SCENESTER SCION
When you’re not running the family empire, you’re sipping Pimms with the Windsors, dabbling in philanthropy, and waxing lyrical about post- modernism
HONG KONG LONGINES MASTERS
The biggest names in showjumping descend on the Fragrant Harbour for the Asian leg of the tri-continental Longines Masters Series, also held annually in Los Angeles and Paris. The prestigious event spans three days at AsiaWorld-Expo and features nail-biting equestrian competition, gastronomy, fashion, art, and music. 15–17 February longinesmasters. com/en/season/hong-kong
US MET GALA
A-listers from fashion, film and society don cutting-edge couture to raise funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. A ticket to the event will set you back a cool US$30,000—provided that Vogue tastemaker Anna Wintour approves of your presence. The theme of last year’s ball, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” saw pop star Rihanna transform into a promiscuous pope and actress Blake Lively wear a dress that took over 600 hours to embroider. This year’s theme is “Camp: Notes on Fashion.” 6 May metmuseum.org
MONACO MONACO GRAND PRIX
The highlight of the Formula One calendar, this exceptionally glamorous motor race is also one of the most dangerous. The narrow circuit, which weaves through the casinospangled city of Monte Carlo on the French Riviera, features an infamous hairpin bend and provides almost no opportunities for overtaking. 23–26 May monaco-grand-prix.com
ITALY VENICE BIENNALE
The City of Canals transforms into a floating gallery for the 58th edition of this iconic international visual art exhibition. Curated by Ralph Rugoff from London’s Hayward Gallery, this year’s biennale, May You Live in
Interesting Times, references the advent of fake news, alternative realities, and the corrosion of the political discourse in contemporary society. 11 May to 24 November labiennale.org
US LOS ANGELES DESIGN FESTIVAL
Los Angeles might be the home of cinema but it has also long been a hub for design, having incubated numerous luminaries in the fields of architecture and interiors, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Rudolph Schindler, and Charles and Ray Eames, over the course of the 20th century. This citywide festival celebrates LA as a global design centre, with exhibitions, workshops, and talks on architecture, costumes, graphic and industrial design, and more. The city’s creative elite is out in full force, so prepare yourself for some pretty imaginative parties, too. 20–23 June ladesignfestival.org
UK WIMBLEDON
The world’s oldest tennis tournament—and the only grand slam still played on grass—returns to the courts at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. See the stars of tennis battle it out for the sport’s most prestigious trophy while rubbing shoulders with members of the royal family. Be sure to gorge on strawberries and cream, a Wimbledon tradition that helps make this tournament uniquely, blissfully British. 1–14 July wimbledon.com