Kate Middleton’s taste in jewellery is a ‘disappointment’, says former Vogue editor Suzy Menkes
The Princess of Wales has been labelled a “disappointment’ with regards to her approach to jewellery. Former Vogue editor and fashion critic Suzy Menkes made the remarks during an interview on the newest episode of her podcast Creative Conversations. Speaking to British Vogue’s jewellery editor Carol Woolton, the two discussed and analysed some of Kate Middleton’s recent style choices, explaining to listeners that as a senior member of the royal family, she would surely have access to some of the finest jewels in the country. “The Princess of Wales is a bit of a disappointment about jewellery,” said Menkes. “She gives the impression that she only puts it on when she absolutely has to.” The 79-year-old critic continued: “I imagine her looking beautiful in one of those gowns behind the scenes and then pulling a face as if to say, ‘Do I have to wear this?’ “She doesn’t give any sense of adoring jewellery and being pleased to put it on.” Menkes went on to suggest that Queen Camilla seems far more interested in jewellery, stating: “[Kate] doesn’t seem to have Camilla’s joy at wearing jewellery.” She went on: “We now have a new Queen, so presumably she has a first opportunity to look at the jewels. “We can imagine that the next in line to the throne’s wife would be something that was very special, so will we see Catherine wearing jewellery that is more dramatic, that is more personal to her? I don’t know. I can’t help feeling with things of beauty, you either love it or you don’t.” Later in the podcast, Menkes went on to discuss some of the controversy that the royal family’s jewellery collection has garnered over the years. “It’s one of these strange secrets,” she said. “It’s not discussed, and I can see why because some of the pieces are dubious. They came from India. “I won’t say they were stolen but they were perhaps given and taken by the British Royal Family. They weren’t stealing it but they were taking over a country at that time, and and taking jewels they thought were an attractive thing to take back to England with them.” Read More Kate Middleton’s sweet tradition for Prince George’s birthday Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte wear matching ruffles for eight-year-old’s first Wimbledon Adorable moment young boy meets Kate Middleton at Wimbledon Fans defend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid breakup rumours Kate Middleton’s sweet tradition for Prince George’s birthday Kate Middleton and Princess Charlotte wear matching ruffles for Wimbledon finals
2023-07-26 17:20
Deborah James’s daughter launches anniversary clothing line for Bowelbabe Fund
The daughter of Dame Deborah James has helped create a one-year anniversary collection of her late mother’s In The Style clothing line to continue raising funds for cancer research. Dame Deborah raised more than £1.7 million for her Bowelbabe Fund when she launched her fashion collection last year, which featured T-shirts with the words Rebellious Hope across the chest. In memory of her late mother, Eloise James has collaborated with In The Style to create an anniversary clothing line using Dame Deborah’s favourite prints and colours. In a video shared on Instagram, she said: “I am so excited to be working with In The Style to help create the one-year anniversary collection of my mum’s line. “I know she loved making this collection and so did I. She got all of her favourite patterns and designs so we took them out and put them into this new collection so I really hope you enjoy it. “100% of the profits are going to the Bowelbabe Fund and we’re keeping everybody in mind while doing this, this collection is for everybody.” You, Me And The Big C podcast host Dame Deborah, known as Bowelbabe online, died in June 2022 at the age of 40 after suffering from bowel cancer. She set up the Bowelbabe Fund for Cancer Research UK which has raised more than £10 million. On Instagram, In The Style said: “Just over a year ago, we launched a very special collection with our hero, Dame Deborah James. “Captivated by her rebellious hope and inspiring journey, together we created a range to raise awareness of her life-changing Bowelbabe fund. “This was something that Deborah felt really passionate about and she really put her all into creating this range with the team. “She had an immense love for fashion and the way you can use clothes to ‘make you feel better & get you through the day’, which is something we wanted to champion throughout her collections.” The online fashion house ​said despite raising almost £2 million through her collection, “in true Deb style, we’re not done yet”. “We promised Deborah that we would work closely with her family to continue to spread her message of hope and positivity and help keep her legacy going,” it said. “With this in mind, we are thrilled to announce that we’ve collaborated with her daughter Eloise James over the past few months to bring you a new collection! “This stunning range includes a variety of dresses, skirts, tops and more in sizes six to 28, and Eloise and the team have included many prints and colours that were Deborah’s favourites. “We hope you love the collection as much as we do and continue to support Deborah’s charitable legacy with these beautiful pieces.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Government has more work to do to ensure families secure quality childcare – MPs Wall squat exercises can help lower blood pressure, study suggests Wall sits and planks the best exercises for lowering blood pressure, study suggests
2023-07-26 16:49
Abortion rights amendment qualifies for November ballot in Ohio
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced Tuesday that organizers submitted enough valid signatures to put an amendment on the November ballot to enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution.
