Photo courtesy of Enocha Tellus

Butterflies, the Biennale, and More Signs of Spring

Created with Van Cleef & Arpels

Budding fruit trees and warm breezes aren’t beholden to a calendar date, but the spring equinox is an astronomical certainty. With it come a sense of newness, freshness, and hopefulness, plus a host of get-out-there opportunities that feel like—and are particularly well suited for—a breath of fresh air.

Where Art Thou?

Take a gentle stroll through the luscious sculpture gardens of the Getty Villa. Its Pacific-facing location right on the PCH makes it a worthy detour on your way to or from Malibu—though we’d argue the trove of Greek and Roman antiquities merits a dedicated visit. Further abroad, the Venice Biennale is back for its 59th edition starting April 23 and running through November 27. After being postponed a year, 2022’s show, The Milk of Dreams, promises to make up for lost time in the most spectacular way.

Can you take part in these art-rich activities without wearing painterly florals? Of course you can. But why would you want to?

And for anyone looking to bring home a beloved harbinger of spring, two suggestions: one in the form of wearable art and the other, hangable. Both, needless to say, are stunning.

Photo courtesy of Francesco Galli
Artwork: Damien Hirst, Butterfly | Portfolio, 2009

1. 
   
   Van Cleef & Arpels
   pendant
   Van Cleef & Arpels, $14,900

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   The Two Butterfly collection has been setting hearts aflutter since 2001. Yet somehow, the winged motif—here, in a pendant that marries yellow gold and gleaming diamonds—is as current as ever.

2. 
   
   Totême
   jacket
   MatchesFashion, $990

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3. 
   
   Cara Cara
   top
   goop, $345

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4. 
   
   Cara Cara
   skirt
   goop, $495

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5. 
   
   Mary Allan Skincare
   beauty mist
   goop, $79

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6. 
   
   Cult Gaia
   tote
   goop, $228

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7. 
   
   Castañer
   espadrilles
   MatchesFashion, $180

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Celestial Objects

While we’re no strangers to meals enjoyed outside the confines of a dining room, the seasonal shift allows us to plan from a place of intention rather than necessity. And if your intention is to make the most of a starry night, Malibu Farm’s dinner series is a fantastic place to start.

Gleaming white accessories—sandals, a bag, a cashmere shrug that feels like a warm embrace—are a wink and a nod to the sparkling sky above. Even the jewelry is on point, with a ring of midnight-blue lapis and diamond butterflies.

If you’re keeping the party closer to home—say, to the backyard—the easiest hostess dress, an iconic dessert, and a drink that tastes like bottled sunshine do most of the work for you (let the guests do the rest).

Photo courtesy of Susannah Jennings

1. 
   
   Van Cleef & Arpels
   ring
   Van Cleef & Arpels, $21,900

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2. 
   
   The Row
   cashmere cape
   MatchesFashion, $1,950

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3. 
   
   Jimmy Choo
   Sandals
   MatchesFashion, $595

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4. 
   
   G. Label
   Denise Mini Shirtdress
   goop, $595

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5. 
   
   Atra
   Table
   Atra, from $19,844

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   Is this brass-metal-and-wood construction furniture art or artful furniture? Our guess is it depends on where you’re sitting. What we know for sure is that it’s just right for hosting a dozen or so of your nearest and dearest for a dinner alfresco.

6. 
   
   Beautycounter
   Mascara
   goop, $30

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7. 
   
   Lady M New York
   Crêpes cake
   goop, $123

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8. 
   
   Bottega Veneta
   bag
   Net-a-Porter, $2,250

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SHOP NEW ARRIVALS

We hope you enjoy the products recommended here. Our goal is to suggest only things we love and think you might, as well. We also like transparency, so, full disclosure: We may collect a share of sales or other compensation if you purchase through the external links on this page.