing them to see themselves in their toys. This inclusivity is a wonderful step forward, ensuring that every child can find a Barbie that resonates with them.

Whether you’re a devoted Barbie fan or simply curious to see how Barbie has evolved over the years, this exhibit is definitely worth a visit. It beautifully captures the transformation of Barbie from a singular icon to a multifaceted representation of beauty and identity.

Barbie, The, Exhibition, at, the, Design, Museum, in, Kensington, is, a, captivating, showcase, open, until, February, 23, 2025. This, exhibit, offers, a, delightful, journey, through, the, evolution, of, Barbie, dolls, highlighting, their, diverse, range, and, cultural, impact. Visitors, can, enjoy, displays, featuring, a, variety, of, Barbies, including, those, of, different, ethnicities, and, styles, reflecting, the, changing, representation, of, beauty, over, the, years. The, exhibit, evokes, nostalgic, memories, and, demonstrates, how, Barbie, has, evolved, from, a, classic, blonde, doll, to, a, symbol, of, inclusivity, and, identity. Whether, you're, a, long-time, Barbie, fan, or, simply, curious, about, her, impact, this, exhibit, offers, a, unique, and, engaging, experience.If you find yourself in Kensington, I highly recommend taking a moment to visit the Design Museum and explore “Barbie: The Exhibition.” It’s a delightful journey through the history of a beloved cultural icon, and it’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

With love,
Miss Widjaja

Cabaret, at, the, Kit, Kat, Club, is, a, captivating, and, immersive, theatrical, experience, set, in, the, heart, of, London. The, show, transports, audiences, to, the, vibrant, and, hedonistic, world, of, 1920s, Berlin, blending, dazzling, performances, with, a, rich, historical, backdrop. Featuring, an, exceptional, cast, and, a, dynamic, score, 'Cabaret' explores, the, tumultuous, era, through, the, lives, of, its, characters, including, the, iconic, Sally, Bowles, and, Clifford, Bradshaw. At, the, Kit, Kat, Club, the, atmosphere, is, electrifying, offering, a, unique, and, unforgettable, night, of, entertainment, in, an, exclusive, and, stylish, setting
LIFESTYLE

HELLO MUSICAL | CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

Hello Beautiful Souls,
If you find yourself in London with an evening to spare, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the captivating world of the “Cabaret” musical at the Kit Kat Club, hosted at the Playhouse Theatre. This isn’t just any show; it’s an experience that begins the moment you step through the doors.

The venue enforces a strict no-photos policy, with your phone’s camera lens taped over to ensure you’re fully present in the moment. It’s reminiscent of the strict entry policies at iconic nightclubs like Fabric. But trust me, once you step inside, you’ll understand why.

The show’s immersive nature envelops you as soon as you enter, transforming the venue into an exclusive club that the original Kit Kat Club was known to be. Set in 1929-1930 Berlin during the Jazz Age and the rise of the Nazis, “Cabaret” dives deep into the hedonistic nightlife of the era. The story revolves around the American writer Clifford Bradshaw (played by Michael Ahomka-Lindsay) and his relationship with the English cabaret artist Sally Bowles (Rhea Norwood).

From the very first song, “Willkommen,” performed by the magnetic host (Layton Williams), the tone for an unforgettable night is set. The performance is so captivating that it makes you almost forget we live in a different period. The show is both funny and poignant, offering a unique perspective on the side of history often overlooked in mainstream narratives. It provides a glimpse into life within Berlin during those tumultuous times, hinting at the complexities without delving too deeply, allowing the audience to connect the dots.

The love story of Fraulein Schneider is particularly moving, showcasing the difficulties and sacrifices of love at a time when external pressures were immense. It shows that not everyone had the strength to pursue love amidst such chaos, making her story resonate deeply.

And then there’s Sally Bowles’ performance of “Cabaret” – truly magnificent and a highlight of the show. The musical runs until May 2025, so if you have the chance to see it, I would absolutely recommend it. The experience is unparalleled, offering not just a show, but a journey back in time, full of emotion and insight.