2023-07-26 05:49
Department of Education launches civil rights probe after lawsuit accuses Harvard of giving preferential treatment to legacy admissions
The US Department of Education has begun a civil rights investigation into whether Harvard University discriminates in its admissions process by giving preferential treatment to children of wealthy donors and alumni, roughly three weeks after a lawsuit made those allegations.
2023-07-26 05:30
H&M sues fast fashion retailer Shein for copyright infringement
H&M has filed a lawsuit against infamous fast fashion retailer Shein for copyright infringement, according to court documents filed in Hong Kong. Hennes & Mauritz, the Swedish fashion brand more commonly known as H&M, has accused Zoetop Business Co – the Hong Kong-based entity that previously owned Shein – as well as Shein Group Ltd of copying its designs in the new lawsuit. H&M is seeking unspecified damages and an injunction to stop Shein from infringing on its copyright and trademarks. According to Bloomberg, the filing included photos of dozens of items – such as swimwear and sweaters – that H&M claimed was evidence Shein had stolen its designs. In a statement, an H&M spokesperson confirmed to Bloomberg it filed a lawsuit against Shein in Hong Kong, claiming the fast-fashion competitor “in multiple cases has infringed on our designs”. The next hearing is slated to take place July 31. More follows… Read More Fast fashion retailer Shein accused of racketeering and copyright infringement in lawsuit Chinese e-retailer Temu files lawsuit in US against rival Shein, alleging antitrust violations Italian designer launches scathing attack on Shein over ‘stolen ideas’: ‘Maybe I am the fool’
2023-07-26 00:55
Model hits back at ‘weirdos’ claiming her body is ‘fake’
Runway model Marissa Dubois has hit out at critics who suggested she has had plastic surgery to achieve her body shape. The Miami-based model and content creator went viral over the weekend after a video of her walking the runway for retailer Hot Miami Styles resurfaced on social media. A clip of Dubois strutting down the runway was shared on the Daily Loud Twitter account, prompting thousands of comments – both positive and negative. While many complimented Dubois for her modelling, others claimed that parts of her body were “fake” and “unnatural”, with some accusing her of undergoing plastic surgery. The model addressed the claims by sharing a throwback photo from her high school days, holding up a sign during her senior year. In the photo, a young Dubois smiles at the camera whole holding a colourful sign with the words “Big Judy” framing a curvy behind in jeans. She wrote in the caption: “For the weirdos that somehow think my body’s fake… This was my senior sign in [high school].” Fans showed their support for Dubois’ clapback with messages of support in the comments. “It’s always smart to keep receipts but in this case, let the haters hate. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone!” one person wrote. “Keep on blessing that runway (as well as us all) and continue reaching for and achieving all of your hopes and dreams.” Another added: “That’s why you got that zest in your walk, doctors can’t give anybody that.” A third said: “You don’t owe anyone any explanation. You are beautiful.” Dubois also received negative criticism about her curvy figure after trolls claimed she was “overweight”. However, fans also came to her defence and praised body diversity on the runway. “A lot of the comments make no sense. I see a beautiful curvy woman owning it,” one person said. Another declared: “Glad we’re finally evolving to have different women with different body shapes modelling.” Dubois’ appearance on the runway is refreshing for many viewers, particularly since the fashion industry came under fire this year for reducing the number of diverse models on the catwalk compared to previous years. Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief at British Vogue, spoke out against the lack of diversity in March after Fashion Month. Sharing the April 2023 cover of the magazine, which included models Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee and Jilla Kortleve, Enninful wrote on social media that he felt like he “had gotten into a time machine” while attending shows during Fashion Month. “Show after show dominated by one body type, so many limited versions of womanhood, it felt like we were slipping back,” he said. “From runways in Milan and New York, to the red carpets of the recent awards season, we all saw it happen: one prescribed notion of beauty prevailed again, and it felt like the reality of so many women around the world were being ignored.” Enninful recently stepped down from his role as editor-in-chief and will take on a new title at Condé Nast as global creative and cultural advisor of Vogue. Read More My Taylor Swift exercise class has led me down a luxury fitness rabbit hole Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls The bowel cancer symptom George Alagiah wished he’d caught earlier What you need to know about the massive LVMH deal with the Paris Olympics 6 of the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends to know about Barbie fans roast Ben Shapiro for complaining about movie ‘while dressed as Ken’
2023-07-25 20:24
What you need to know about the massive LVMH deal with the Paris Olympics
The LVMH group has announced a significant partnership with the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. The luxury goods conglomerate – which owns brands including Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Tiffany & Co, Moët & Chandon, Hennessy and Dom Perignon – unveiled the news one year ahead of the XXXIII Summer Olympics, set to begin on July 26, 2024. The partnership will include providing products for Olympic events, crafting medals and sponsoring athletes. “It was only natural that LVMH and its maisons be part of this exceptional international event,” said Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH. “Sport is a tremendous source of inspiration for our maisons, which will unite creative excellence and athletic performance by contributing their savoir-faire and bold innovation to this extraordinary celebration.” The first athlete to receive LVMH sponsorship is swimmer Léon Marchand. A strong medal contender for France, the 21-year-old has won three world champion titles and is the world record-holder of the 400-metre individual medley. Make-up brand Sephora will be a partner for the Olympic Torch Relay, while Moët Hennessy wines and the LVMH spirit brands will provide beverages for the Games’ hospitality program. Parisian jeweller Chaumet will design the Olympic and Paralympic medals, and luxury fashion labels Louis Vuitton, Dior and Berluti will lend their expertise in the run-up to the event. LVMH has also committed to expanding its charitable efforts, starting with an initiative with longstanding non-profit partner Secours Populaire Francais. The scheme will facilitate access to sports for 1,000 children and young people aged four to 25 who live in vulnerable situations via funding for sports association memberships, training programs and beginner classes. “LVMH already supported us during our bid for the Summer Olympics and we are thrilled to have the Group with us 100% for this exciting adventure,” said Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 Olympic Committee. “With its exceptional know-how, the LVMH Group will bring its immensely creative talent to this project and enable us to benefit from its extensive experience.” LVMH jewellers and leather goods brands have a long history of creating trophies and travel cases for major sporting competitions. The Super Bowl and US Open trophies are created by Tiffany & Co, while the leather trunks that house the World Cup, NBA Championship and Monaco Grand Prix trophies are all made by Louis Vuitton. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Bisexual people ‘experience worse health than other adults’ What’s the coolest bedding to survive summer heat and night sweats? How to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your garden
2023-07-25 18:58
Russia proposes joint research module on space station for China, India, Brazil and South Africa
The head of Russia's space agency has extended an offer to Moscow's partners in the BRICS group -- Brazil, India, China and South Africa -- to participate in the construction of a joint module for its planned orbital space station, state media reported Monday.
