With superhero movies, video-game adaptations and sequels bombing and getting panned by critics, Hollywood was braced for another disappointing year -- until an unheralded thriller...

A study has found that paying more for clothes doesn’t always mean they will last longer. Researchers at the School of Design at the University of Leeds performed durability tests on 65 items of clothes retailing from under £5 to around £150. The research showed that durability of both high and low-priced garments ranged from excellent to very poor. Durability refers to how long an item of clothing remains functional and wearable, without requiring much maintenance or repair when faced with normal wear and washing. T-shirts, hoodies and jeans were assessed for several factors including seam strength, resistance to ripping, colour bleeding, shrinking or losing shape. The research – commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub and retailer Primark – found women’s T-shirts priced under £10 outperformed one retailing at around £40. While hoodies priced between £11 and £20 were ranked higher on the durability scale than those priced at just under £50 and around £100. Only negligible differences in durability were found for a pair of women’s jeans priced at around £15 compared to a pair retailing at more than 10 times the price. Of all the garments tested, only menswear hoodies showed consistently higher performance than the lower priced ones. Alongside the study, Hubbub commissioned a survey of 3,000 UK adults on attitudes towards clothing care, revealing that 67% of people expect expensive clothes to last longer. The poll also found people tend to take more care when it comes to costly items, with 64% more likely to hang them up after wearing, 62% removing spills and stains, and 54% willing to carry out repairs. “Durability must become central to the debate on sustainability,” said Aoife Allen, director and fashion lead at Hubbub. “Durable clothes reduce the need for replacement purchases, increase the chance of a longer second life and offer better value for money – a significant concern in the context of the current cost of living crisis.” Other issues can also be considered when thinking about the environmental and social impact of your clothes – such as the materials used in production and transparency of the supply chain. Allen believes retailers and consumers alike must help to tackle the huge issue of clothing waste. “The fashion industry should be designing clothing to last longer, and we can help to make people aware of the simple steps that they can take to help all their clothes last longer,” Allen continues. “This research highlights that the same level of care should be given to all garments, regardless of price, to extend their life as much as possible.” So how do you make clothes last longer? Wash at lower temperatures High temperatures can cause clothes to fade more quickly and they aren’t necessary unless garments are very dirty, “For general washing of clothes that aren’t visibly stained, try washing at 30 degrees or lower and use the eco-setting on washing machines,” says Stephanie Campbell, senior creative partner (fashion) at Hubbub. “Most detergents now clean very well at low temperatures. Try using a shorter washing cycle which can also help prevent clothes from degrading.” Get to grips with care labels It’s important to check the instructions on care labels, especially when washing for the first time, to avoid any disasters. “Following the care symbols helps to avoid shrinking or damaging clothes and helps you care for them in the best possible way, so take the time to check them before washing,” says Campbell. For example, some delicate fabrics shouldn’t go in the washing machine, while others should be put in a net bag to protect them. Only wash an item when you really need to Chucking clothes in the laundry basket after every wear can have a detrimental impact on durability. “Washing clothing too much can cause colours to fade and the garment to start to break down,” says Campbell. “Unless an item is visibly dirty or has a stubborn stain, try spot cleaning marks or airing out odours to keep your clothes looking fresh.” Act fast if you spill something, she adds: “Remember to always treat stains as soon as you can – the longer you leave them the harder they are to get out.” Air your clothes out Air drying is the best way to keep clothes in good shape – as long as you pay attention to the ‘dry flat’ warning on the care label for certain items such as those made from cotton, linen or silk. “Tumble drying can shrink or damage items, so air drying can help to keep outfits fitting well and in good condition,” says Campbell. “It reduces energy bills too.” Repair instead of replacing Try to stick to the ‘make do and mend’ adage no matter how much you paid for an item. Campbell says: “Making a quick fix on a hole as soon as you’ve noticed or finding a local tailor that offers repairs is a simple way to get more wear out the clothes you’ve got and keep on enjoying your favourite items.” Love what you’ve got Sustainable fashion influencers know that ‘shopping your wardrobe’ is key to reducing your clothing waste – and saving money. “Enjoy what you already own, or swap with pals,” says Campbell. “Mix and match what’s in your wardrobe to create new outfits. Add accessories and embellishments or make alterations to update an item and breathe new life into it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Chanel is set to host a fashion show in Manchester 4 key men’s swimwear trends to rock this summer 10 ways to style up your picnic

