List of All Articles with Tag 'fashion'

An iconic Vogue cover, featuring Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Tatjana Patitz, Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford in 1990, which capture the age of the Nineties supermodel, has been recreated more than 30 years later. The story, which will appear on the UK and US editions with the cover line: “The Greatest of All Time”, will be missing German model Tatjana Patitz, who died earlier this year. The original photograph appeared on the cover of the January 1990 edition of Vogue and has been reimagined for the 2023 September cover. The four models will appear in the forthcoming four-part Apple TV+ docuseries, The Super Models, as they reflect on the beginnings of their modelling careers in the late Eighties and early Nineties. The show will be premiering on 20 September. The four women, now in their fifties, are often considered to be among the first supermodels to become celebrities and known as household names outside of the fashion industry. Speaking to Vogue, Campbell said of her early days of modelling: “There was a sisterhood there, defined by caring and loyalty: when one is down you pick the other one up.” Elsewhere in the interview, Campbell recalled how her life began to change when she became famous, like when photographers captured her outside a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in 2001. “I was made to feel ashamed of my recovery,” she said. “It wasn’t that I was in hiding, but this is something you talk about when you are ready.” Meanwhile, Evangelista opened up about her own experience with Botox, after trying the CoolSculpting procedure that left her face “disfigured”. “I don’t mind and I never did mind ageing. Ageing gets us to where we want to be, and that’s for me a long life,” she said. “[Makeup artist] Kevyn Aucoin was so afraid of wrinkles and he never got them. I want wrinkles – but I Botox my forehead so I am a hypocrite – but I want to grow old.” Much of the feature focuses on what the four models have overcome and survived in their careers, such as “grunge” and the pre-#MeToo era. All four models said they largely avoided sexual exploitation despite working with photographers who have been accused of sexually inappropriate behaviour with models. Crawford explained she would avoid lots of parties, Turlington said it was down to “luck and grace”, while Campbell said she was taught to “speak up” by her family. “You’d get invited to a party on someone’s yacht and I’d think, ‘What do you even wear on a yacht? What fork do you use?’” said Crawford. “So I would just not go and, yes, I probably missed out on some fabulous opportunities but probably avoided some less than fabulous opportunities as well.” Edward Enninful, outgoing editor-in-chief of British Vogue – he will step down from the role in March to become Vogue’s global creative and cultural adviser – styled all four models for the cover shoot. Writing about the decision to put the four models on the September issue cover in his Editor’s Letter, Enninful wrote: “For such a hallowed moment, my esteemed co-conspirator Anna Wintour – editor-in-chief of American Vogue and Condé Nast’s chief content officer – and I decided there was only one thing for it.” “We had to put the legendary quartet simultaneously on the cover of both British and American Vogues.” You can read the full Vogue cover story here. The Super Models will be available to watch on Apple TV+ from 20 September. Read More Fan who went into labour at Pink concert names newborn son after her Husband ‘ruins’ dinner because of his wife’s typo: ‘The worst kind of control freak’ Woman says her life was ‘blown up’ by viral plane rant where she called passenger ‘not real’ Will the gendered separation in clothing ever cease to exist? All the top models and celebs in Victoria Secret’s new Icons campaign Government urged to remove VAT from period pants

I remember the day I realised the embodiment of my persona was a long-sleeve ironed shirt with only the collar close-lipped. Initially, I gravitated toward the crisp button-down for function, as my former workplace tended to emit heaps of chilly air, but a spontaneous feeling compelled me to button the top, leaving the rest of the shirt open. It may have been, in part, my obsession with wanting to define my look outside of popular construction or how this new silhouette framed my figure. Regardless, the androgynous piece of clothing left me feeling more confident than ever before. A clothing rack full of these formal tops sits perpendicular to my bed now, and I wear them strategically closed with almost every outfit. I couldn’t tell you exactly what it is about them that makes me feel alluring and powerful, but my style hasn’t been the same since. Now more than ever, women are setting aside archival forms of womenswear for the structure of men’s clothing, assuming their most confident, authentic selves. Mini denim shorts, bodycon dresses, and micro skirts are being swapped for baggy jorts and boxers. Individuals are donning contrasting proportions, taking risks, and exuding self-assurance in items that have historically been deemed representative of masculine codes in Western fashion. In doing so, women are diminishing the gap between gendered collections. According to Hazel Clark, professor of fashion studies at Parsons School of Design, women initiated the crossover between menswear and womenswear in the early 19th century when they started working in coal mines and riding horses. A working-class of women deliberately assumed the male dress code, whether business or activity related, because womenswear constricted their necessary movement with tight bodices and corded petticoats. Here, function and ability took precedent over society’s expectation of femininity as more opted to dirty a pair of trousers instead of their voluptuous gowns. Heading into the Second World War and the 20th century, the design gap minimised further when women’s roles in society advanced. In the 1940s, men were forced to leave their factory jobs for war, leaving their female counterparts to fill their positions. For women to be