Town & Country UK Spring 2020

At Town & Country, our remit is to provide you, our loyal readers, with ‘the best of both worlds’. But few of us would dispute that in springtime, the nicest place to be is in the country. Who can fail to be moved by the annual miracle of stark-naked trees clothing themselves anew in fluttering blossom and pale-green leaves, and fragile shoots piercing through the solid earth? As daffodils trumpet their intoxicating fragrance to a softer air, and in the fields, new-born lambs leap with sheer joy at being alive, it’s all but impossible not to feel that same pulse of optimism and freshly minted energy that makes spring, as Tolstoy wrote, ‘the time of plans and projects’. So it stands to reason that in the first issue of 2020,…

KATE SPICER The journalist and broadcaster, who writes for newspapers including The Times and The Telegraph, is also the author of a bestselling memoir, Lost Dog, in which she goes in search of her straying canine companion. On page 63, she reveals the social benefits of dog ownership in London. A landscape you love ‘Wild, British and coastal does it for me, from Cornwall to the Cuillin on Skye.’ Your dream National Trust property ‘I love the idea of a vast granite country mansion like Lanhydrock, but it isn’t very practical, so I choose the Homewood, a modernist house in Surrey – assuming I get to live in it.’ Spring has sprung when…‘you start wondering when it will be warm enough to drink rosé.’ AARON BERTELSEN Originally from New Zealand, the vegetable gardener…

As the fierce rowing rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge once again comes to a head, this is the time to demonstrate where your loyalties lie – in a cream and azure striped jacket from Philosophy or Michael Kors’ navy nautical blazer. Whether you’re cheering from the grassy banks or taking shelter inside a riverside pub, Tory Burch’s stylish block heels will help you see above the crowds, while a bright cross-body Gucci bag will keep your hands free for jaunty revelling. PHOTOGRAPHS: AGATA POSPIESZYNSKA, GETTY IMAGES,© KEYSTONE USA/ZUMAPRESS.COM, PIXELATE. COMPILEDBY CRYSTALLE COX. SEE STOCKISTS FOR DETAILS…

With more than 350 writers and thinkers in attendance, this is an occasion to pay sartorial homage to your favourite book characters. Clarissa Dalloway will attest that florals are a must, so pair an embellished Prada skirt with a sprinkling of Tiffany jewels that would satisfy Daisy Buchanan’s magpie eye. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird might prefer to channel Scout Finch’s practical aesthetic in Miu Miu’s dungaree dress. PHOTOGRAPHS: ERIK MADIGAN HECK, GETTY IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK,PIXELATE. COMPILED BY ROSIE ARKELL-PALMER. SEE STOCKISTS FOR DETAILS…

Peruse the prize blooms at the Three Counties Showground in an ensemble worthy of a gold medal. Alberta Ferretti’s denim jacket recalls a carpet of flowering bluebells, while a textured yellow Dior gown references the uplifting hue of daffodils. As you tour the glorious show gardens, Fendi’s floral raincoat will surely deter any showers, especially when worn with Holland & Holland’s bucket hat. PHOTOGRAPHS: RICHARD PHIBBS, GETTY IMAGES, MEGA, PIXELATE.COMPILED BY GEORGIA MEDLEY. SEE STOCKISTS FOR DETAILS…

Whether you’ll be singing ‘Swing Low’ or ‘Calon Lan during this highly anticipated match, it’s worth making comfort your ultimate style goal, as you’ll undoubtedly be on your feet most of the day. Try a cotton dress courtesy of Loewe, topped with Gucci’s cosy cord jacket and a soft Holland & Holland scarf. Bonus points for accessorising with Hermès trainers, which are smart enough for post-match drinks in the East Wing. PHOTOGRAPHS: WENN, GETTY IMAGES, PIXELATE.COMPILED BY HARRIET ELTON. SEE STOCKISTS FOR DETAILS…