So, beautiful souls, next time you’re in London, step into the Kit Kat Club at the Playhouse Theatre for a night you won’t soon forget.

With love,
Miss Widjaja

LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | Tate Modern – Zanele Muholi

Hello Beautiful Souls,

In celebration of Black History Month this October, I found myself drawn to Tate Modern to see Zanele Muholi’s striking exhibit—a collection that is as deeply moving as it is visually stunning. Muholi’s work is on display until January 26, 2025, and I can’t recommend it enough. Known globally as one of the most important photographers and visual activists of our time, Muholi has dedicated their life’s work to documenting the lives and struggles of South Africa’s Black lesbian, gay, queer, and intersex communities, often at great personal risk.

Muholi describes themself as a “visual activist,” and after experiencing this exhibit, it’s clear why. The images are raw, beautiful, and hauntingly powerful. Each black-and-white photograph is implanted with dignity and resilience, giving voice to individuals whose stories are often silenced or misrepresented. The series reflects profound themes—labour, racism, eurocentrism, and sexual politics—confronting these subjects with such depth that each portrait seems to speak volumes. From intimate moments of love and family to stark depictions of struggle and trauma, Muholi’s work captures the lived reality of marginalized communities with stunning sensitivity.

The experience of walking through Muholi’s work was, to say the least, humbling. Their photography doesn’t just document; it advocates. Every portrait invites you to pause, to listen, and to reflect. You feel the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in South Africa, where prejudice and violence are still painfully common. But alongside this hardship, there is also immense pride and resilience—an insistence on visibility and recognition that shines through in each photo. Through Muholi’s lens, each person tells their own story, and the collective narrative is one of courage, solidarity, and enduring humanity.

If you find yourself in London before the exhibit closes in January, make time to see Muholi’s work at Tate Modern. It’s an experience that will stay with you, a reminder of the power of art to bridge worlds and to celebrate voices that demand to be heard.

With love,
Miss Widjaja

 

LIFESTYLE

HELLO LONDON | National Gallery – Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers

Hello Beautiful Souls,

Van Gogh—a name that’s always been synonymous with genius, passion, and profound emotion. There’s something about his work that keeps calling me back. This artist’s life and work have always drawn me in, and though I’ve explored his world through immersive exhibits and the powerful self-portraits that give us a glimpse into his soul, what I recently experienced at The National Gallery in London was simply exceptional.

The exhibit, Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers, is more than just paintings; it’s a window into the world that moved him, the people and places that stirred his spirit, and the enduring themes of beauty, love, and longing that guided his every brushstroke.

 

Running until January 19, 2025, Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers gives us plenty of time to soak in this collection and trust me, it’s a gift you don’t want to miss. For me, the highlight was finally standing before Starry Night in person. No image or replica does it justice. Seeing it up close, feeling the textured brushstrokes, and experiencing the depth and emotion he poured into it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. But what truly took my breath away were the paintings I’d never known he’d created, each one a hidden gem reflecting a different facet of his artistry.

One of the most moving aspects of this exhibit is the rare opportunity it offers to see his works from Saint-Rémy up close. Here, Van Gogh’s inspirations—poets, writers, and artists—come to life through his vivid colours and expressive techniques. His strokes range from fierce and raw to delicate and intentional, each one telling a story and each shade revealing a part of his journey. Standing there, you almost feel the solitude he encountered, the love he felt for the world, and the fragile yet powerful connection he had with life.

For those visiting, the exhibit is more than just a collection of paintings. It’s an intimate exploration of his inner life, where the words of poets, the colours of the countryside, and the camaraderie of fellow artists all collide to create masterpieces that are, to this day, filled with raw, human emotion.

If you find yourself in London, this is one experience you must treat yourself to. It’s a chance to connect with not only Van Gogh’s art but also the very soul of a man who sought meaning in a world that was often at odds with him.

With love,
Miss Widjaja