respected in the workplace, they mirrored the male look and wore the classic pantsuit. Francesca Granata, professor of fashion theory and history at Parsons, identified the “power suit of the 1980s” as “a classic instance of women trying to access men’s power in the workplace by wearing an outfit which imitated menswear and with wife shoulders: the ideal male physique.” She noted: “Yet the wide-shouldered suit jacket was often rendered appropriately feminine by being paired with a skirt.” With this came an influx of women wearing these masculine codes outside of the workplace. Though my grey dress pants from the men’s section of a closet sale were welcomed into my weekly rotation almost immediately, it took a lot of courage and self-assurance back then for women to wear similar pairs, just like it did for them to wear miniskirts when both styles were socially unacceptable. The initial need for “businesswear” transformed into desired style even if it meant a woman could be labeled as “inappropriate” or be refused at the door of an establishment. Looks from men turned to public disapproval, but that didn’t stop the progression of women dressing in menswear at all. “Although baggy clothing has been acceptable for men for quite some time, especially in the US, unlike older appropriation of menswear which were often adapted to be more skintight or revealing or somewhat rendered ‘feminine’ baggy clothes question the old dictum that women’s bodies should be on display for the male gaze,” Professor Granata remarked. In other words, this “sense of power dressing” left the confines of the office environment alongside any lingering thought to the heteronormative gaze. Fast forward to the early 21st century, when the groundwork for this fashion fusion had been laid in terms of utility and preference. As society began to understand sexuality and gender fluidity, non-gendered collections became increasingly popular. Designers became more proactive about creating androgynous clothing that didn’t need to be separated into the two typical identifiers: women and men. “Fashion must get to a point where we don’t have to talk about gender,” designer and creative director of Loewe Jonathan Anderson wrote in Amelia Anderson’s “What We Can Do Better” in 2021, nine years after he introduced the first transgender collection for his eponymous brand. “Fashion can be a way to experiment with character or to work out your identity, and I believe that clothes can have a protective role on a more emotional level.” Anderson’s obsession with how queer individuals dressed contributed to his perception that fashion can be used to “break the rules”. To him, clothing is a marker of individuality and subculture, which is what motivates him to create designs for people to express themselves free from outdated norms. Between boxy, textured T-shirts, bouncy blouses, and tailored high-waisted pants, Anderson’s worked to incorporate rival style cues even in his gender-specific collections. “Clothing is full of paradoxes, but ultimately it can empower us - and in a world that has historically taken power away from queer people, that can be vital,” he proclaimed. “In a world that often expects certain things for certain people when it comes to clothes - where society wants men, say, to wear some things, and women to wear others - I sometimes question why I do menswear and womenswear shows. But for me, it’s not about classifying people, it’s about using these categories as ideas - ideas to borrow from.” As designers helped bridge the gap, celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid have been seen being more experimental in campaigns for big name brands as well as in their personal street style. The 26-year-old Rhode Skin founder has been a recognised ambassador for the French fashion house, Yves-Saint Laurent, a company which has irrevocably impacted womenswear since their 1966 creation of a menswear-motivated tuxedo for women called “Le Smoking.” Both Bieber and Hadid blend feminine and masculine codes in everyday wear, leading the craze for oversized jean shorts and lengthy vintage sportswear paired with dainty ballet flats and platform boots. Other brands, such as Uniqlo and Thom Browne, design collections labelled and distributed as menswear and womenswear, but the items are still being bought and worn interchangeably. “It’s hard to explain,” Marissa Petteruti, senior menswear designer at Rag & Bone, tells The Independent when asked why she feels more assured in men’s clothing over feminine-labelled pieces. “I’ve always just felt more comfortable in, you know, oversized men’s shirts and pants. I kind of always have gravitated toward men’s fashion. I remember when I was a kid, my parents used to tell me: ‘You have to wear a skirt one day a week.’ I never saw why I couldn’t wear whatever I wanted. So maybe part of it became going against what my parents wanted me to do.” Petteruti has cultivated a closet full of suit pants, designer shirts, and vintage bomber jackets in pursuit of the perfect capsule wardrobe and collection of exclusive ready-to-wear. Ever since she attended the Parsons School of Design, pressure and expectation were absent from her style. Here, Petteruti was drawn to the serenity of menswear, and she appreciated the simplicity of its form more than women’s clothing. Her eyes wandered to streetwear brands such as Supreme and Hood-by-Air because the concept of a lux T-shirt intrigued her, and oversized pieces were pleasing. When she started at Rag & Bone, she learned that men’s tailoring was more extensive, but even so, the trends were ephemeral - meaning the pieces were inherently timeless. Womenswear detailing such as peplum cuts, scallop or lace trimming, floral embellishments, and sheer fabrics tend to cycle through seasonal collections more frequently than the stylistic choices and material preferences within menswear. The classic button-down may be presented in a specific range of colours depending on whether it’s fall or spring, but the shape and design stay the same. In other words, womenswear is more likely to follow suit with trends. Industry leaders and A-listers embracing a more