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When it comes to all things arty and rainbow-hued in London, Fred Butler is your woman. The accessories designer has whipped up numbers for Lady Gaga, Björk and Nicki Minaj, but when she's not working her multi-coloured magic on pop stars, the Londoner is swinging by the capital's cultural hotspots. Here are her favourite places for a dose of inspiration.
Regent's Park for the Frieze Art Fair
'Regents Park is my serene safe-haven sanctuary. As season’s swap and autumn takes hold, Frieze London (October 5-8) takes over – and if you can’t afford a Francis Bacon triptych, you can take a trip through the sculpture park of temporary public art such as a Kusama polka dot pumpkin planted in the perennials. Take extra care to be aware in the WC’s of the main tent as this year Julie Verhoeven’s residency is taking the form of a live art performance masquerading as the toilet attendant!' Chester Rd, NW1 4NR.
The Zabludowicz Collection
'Directly north of town, between Chalk Farm and Kentish Town is this Corinthian-style converted Methodist Church – now Mecca for modern art. If you’re in town for Frieze Art Fair, I recommend leaving Regents Park to check out this nearby hub of next generation talent. The new show at The Zabludowiz Collection is the first UK solo exhibition by Donna Huanca and also the first performance-led commission in the space, with daily performances from painted models.' 176 Prince of Wales Rd, NW5 3PT.
The Barbican
'The Brutalist architecture of the various apartment blocks, ponds and fountains that make of the Barbican has been the perfect backdrop for coffee dates. My favourite aspect of the indoor space is the level of detail that goes into the installation of their main exhibitions. I cannot wait to see the upcoming major show 'The Vulgar: Fashion Redefined' (October 13) and check out resident choreographer Michael Clark Company’s next production “to a simple, rock ’n’ roll . . . song” (October 6-15).' Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
Southbank Centre
'Something is going on at the Southbank Centre. Well, obviously. But recently, I’m always ending up there. I find myself at concerts, culture festivals, Q&A film screenings, spoken-word slams, silent discos, their street-food market – and I’m already booking up for the London Jazz Festival in November.' Belvedere Rd, SE1 8XX.
Serpentine Gallery
'After retail therapy in the West End, I head west for a dose of art therapy at the Serpentine Gallery. It’s named after the adjacent snaky shape lake and is the site of a previous tearoom and gunpowder store.
'Coinciding with Frieze this year is the Serpentine's annual Miracle Marathon festival (October 8-10), named after gallery co-director Hans Ulrich Obrist’s love for running. Look up his Brutally Early Club for runs around Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.' Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, W2 3XA
Fred's got a new book out called 'It's A London Thing' published by Prestel Books. She's also doing a talk with Fashion historian Amber Jane at the V&A on October 14.