Top 10 November Recommendations

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Paul Smith in his first shop
Paul Smith in his first shopCourtesy of the Design Museum

This month's recommendations range from an explosive celebration of Iggy Pop to a Paul Smith retrospective and see Dolce & Gabbana as the next designers to take on the Claridges Christmas tree

1. Hello My Name Is Paul Smith – November 15 - March 9 
One of Britain’s most prestigious designers is the focus of the Design Museum's winter exhibition. Hello My Name Is Paul Smith is a celebration of the designer's past and future career, from his beginnings as a humble Nottingham based shop owner to the world-renowned fashion figure he is today. The exhibition draws on Smith’s personal archive, and includes digitally immersive recreations of both his personal office and his miniature – only 3x3m – first shop, complete with descriptive narration from the man himself.

2. Illuminum x AnOther Magazine: Scent as an Art Medium – November 13
AnOther have teamed up with Illuminum and esteemed former New York Times scent critic Chandler Burr to present a discussion on the topic of ‘Scent as an Art Medium’. Burr has authored numerous tomes concerning scent, including The Perfect Scent and The Emperor of Scent, as well as curating exhibitions on the topic. He will appear in conversation with the editor of Anothermag.com, and fragrance writer, Laura Bradley.

3. Repetto Online & J. Crew Store Opening & the new Luois Vuitton Townhouse at Selfridge's – November 8 
Launched in 1947 by designer Rose Repetto, the iconic French brand began by creating ballet shoes for dancers worldwide. Repetto catapulted to fame when 60s icon and former dancer Brigitte Bardot requested a flat ballet shoe in carmine red and they became her trademark shoe. The brand – which has since collaborated with the likes of Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake – has now launched an ecommerce site, selling the classic designs, amongst numerous new styles, internationally. This month also sees the launch of J. Crew's first London flagship store on Regent Street, as well as a boutique in Brompton Cross that will stock their J. Crew collection line. The brand have commissioned artist and set designer Shona Heath to create the façades of both stores. Finally, Louis Vuitton are also inaugurating a new space this month – a three storey "townhouse" within Selfridge's. A innovative blend of modernity and tradition, the state of the art structure has been created by French architect Gwenaël Nicolas and centres around an amazing revolving glass elevator. The store is unique in its presentation of a full brand offer and also includes the Maison’s first Digital Atelier.

4. The Allure of Chanel – November 4
First published in 1976, The Allure of Chanel has often been described as the truest Chanel memoir to date. Written from notes scribbled down by celebrated author – and friend of Chanel – Paul Morand after a series of hotel room conversations in the winter of 1946, the book recounts ‘The Story of Chanel’ as told by the legend herself. The book is now being re-released as a deluxe edition, with accompanying illustrations by Karl Lagerfeld.

5. Blue is the Warmest Colour – November 22 
After winning the prestigious Palme D’Or award at this year's Cannes Film Festival, French lesbian drama Blue is the Warmest Colour appears in UK cinemas at the end of the month. The film has been applauded worldwide for the performances of the two leads, Léa Seydoux and Adéle Exarchopoulos, and the intense, unique story.

6. Iggyfest at the ICA – November 22-23
This month the ICA are dedicating an entire weekend to the godfather of punk, Iggy Pop. Entitled Iggyfest, the event is set to go on until the early hours of Sunday morning – in true punk style. The festival will feature a live performance by The Passengers of Iggy’s breakthrough album Blah Blah Blah, as well as screenings of Iggy's films Doghouse and Coffee & Cigarettes. To top it off, there is an ‘Iggyoke’ session hosted by Lisa Ronson and Rod Melvin, followed by late night DJ sets.

7. Conversation Drinks: The School of Life – Until December 12
The innovative School of Life are hosting a series of ‘Conversation Drinks’ throughout November. The evenings invite acclaimed artists and authors to discuss and share lessons they have learnt from their favourite activists, thinkers and fellow artists in an intimate environment. First up on the schedule for November is celebrated storyteller Ben Haggarty, who will be talking about the great myths, legends and stories that have lived on without a named author, and how they are the answer to "our most pressing human questions". Haggarty is followed by the likes of Toby Litt, Simon Garfield and Robert Ferguson.

8. Claridges Christmas Tree – November 26
With previous creators including John Galliano, Alber Elbaz and Kally Ellis of McQueens Florists, this year's Christmas Tree for Claridges will follow in the fashion footsteps of its predecessors, as designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana take the helm. Set to be unveiled on the 26th November, the tree is planned to be reminiscent of a traditional Sicilian Christmas, adorned with hand painted Italian glass baubles and traditional Sicilian puppets, combining the quintessential British tastes of Claridge’s with the traditional Italian aesthetics of the designers.

9. The Geovictwardian Autumn Ambulation – November 2 
Following on from the success of his sartorial saunter this summer, modern day dandy Albion Geovictwardian is holding a winter version of the event. The Autumn Ambulation will draw in a selection of ladies and gents who dress impeccably in the Geovictwardian (Georgian/Victorian/Edwardian) style, who will stylishly wander around Bloomsbury, taking in local history and tales. After the ambulation is complete, they will retire to a local pub for tea, cake and a cup of winter Pimms.

10. Hurvin Anderson: Reporting Back – Until November 10 
The Ikon gallery in Birmingham is currently presenting an all-encompassing exhibition of the works of locally born artist Hurvin Anderson. The show includes paintings from Anderson's travels to Trinidad and those inspired by his upbringing in Birmingham’s Afro-Caribbean community ­– all of which are created in his trademark vibrant, figurative style.

Compiled by Rhiannon Wastell