avant-garde mindset in ready-to-wear and street style begs the question of whether brands will ever officially scrap the formal separation of womenswear and menswear. “Why do they have to be called ‘men’s clothing’? Just ‘cause you put the buttons on one side of the shirt and the fly on one side of the shirt and the reverse. It’s, it’s silly to me,” Petteruti agreed when asked if she thought the division was necessary. “I mean, the interesting thing about fashion now is at any given moment, it’s so diverse. We don’t all wear the same things to be in fashion. If we wanted to be in fashion, I mean, regardless of our sort of age or gender, you know, they’re like lots of different choices we can make, depending on the kind of the group we associate with or who we follow,” Clark explained. But Clark doesn’t believe concrete separation is on the horizon, due to the sizing and proportional differences between a man versus a woman. “Men’s and women’s bodies are different. You know, I mean, that’s part of it. Size and physique will prevent womenswear and menswear from being entirely infused with one another,” she proclaimed. Petteruti would argue that there’s potential. Already, she’s seen Rag & Bone mix more feminine codes into their menswear designs with varying fabrics and silhouettes. Being that inspiration is often plucked from the demand and visibility of others who motivate obsessions, the runway no longer dictates style fads. This means it may be expensive on the backend for companies, but we could see collections move away from the label if consumers want more androgynous, unisex pieces. As for Granata, she interprets the division of womenswear and menswear as already having been “tenuous,” which is exactly why women found themselves gravitating toward masculine codes to begin with. Read More How hip-hop went from being shunned by big business to multimillion-dollar collabs Dior celebrates 5 years as designer in gender-fluid Paris men's show Womenswear leads the way as Ted Baker sales soar

If you’re a dedicated skincare junkie, you might be thinking about how you can get that glow beyond your night-time skincare routine. Facials can be an appealing way of targeting any concerns you might have and giving your skin a bit of professional care. But they’re undoubtedly expensive, and generally more of an investment than buying a pot of moisturiser. Naturally, you want to spend your money as wisely as possible – and if you do have the extra funds for a facial, you don’t want to waste it. So, what’s the best type of facial to get for your age group? In your 20s “Facials and skincare choices in your 20s should be preventative; aiming to optimise your skin’s health and supercharging collagen and elastin levels,” says Dr Thuha Jabbar, aesthetic doctor and founder of Almas Dental. “Hydrafacials are a great, non-invasive skin boosting treatment that deep cleanse the skin, brighten and reduce fine lines. Chemical peels and other non-invasive facial treatments are also great to improve skin tone and keep breakouts at bay.” Dr Sophie Shotter is also a fan of Hydrafacials (which start from £125 depending on clinic and location – available in over 1,300 UK and Ireland providers). They provide a deep clean, followed by extracting any impurities then moisturising the skin. Shotter says they can “help to give the skin a deep clean, minimising the risk of breakouts. LED [light therapy facials] is also an excellent choice. Many facialists will combine techniques for best results.” Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist at the Lucia Clinic, recommends microdermabrasion for people in their 20s – a process where fine crystals and a vacuum are used to remove dead skin cells. She says it’s “a great treatment for brightening dull skin and reducing pigmentation. Perfect for young adults.” In your 30s When you hit your 30s, this is the time when Shotter recommends “starting to think about upping the ante” with your skincare. She recommends facials which incorporate microneedling – a process where small needles pierce the top layer of your skin. “We often start to notice the early signs of ageing, as collagen loss kicks in through our 30s, and these treatments can help to stimulate collagen production leading to significant improvements in skin texture,” Shotter says. Lukian recommends a facial that incorporates dermaplaning – where a scalpel removes hair and dead layers of skin – which she says can help “combat free radical damage, stimulate collagen and improve skin texture”. In your 40s When you reach your 40s, Lukian suggests LED light therapy and laser skin resurfacing treatments, as they “become more relevant to target wrinkles, stimulate collagen and improve skin elasticity”. She adds: “Laser skin resurfacing uses targeted laser energy to promote collagen production – revealing healthier, younger-looking skin.” Kim Kardashian, 42, is a fan of laser facials, and often posts about her treatments on Instagram. Jabbar adds: “Your 40s is a great time to try laser treatments, to reduce the visibility of wrinkles and boost the overall health and appearance of your skin. From laser skin resurfacing treatments to IPL [intense pulsed light] facials that reduce hyperpigmentation and sun spots, lasers are a versatile and non-invasive option which can restore a youthful glow to your skin.” In your 50s and beyond “In your 50s and beyond, keeping focused on collagen stimulation with similar approaches to our 40s certainly helps a lot,” says Shotter. “But in our 50s, we often start to notice many more visible signs of ageing, including pigmentation and skin wrinkling (elastosis). Using deeper chemical peels or resurfacing laser techniques, which may carry a little downtime, but are worthwhile for the results.” For this age range, she says skin hydration “is also often a higher concern than in younger years”, so hydrating facials are an excellent choice too. While Hydrafacials are great in your 20s, they’re equally beneficial in your 50s and beyond – singer and actor Jennifer Lopez, 54, recently collaborated with the brand for her own ‘JLo Beauty Booster’ that can come as part of the treatment.