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Formula 1’s chief executive has hinted that the organisation may have to consider ways of limiting Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominance next season. Verstappen secured a record 17th win of the 2023 campaign at the Brazilian Grand Prix and has long since sewn up a third consecutive world title. The Dutchman has dominated the sport since pipping Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 Drivers’ Championship. While dominance by a single driver or team is far from new, with Hamilton himself securing six titles in seven years between 2014 and 2020, the scale of Verstappen’s superiority has been striking. And while stressing that F1 could not be seen to be targeting the 26-year-old, Stefano Domenicali has hinted that measures may have to be put in place to allow other constructors to mount a more serious challenge. “I think if you look back at the dominance of a driver or a team, it’s always been a part of F1,” Domenicali said to Channel 4. “We need to consider one thing that for sure Max Verstappen has done and is doing an incredible job. We need to recognise that. “But if you see [the gaps in qualifying], it’s just incredible. If you look at the numbers of overtaking we are having the last two seasons, we are at the top of the scale. “We cannot be seen as a sport that is trying to do something against someone, that would be wrong. “On the other hand, the nature of Formula 1 is to make sure that next year the teams can give to the other drivers - that are very, very strong - the possibility to compete in that field.” Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship standings by a remarkable 266 points from teammate Sergio Perez. Only Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the Singapore Grand Prix has been able to break Red Bull’s monopoly on race wins this year. There are just two more races to come before the conclusion of the campaign, with a first trip to Las Vegas followed by the denouement at Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen secured a controversial first crown two years ago. Hamilton, who fell short on that occasion, raised eyebrows after racing concluded at Interlagos on Sunday when suggesting that Red Bull were so far ahead that other teams would find it too hard to close the gap for the next couple of years. “The Red Bull, I think, is so far away,” the British driver said. “I think they’re probably going to be very clear for the next couple of years. The next truly significant change to the sport is set to come in 2026 when new engine regulations will take effect. It is hoped that this will help level the playing field and attract new engine manufacturers to the sport, with a number already having expressed interest.

Cher has revealed that she is launching her very own gelato brand in Los Angeles. The “Believe” singer, 77, shared a video on social media showing a colourful food truck emblazoned with the word “Cherlato” on the side, as well as graphics of her holding a cone with a scoop of the popular treat. She wrote in the caption: “Yep, this is real… I’m launching my gelato… Watch out LA! All started five years ago and now it’s finally HAPPENING. More to come…” The pop star has had other business ventures in the past, including in the fashion and beauty industry, but this is her first foray into the food world. Fans were excited by Cher’s announcement, with many declaring that they would definitely be visiting Los Angeles to try her Italian ice cream. Some were tickled by the brand name, “Cherlato”, while others suggested ice cream names that were puns on her song titles. “If I Could Turn Back Lime vegan gelato,” one person wrote, riffing on Cher’s hit song “If I Could Turn Back Time”. “Do you believe in scoop after scoop?” another said, referring to her song “Believe”. A third had several suggestions, and wrote: “Flavours had better be based on song titles! ‘I Got Ube Babe’, ‘Believe in Life After Rum’, ‘If I Could Turn Back Lime’, ‘The Scoop Scoop Song (It’s in His Hershey’s Kiss’)’. Best I could come up with at almost 2am.” In May, Cher celebrated her 77th birthday, but showed no signs of slowing down as she wrote on Twitter: “Will someone please tell me when will I feel old? This is ridiculous. I keep hearing these numbers, but I honestly can’t understand them. What’s the deal with numbers? I’m dyslexic and numbers are hard for me.” She added in a more poignant note to fans: “Thank you for staying, I know it’s been hard.” Cher made headlines in November 2022 after she confirmed her romance with 36-year-old music producer Alexander Edwards, who she called “AE” on social media. She told fans that “love doesn’t know math” after confirming they were in a relationship. Cher and Edwards first met during Paris Fashion Week last year. However, in May, it was reported that the legendary singer had called it quits with Edwards, despite rumours that the pair were engaged. According to TMZ, the couple ended their relationship after six months of dating. Cher previously prompted speculation that she and Edwards were engaged after she shared a photograph of a huge diamond ring she received from Edwards on Christmas day. But the publication quoted a source as saying that the pair were simply “playing into the speculation it was an engagement ring”. Read More Ruth Handler: The Barbie inventor who revolutionalised prosthetic breasts and narrowly avoided prison Fans defend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid breakup rumours Gemma Atkinson and Gorka Marquez share newborn son’s sweet name and first photo Barbie’s here: 7 other fashionable films to watch Popeyes widely mocked for attempt to join ‘girl dinner’ trend Three barbecue recipes to try that aren’t burgers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 8, 2023--