2023-07-25 15:26
6 of the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends to know about
While the bridal gown will usually be the sartorial focal point of any wedding (and rightly so), bridesmaid’s outfits are an important part of the overall aesthetic. As a bride, not only do you want your bridesmaids’ dresses to complement yours, you also want your BFFs to feel fabulous on your big day – and depending on the size of your bridal party, you’ll have several opinions to take into account. As with bridal gowns, bridesmaid trends come and go too, so what’s hot this wedding season? We asked fashion experts to run down the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends of the moment. Here’s what they had to say… 1. Sage green Six Stories Sage Halter Neck Satin Bridesmaid Dress, £120“Sage green is definitely the most popular colour for bridesmaid dresses this season,” says Lucy Menghini, founder of Six Stories. Following last year’s surge in deep green shades like emerald, now softer hues have come to the fore. “The good thing about sage green is that it can work all year round,” Menghini adds. “While it’s a beautiful shade for summer, the grey undertones make it a perfect pick for autumn/winter weddings too.” 2. Same shade, different styles Gone are the days when every bridesmaid had to wear an identical dress or the exact same colour. “With this trend, bridesmaids can wear a variety of different shape and style dresses, which are tied together by being similar hues of the same colour, or a range of complimentary colours,” says Kirsty Keoghan, global general manager of fashion at eBay UK. “I love this trend because it promotes individuality and helps bridesmaids feel their most confident selves on the big day.” It makes shopping a whole lot easier too, adds Menghini: “It also allows the bridesmaids to have a say in what type of dress they find most comfortable and flattering.” 3. Classic black dresses Monsoon Beatrice Crepe Bardot Maxi Dress Black, £87.50 (was £125)While a black wedding gown might not be for everyone, contrasting the white or ivory bridal look with black bridesmaid dresses creates a modern, minimalist colour palette. “Many people are often intimidated by a set of black bridesmaid dresses, however this look adds elegance and finesse to any wedding,” says Menghini. “Black dresses are also perfect for those with large bridal parties, who are looking for different styles of dresses in the same colour, as you won’t have to worry about matching the shades.” 4. Pre-loved pieces “One trend we’ve seen boom is bridesmaids wearing pre-loved wedding attire, with 58% of newlyweds looking at ways to shop sustainably and 75% of couples getting married looking to keep the costs down,” says Keoghan. Occasionwear is perfect for shopping second-hand, because many garments have only been worn once so they’re in excellent condition (plus there might be big savings to be made). Bringing together dresses from brands like, Monsoon, Karen Millen and Ted Baker, eBay has launched a pre-loved wedding hub. Keoghan adds: “Bridesmaids can look to the hub to find unique options from the high-street, to high-end, that increase the lifespan of the dress, for a fraction of the retail price.” 5. Satin no more Traditionally, bridesmaid dresses often had a silk or satin finish, but recently there’s been a trend for different materials and textures. “In particular, velvet dresses have emerged as a front runner in autumn and winter weddings, as a fabric which adds a new layer of elegance and luxe to the bridal party, while also providing a bit of warmth for the person wearing it,” says Keoghan. “Taking it a step further, we expect to see more bridal party styling to feature dresses which are made from an array of fabrics, whether it’s velvet, lace or chiffon.” 6. Style over symmetry New Look Pale Grey Satin One Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress, £45.99“One shoulder silhouettes are set to take over weddings this summer – it is definitely the bridesmaid shape of 2023,” Menghini says. “Perfect for summer weddings, the asymmetric shape is stylish and sleek and is such a flattering shape.” Also, multi-way maxi dresses are a stylish solution for bridesmaids – the ribbon ties can be fashioned into an asymmetric neckline. How should you style a one-shoulder dress? “Accessories can be pretty minimal, as the neckline is the star of the show,” says Menghini. “Steer clear of necklaces and stick with simple earrings, rings and a bracelet.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Experts share 8 healthy habits to help you live longer Husband fired from family business after wife roleplayed with reborn dolls George Alagiah: What are the signs of bowel cancer?
2023-07-25 15:20
Paris to bring back swimming in Seine after 100 years
Banned for a century because of filthy water, bathing is to resume in parts of the river in Paris.
2023-07-25 08:17
10 Strange and Surprisingly Specific National Park Rules
National Park rules go beyond the general Leave No Trace guidelines. These surprising cover everything from wildlife to waste.
2023-07-25 06:15
Britney Spears joins Spotify's 'Billions Club'
It's been seven years since Britney Spears released her last album, but she's still making news in the music space.
2023-07-25 04:16