The pattern is named after the European dance craze, but what exactly the dots have to do with polka is a bit of a mystery.

The unofficial—but widely known—fashion rule can be traced back more than 100 years to some snobby millionaires.

Victoria’s Secret has launched a new campaign, which brings back models from the lingerie brand’s once-iconic “Angels” list alongside some newer faces. Launching its new The Icon by Victoria’s Secret collection on Thursday (10 August), the brand has also been teasing its film-style fashion show, the Victoria’s Secret World Tour, which will stream on Prime Video on 26 September. The campaign is part of the company’s major rebrand, after it was criticised for promoting unrealistic body image with its non-inclusive culture and accused of failing to protect its models against sexual misconduct. In response to the criticism, Victoria’s Secret got rid of its “Angels” team in 2021 and replaced it with the “VS Collective”, a group of seven successful women. The “Angels” were a ever-growing group of some of the most famous and in-demand models of the time, and included the likes of Tyra Banks, Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Chanel Iman, Heidi Klum, Lily Aldridge and more. As the brand strives to improve ethnic and body diversity among its models, it chose seven successful women to be part of the collective, not all of them fashion models. It includes models Adut Akech and Paloma Elsesser – who both feature in the new campaign – as well as journalist Amanda de Cadenet, athlete Eileen Gu, professional footballer Megan Rapinoe, actor Priyanka Chopra Jones, and model Valentina Sampaio. Victoria’s Secret released a black-and-white promotional video for its latest campaign on social media, revealing all the famous faces who are participating. Here are all the models in Victoria’s Secret new Icons campaign: Naomi Campbell While Naomi Campbell was a frequent face on Victoria’s Secret’s legendary fashion shows, she was never an Angel. As reported by People in 2020, the supermodel told The Sun that the brand “could not afford” her. Gisele Bundchen Gisele Bundchen became an Angel in 1999. She walked her last Victoria’s Secret Runway Show in 2005. Candice Swanepoel The South African model became an Angel in 2010. She has also previously been on the cover of the brand’s Swim Catalogue and donned the US$10m “Fantasy Bra” on the runway in 2013. Adriana Lima Adriana Lima was an Angel for nearly two decades before she hung up her wings in 2018. The year before she ended her time as an Angel, the Brazilian model was named “the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel”. Adut Akech Victoria’s Secret announced that Adut Akech had joined its family in June 2022. At the time, the South Sudanese and Australian model said on Instagram: “To be working alongside this brand that is continuing to transform to being a brand that advocates for all women, telling our stories and making the real positive changes that it should’ve done a while ago.” Emily Ratajkowski Emily Ratajkowski has previously modelled on Victoria’s Secret runways. Throughout her career, she has appeared on numerous magazine covers, including Vogue Australia and Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issues, and has strutted down the runway for Marc Jacobs, Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and other designers. Hailey Bieber Influencer Hailey Bieber joined the VS Collective in 2021, although she has never walked a Victoria’s Secret show before. She wrote at the time: “I’m humbled to be in the company of these amazing women, many of whom have inspired me in countless ways with their own stories. I look forward to helping to create positive change as part of the VS collective.” Sui He Chinese model Sui He was the first East Asian model to open a Ralph Lauren show and only the second model of Chinese descent to walk Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Paloma Elsesser One of the “founding members” of the VS Collective, Paloma Elsesser describes herself as a “mixed Black fem in a size 14 body”. Speaking to the New York Times after she joined the group, Elsesser said it gave her a platform to “make radical change” and is lobbying for the brand to increase its sizing to XXXXXL. Read More Fake meat is dying, but that shouldn’t mean the end of veganism Lil Tay: Mystery surrounds ‘death’ of 14-year-old Canadian influencer Woman behind ‘not real’ plane tirade identified as marketing executive with $2m home Government urged to remove VAT from period pants How to get the ‘quiet luxury’ look on the high street Rihanna breastfeeds baby RZA as she launches Savage X Fenty maternity wear

