Dispatch: Now In Philadelphia

During the month of love, enjoy exclusive fashion collections, the hottest new pampering locale and more.

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PAMPER In need of a “me” time boost? From vitamin-packed intravenous infusions to ultrarefreshing sauna facilities, City Hydration’s (cityhydration.com) newest location on the Main Line is the perfect venue for some mind and body TLC. Newly opened this month, the premier wellness lounge has expanded to the historical Wayne neighborhood as the ultimate relaxation destination to indulge in deluxe facials, vitamin booster IVs, NormaTec compression and beyond. “We’re so excited to bring our version of health and wellness to the Main Line,” says Christie D’Arcy, a former critical care nurse and founder of the wellness oasis. “This location has been a goal for a long time, and I’m so thrilled to see it coming to fruition.”

WATCH National bestselling author, celebrated television writer and critically acclaimed playwright R. Eric Thomas is bringing a buzzworthy new stage production, Backing Track, to Old City’s Arden Theatre Company (ardentheatre.org) Feb. 14 to March 21. Along with Thomas’ brilliant storytelling, play director Rebecca Wright exquisitely crafts a comedic production, featuring an all people of color cast, about one man’s ability to reclaim his place in a gentrified neighborhood and a family dealing with an unexpected loss. “These are [the] plays of our moment... and what better way to face our reality than with theater?” Thomas says.

SHOP For 50 years, the iconic Joan Shepp (joanshepp.com) has been a go-to boutique for big-name brands like Golden Goose and Rick Owens. Lucky for Philly fashionistas, the spring lines are out and ready to peruse. Think big names like Vivienne Westwood, Plan C, Hoorsenbuhs and Courrèges. Happy shopping!

SEE Transport yourself into a magical state of illusion with unforgettable celebrity magician Mervant the Deceptionist (deceptionsphilly.com), hosted at Vesper Center City’s (vespersportsclub.com) swanky hidden speakeasy. “We are excited to bring something new and different to the market,” Vesper Center City co-owner Tim Lu says. “No one is doing anything like this in Philly.” Buckle up as Mervant combines magic, mentalism and music to dazzle the intimate audience through 2022. Between card tricks, indulge in bar snacks and small bites while sipping an array of heavenly cocktails.

SEE Stop by the Barnes Foundation’s (barnesfoundation.org) Water, Wind, Breath: Southwest Native Art in Community exhibit from Feb. 20 to May 15 to view stunning, traditional Pueblo and Navajo pottery, textiles and jewelry that were collected in various New Mexico cities in the 1930s. The “Squash Blossom Necklace,” a silver alloy formed from turquoise, leather and copper ingots, or “Serape with Poncho Slit,” a customary wool shawl crafted with vibrant red patterns, are just two of the breathtaking pieces that visitors can appreciate. The exhibit, which features nearly 100 items, will also present modern pieces from contemporary Native American artists, such as sculptures and woven textiles by Virgil Ortiz, Melissa Cody and Jason Garcia.