LUXE Serendipity magazine

By Donna Richardson

There is plenty of luxury to be found in Nottingham if you know where to look. Donna Richardson spent a day exploring the city’s fine art galleries and boutique shops, including discovering Vivienne Westwood for the very first time, before enjoying lunch at The Ivy with my friend, the talented milliner Shandana La Riviera.

Shandana de la Rivière is a Loughborough-based milliner and fashion designer, and we met at a book club and forged a friendship during lockdown. Shandana’s work sits at the intersection of art, science and sustainability. Founder of Atelier of Fashion and Art, she is known for creating both elegant, commission-led “pretty hats” for events such as Royal Ascot, and more experimental sculptural pieces that push the boundaries of contemporary millinery. Her artistic practice is rooted in innovation, often incorporating bioplastics, polymers and unconventional fabrication techniques developed through hands-on experimentation in her home studio laboratory. Inspired by nature, environmental concerns and the emotional power of design, her work transforms headpieces into wearable artworks with strong conceptual narratives.

Alongside her creative achievements, Shandana lives with fibromyalgia, a condition that can be debilitating and at times leaves her bedbound and unable to work, yet she continues to pursue her practice with resilience and determination. This duality of commercial success and artistic exploration has established her as a distinctive voice in modern fashion, where craftsmanship, sustainability and storytelling are seamlessly intertwined.

We began our day at Nottingham Contemporary, where we explored the latest exhibitions, Physical Culture by Augustas Serapinas and And the Soul Is for the Birds by Chico da Silva. Serapinas offered a thought-provoking exploration of community, architecture and social history, transforming everyday structures and objects into striking works of art. In contrast, da Silva’s vibrant collection brought the natural world to life through richly detailed paintings filled with exotic birds, mythical creatures and lush landscapes. Together, the exhibitions provided a fascinating blend of contemporary conceptual art and imaginative storytelling, making for an inspiring start to our day in the city.

Nestled within Nottingham’s elegant Exchange Arcade, Castle Fine Art is a destination for collectors and art enthusiasts alike. The gallery showcases an impressive selection of contemporary fine art, limited-edition prints and sculpture from both established and emerging artists. With its carefully curated displays and welcoming atmosphere, it offers visitors the opportunity to discover investment pieces, admire striking works of art and gain insight into the latest trends in the contemporary art world.

Our exploration of Nottingham’s art scene continued at Clarendon Fine Art in Flying Horse Walk. Renowned for its collection of contemporary paintings, sculpture and limited-edition works, the gallery showcases pieces by some of the UK’s most celebrated artists alongside exciting emerging talent and celebrity artists such as Jonny Depp, whose Yesterday’s Flowers was about to open. The elegant space offers a relaxed yet sophisticated environment in which to browse, whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply appreciate fine art. With its striking displays and knowledgeable team on hand to offer insight, Clarendon Fine Art is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking culture and creativity in the heart of the city.

A particular highlight of our visit to Aura Fine Art was discovering Gary James McQueen’s work. Renowned for his mesmerising digital creations, McQueen combines intricate floral motifs, striking skull imagery and cutting-edge technology to produce artworks that are both dramatic and deeply detailed. Having worked closely with his late uncle, fashion visionary Alexander McQueen, he brings a distinctive sense of luxury, craftsmanship and storytelling to every piece. Displayed within Aura’s elegant gallery setting, his captivating works commanded attention and offered a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of contemporary art, fashion and digital innovation.

After a morning immersed in Nottingham’s vibrant art scene, we headed to The Ivy for lunch. Its elegant setting provided the perfect setting to pause and reflect on the galleries we had explored. Over beautifully presented dishes and refreshing drinks, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch before continuing our luxury tour of the city.

Fittingly, as Shandana was busy creating exquisite hats for Royal Ascot, we opted for dishes from the restaurant’s seasonal racing-inspired menu. The elegant selection celebrated the glamour and tradition of the British social calendar, making it the perfect accompaniment to conversations about craftsmanship, style and the artistry behind Ascot millinery. Surrounded by The Ivy’s stylish interiors, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch, reflecting on the morning’s gallery discoveries while discussing the inspiration behind Shandana’s latest creations for the famous race meeting. The experience felt every bit as sophisticated and celebratory as the season itself. We chose dishes from the restaurant’s seasonal racing-inspired menu. The food was beautifully presented, with fresh, summery flavours and a refined elegance that reflected the occasion. Each dish struck a balance between classic British comfort and contemporary dining, showcasing quality ingredients and careful attention to detail.

As we dined beneath The Ivy’s glamorous interiors, our conversation turned to the craftsmanship behind Shandana’s latest Ascot creations. The leisurely lunch provided a welcome pause in the day, with impeccable service and a lively atmosphere adding to the sense of occasion. It was a fittingly stylish experience that complemented Nottingham’s thriving arts and luxury scene. I enjoyed the prawn linguini while Shandana went for a chicken dish with truffles. The heritage menu is also really good value with three courses for £20.

After a morning immersed in art, it was time to turn to high fashion. Inspired by a dose of Alexander McQueen and Johnny Depp, we stepped into Vivienne Westwood in Flying Horse Walk, where the experience felt as theatrical as the designs themselves. As we browsed, we were offered a glass of bubbles, adding an unexpected touch of indulgence to the visit. Westwood’s work remains unmistakably iconic, and we enjoyed speaking with the assistants and trying on pieces from the latest collection—understood to be among the final lines produced under her original design direction. It felt like a fitting way to close a creatively charged morning.

Given that Shandana’s work sits at the intersection of fine art and fashion, the moment felt like a natural reflection of both her practice and our friendship-effortless, expressive and instinctively aligned. Creativity, whether in a gallery or on a garment rail, seemed to flow through the day without interruption.

We also also discovered The Cheese Shop in Flying Horse Walk, where the city’s more traditional pleasures come sharply into focus. Inside, the air is rich with the unmistakable scent of mature cheese, and the shelves are stacked with carefully chosen British varieties, including local Nottinghamshire cheeses whose histories stretch back generations. It is the kind of place that immediately slows you down, drawing you into a world of craft, flavour and quiet expertise.

The shop is run by brothers Webb and Rob Freckingham, who joined forces after both reached turning points in their lives. Rob, who lost his right arm following and Webb, with a background in catering and hospitality, combined their skills to build something rooted in resilience as much as passion. Together, they have created a business that feels instinctive and enduring, shaped by lived experience rather than convention.

Now based in Flying Horse Walk after moving from smaller premises five years ago, The Cheese Shop has become a fixture of Nottingham’s independent food scene. With Rob’s experience as a World Cheese Awards judge and the brothers’ reputation for generous, informed guidance, it remains a place where expertise is offered without pretence. A simple visit becomes an experience in itself—one that balances heritage, personality and a genuine love of good food.

Overall, we had a fantastic day out in Nottingham. Altogether, it was a spontaneous and colourful day -completely unplanned in the best possible way—shaped as much by conversation and connection as by culture and style. A luxurious experience on our doorstep, revealing Nottingham as a city where art, fashion and independent spirit sit side by side comfortably.