More than 50 MPs, retailers and charities have written to the government urging it to remove the 20% VAT on period pants, the reusable underwear designed to be worn as an alternative to using tampons and sanitary towels. Other period products such as pads, tampons and menstrual cups are exempt from VAT, but consumers currently pay a 20% tax on period pants as they are classified as garments. The letter, signed by 35 MPs and peers, the chief executives of Marks & Spencer and Ocado, the publisher of Hello! magazine and several charities and non-profit organisations, including Breast Cancer Now, the Marine Conservation Society and Forum for the Future, calls on Financial Secretary to the Treasury Victoria Atkins to reclassify the pants as period products in the Chancellor’s autumn statement later this year. The government made a brilliant start by removing VAT from disposable period products but we need them to finish the job and level the playing field so that whatever period product someone chooses to use, it is VAT free Victoria McKenzie-Gould, M&S M&S has also launched the new Say Pants to the Tax campaign with the period underwear brand Wuka, promising to pass on 100% of any cost savings to shoppers if it is successful. A five-pack bundle of period pants at M&S costs £35, but would be £28 without VAT, while a pack of three – currently £20 – would drop to £16. M&S, which said it sells more than 6,000 packs of the pants each week, and Wuka calculated that their customers combined had paid more than £3 million in VAT on period pants. A survey of 268 women aged 18 to 54, conducted last month, found that 23% of respondents cited cost as a reason for not using period pants, with 83% in favour of dropping VAT from the products. Period pants can be washed and worn again for months, which means they can save consumers money and help reduce plastic waste. Wuka estimates that one pair of period pants can save 200 single-use plastic disposables from going to landfill. Victoria McKenzie-Gould, corporate affairs director at M&S, said: “The government made a brilliant start by removing VAT from disposable period products but we need them to finish the job and level the playing field so that whatever period product someone chooses to use, it is VAT free. “Nearly 25% of women cite cost as a barrier to using period pants. If they were classified as they should be – as a period product – the government can make this brilliant alternative to disposable products a more cost-effective option for UK consumers.” In May, the Treasury said it would analyse whether the removal of the “tampon tax” has helped lower prices. Responding to a written question from the Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, the government said a tax reduction was able to “contribute to the conditions for price reductions” and it was “looking into whether this important zero rating is being passed on by retailers to women as intended”. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to lower your blood sugar levels, as new research reveals heart disease link Remove VAT from period pants, government urged ‘Long Covid has taken away my ability to eat food or urinate in three years’

Fads come and go, but when is a trend not a trend? “The ‘quiet luxury’ anti-trend is an understated approach to dressing that can be perfected by styling timeless, low-key staples with minimalistic designs,” says Sheila McKain, chief product officer at Hush. Indeed, when celebrating classic tailoring, ‘quiet luxury’ proves a little goes a long way. Think pared-down pieces that don’t shout ‘look at me,’ but have a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes you look effortlessly chic and rich – without a logo or label in sight. To master this aesthetic, McKain says you don’t have to spend thousands on high-end designer pieces: “It’s more about choosing great quality and thoughtful design – selecting core items you can use to create a base is key.” She says trophy pieces include a classic blazer, wide-leg trousers or straight-leg jeans and a crisp, white shirt. “When styled together, each of these pieces can create a multitude of everyday looks,” suggests McKain. To ensure you get the most wear out of each item, she says to keep colours neutral and stay within a palette of brown, beige, black and white. As far as accessories go, she says jewellery should be kept minimal with something as simple as a small hoop earring. If this sounds a little too safe, a gold bangle or carefully selected thin gold necklace chains (styled effortlessly) will luxe up your look to the desired effect. As Sian Ryan, director of design at River Island, puts it: “Quiet luxury is essentially a wardrobe of styling essentials, where items can be worn in a multitude of ways and span many seasons – ensuring customers get a true sense of value for money.” Here’s how to get the look… 1. The white shirt “My favourite outfit at the minute is a white shirt teamed with a straight-leg jean and pointed-toe kitten heel,” says Ryan. “When I wear this, I feel put together, yet effortless. I like to think of it as ‘easy elegance’.” Whether you wear your crisp, white shirt open with a sleeveless white vest underneath, or buttoned up nonchalantly, go a size larger to make it look more expensive. Longer in the sleeve, wider on the shoulder and a little more length gives it that luxurious, designer feel. Hush Pia Oversized Cotton Shirt, £79 Asket The Lyocell Shirt, £100 2. Neutral knits “Neutral knitwear in super-soft luxury yarns are perfect for when the days turn cooler,” says Karen Peacock, Albaray’s co-founder and chief creative officer. “A chic colour palette that goes with everything helps create multiple ways to wear.” Remember, fabrics play a leading role, so look for soft-to-the-touch in a smooth yarn for a cashmere cheat – or some texture for your rib crib-sheet. Reiss Evie Cashmere Wool Hooded Cardigan, Camel, £128 Albaray Merino Wool Rib Jumper, £129 – available mid August 3. Tailored jacket “An elevated blazer in a heritage check looks ideal styled with a classic jean and white T-shirt combination,” suggests Peacock. “A simple look which creates an easy, pared-back luxe look.” River Island Beige Rolled Sleeve Blazer, with Linen, £69 Albaray Check Wool Blazer, £175 – available mid August 4. Straight-leg jeans Whether you go for a washed look or mid-wash blue, a looser fit is encouraged to make them look premium. And remember, no obvious branding on the bum or rips on knees. Plus, if you can comfortably pose with hand-in-pocket, you’re in the inner circle for classy, desirable denim. Primark Cares Straight Leg Denim Jeans, £16 Hush Agnes Straight Jeans, £79 5. Camel coat Looking ahead and transitioning into Autumn, a timeless camel coat always looks effortlessly chic. Naturally, the colour plays a part. Camel isn’t practical, it shows every mark and therein lies the beauty of it – you’re wealthy enough to fork out for dry cleaning bills. “A camel coat offers versatility and a sense of polish to any outfit,” notes Peacock. A welcome addition to any wardrobe, she says a masculine silhouette and slight oversized fit allows for multiple layering opportunities… we’re thinking an ivory sweater tied around the shoulders, just so. Lipsy Military Blazer Coat, Camel, £64, Next Reiss Mia Wool-Blend Mid Length Coat, Camel, £328 6. Gold jewellery “From understated hoops to simple chains, the quiet luxury trend is about choosing the right pieces, and keeping it simple, timeless and refined,” says Sally Arkley-Wade, head of product and trading at H Samuel. She says to focus on quality materials and subtle details to create elegant and sophisticated looks. “Team your plain white top, those everyday jeans or timeless shirt with affordable must-haves,” suggests Arkley-Wade. “Choose from 9ct gold chains, stack up your ear with 9ct gold hoops, or invest in the finer details – whatever your style, you will find something to suit your budget.” And select pieces which can be worn with a variety of outfits, she adds. “Mix and match delicate necklaces, stack thin rings, or layer bracelets to add depth and interest to your overall style.” Accessorize Small Simple Hoops, Gold, £3.20 (was £4) From top: H Samuel 9ct Yellow Gold 16 Inch Curb Chain, £89.99; 9ct Yellow Gold 18 Inch Rope Chain, £129 (was £159); 9ct Yellow Gold 18 Inch Anchor Chain, £269, rest of items from a selection. 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Rihanna has launched her first maternity wear line for her Savage X Fenty lingerie brand. The “Rude Boy” singer announced the range by modelling in one of her new nursing bralettes with her and A$AP Rocky’s one-year-old son RZA. She is also currently pregnant with their second child. Rihanna debuted her second pregnancy to the world while performing at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show. Promotional images shared on the official Savage X Fenty Instagram page show Rihanna, 35, cradling RZA in her arms while she breastfeeds him. The pop star is seen beaming in each photo as she looks after her son. She wore her hair long and straight, with a straight fringe obscuring part of her eyes, and was styled in a black bralette. The caption reads: “Not ur [sic] mama’s maternity bras… Designed by Rihanna, approved by baby RZA.” According to US Vogue, the capsule collection features three new bralette styles and an oversized graphic T-shirt with a cheeky slogan that says: “Make more babies.” The bralettes are inspired by Savage X Fenty’s bestsellers and come in several colourways. The range includes the Savage X Cotton Maternity Bralette, the Floral Lace Maternity Bralette and the Savage Not Sorry Maternity Bralette. Each undergarment is designed for new and expecting mothers and enable them to hold their baby in one arm while fixing the bralette cup with the other hand in order to breastfeed with ease. They also feature a full nursing sling with a neckline to underarm opening, adjustable front-facing straps, and a set of nursing clasps. The back of the bralettes have a fourth row of clasps to allow for flexible adjustment throughout pregnancy. Sizes range from XXS to 4X, with prices starting from US$35 to US$60 (£27.46 to £47.08). Rihanna told the fashion magazine: “The new maternity capsule is about bringing that confidence and comfort to mums at every stage of their journeys. “I want to remind people that you can still channel sexiness and feel good while being a parent.” Last month, Rihanna modelled her brand’s new collection of sheer lingerie and showed off her growing belly. During the Super Bowl halftime show in February, the “We Found Love” singer revealed her baby bump in a full-red ensemble while putting on a show-stopping performance. Later, a representative confirmed she was indeed expecting her and A$AP’s second child. Her first pregnancy also came as a shock to fans, as she revealed her bare baby bump in a photoshoot after keeping it a secret for the first five months. The couple’s son’s name was only confirmed a year after his birth. A birth certificate, obtained by The Daily Mail, revealed that his name is RZA Athelston Mayers. Earlier this year, Rihanna spoke about how she became fiercely “protective” of her son’s privacy after photos of RZA were being potentially leaked to the press. She told British Vogue: “As parents it just feels so icky, like a violation.” Instead, the couple took control and sent candid photos of RZA to an unnamed blog and shared a video of the baby on TikTok. “It’s the thing you never want to happen… We get to decide as parents when and how we do that. End of story,” Rihanna added. Read More Wilko isn’t just a shop – it’s a magical portal to essential British tat Prince Harry’s ‘His Royal Highness’ title removed from royal family website Woman behind ‘not real’ plane tirade identified as marketing executive with $2m home

Reality TV star-turned-entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is the new face of fashion label Marc Jacobs. The brand posted a close-up picture of Kardashian’s face on Instagram, as part of the autumn/winter 2023 campaign. The AW23 ready-to-wear collection was debuted at the New York Public Library in June earlier this year, and was populated with masculine tailoring, oversized shoulders, high-waisted pleated trousers and mini dresses. According to WWD, the show notes were written by ChatGPT. They read: “The Marc Jacobs fashion show captivated audiences with its innovative approach to blending menswear-inspired tailoring with feminine aesthetics. “The collection showcased impeccably tailored suits designed exclusively for women, accompanied by flat shoes, black tights and stunning altered gowns. The predominantly black and white palette created a striking visual impact, emphasising the timeless elegance and versatility of monochrome fashion.” WWD confirmed Kardashian as the new face of the brand, and said she was pictured in some of these oversized silhouettes in the advertising campaign, photographed by Tyrone Lebon. Marc Jacobs is no stranger to casting major celebrities in its fashion campaigns – Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, American rappers Ice Spice and Doja Cat, socialite Paris Hilton and actor Winona Ryder have all modelled for the brand. Kardashian, 42, is the founder of shapewear brand Skims, which last month was reportedly valued at $4 billion (£3 billion). She’s also featured in many other brand ad campaigns over the years. She’s modelled for luxury fashion house Balenciaga, and collaborated with shoe brand Stuart Weitzman on their autumn 2022 campaign called ‘Stand Strong’. Kardashian also co-designed Dolce & Gabbana’s spring/summer 2023 collection, and appeared in the glamorous accompanying ad campaign. Kardashian has also worn Marc Jacobs before – and posted one of these ensembles on Instagram in May. Her outfit was a collaboration between Marc Jacobs and Fendi – she wore a white corset and a fitted long denim skirt, which was accessorised with an exaggerated white furry hat, white leather gloves and see-through platform heels. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Shoppers make seven big impulse buys per year on average – survey Even 4,000 steps a day could ‘reduce risk of death’ – study How many steps a day can cut risk of early death (and it’s not 10,000)

It’s nearly Strictly Come Dancing season, with many of this year’s contestants already announced. Broadcaster Angela Rippon will make history as the show’s oldest contestant, and she’s joined by a cast of actors, news presenters, comedians and more. Here’s a look at the fashion of this year’s contestants… Zara McDermott Zara McDermott is the first Love Islander to join Strictly Come Dancing. The 26-year-old documentary maker said on BBC Radio 1: “I am nervous, excited, every single emotion honestly – I cannot wait.” She’s usually wearing gorgeous gowns on the red carpet and co-ords and crop tops off-duty, so it’ll be no surprise if McDermott throws herself into the deep end on the show and goes all-out with her costumes. Angela Scanlon TV presenter Angela Scanlon – known for fronting the revamped machine combat competition Robot Wars and Your Home Made Perfect – is fun and flirty with her fashion choices. She started her career as a stylist, so knows her stuff when it comes to fashion. Her personal style is all about bright colours, bold patterns and a hint of sparkle – perfect for the Strictly dancefloor. Angela Rippon Broadcasting icon Angela Rippon, a journalist, author, newsreader and TV presenter, will be 79 when the programme is filmed. Her fashion style is classic, with cardigans, turtlenecks, silk shirts and suit jackets her clothes of choice. It won’t be a surprise to see Rippon wearing a lot of floral glitz, sparkles and glamour on the dancefloor – and perhaps some costumes that will push her outside of her comfort zone. Krishnan Guru-Murthy British journalist and lead presenter at Channel 4 News Krishnan Guru-Murthy sticks to what he knows. You’ll usually find him wearing a dark two-piece suit – likely with a brightly coloured tie – or loose shirts. Amanda Abbington Amanda Abbington is best known for her roles in Mr Selfridge and Sherlock. Her style is generally quite muted – she favours classic outfits in black, white or neutral colours – so the Strictly wardrobe of sparkles and shine will likely be a new experience for her. Layton Williams Layton Williams – known for playing Stephen Carmichael in the TV series Bad Education – will be a showstopper this year. He’s often found wearing bold tailored outfits that help him stand out from the crowd – think dramatic silhouettes and daring ensembles, which will likely translate onto the Strictly stage. Eddie Kadi You’ll find BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter on the Official UK Afrobeats Charts Show and stand-up comedian Eddie Kadi wearing everything from casual outfits to patterned three-piece suits and striking colours. So it’s safe to say that he’ll do his best to wear unique and outgoing costumes in this series. Adam Thomas Actor and TV presenter Adam Thomas is best known for playing Adam Barton in ITV soap Emmerdale and Donte Charles in BBC drama series Waterloo Road. He’s usually found pairing denim jeans, chinos or slacks with a plain T-shirt, polo or shirt – so perhaps he’ll stay on the safe side whilst waltzing across the dance floor. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 veg you can still sow in summer Areas with lower bird diversity ‘have more mental health hospital admissions’ Expert hacks for keeping your home cool in summer

While last summer was the season of the Hailey Bieber “glazed donut,” Sofia Richie’s embodiment of “quiet luxury” has become this year’s fashion obsession. However, the 24-year-old social media personality has revealed that she doesn’t consider herself to be the “queen” of the trend like so many people say she is. In a recent Who What Wear interview, Richie - now married to music executive Elliot Grainge - opened up about how she feels about the new title associated with her look. “Quiet luxury, the term, it sounds really nice, so I’m not knocking it,” she said. “But [my stylist] Liat Baruch and I started working together properly about three and a half years ago, and when we met, our word was ‘timeless.’” Baruch dressed the “it girl” for her April 2023 wedding in Antibes, France. The event has since been titled “a Chanel festival” and “this year’s royal wedding” by W Magazine and Vogue, respectively. During the ceremony, Richie wore a handful of custom couture designs for her welcome party, ceremony, and reception - all Chanel, of course. While speaking on the Who What Wear podcast with Hillary Kerr, Baruch spoke about the inspiration behind the lavish yet understated looks. “We were trying to elevate but stay young, be feminine, aspirational but also attainable - a little bit of everything while staying ageless and classic,” she remarked. “And we did that. She did that, too. It was a constant dialogue and true collaboration.” “She [Richie] was very clear on what she wanted and how she wanted to look: Not too overtly sexy, not too conservative,” Baruch added. “And she’s very focused on how she wants to dress in terms of style and her lifestyle in general, and we were very aligned with all of that.” The youngest daughter of Lionel Richie donned designs that were inspired by archival pieces, one of which Claudia Schiffer wore during a 1993 Chanel runway show. Other looks from the brand’s collection were showcased to fit the season and event theme. Richie’s desire to curate an effortless elegance in her personal style, especially for her wedding, has resonated with individuals striving for a “clean girl” aesthetic. While the A-lister’s closet may not reflect minimalism, her individual pieces are both simple and extravagant in the clever way that she styles them. Between structured blouses with ribbed flare pants and leopard print overcoats with cat-eye sunglasses, her outfits exemplify the perfect way to appear timeless and still have fun. Now, Richie has announced plans for her eponymous fashion line to capture her character in clothing. She intends to make the fashion brand accessible to fans of the put-together-but-without-trying look. “The aesthetic is very my vibe,” she admitted. “I made sure, trying on every single sample, that it embodies the aesthetic that I’ve been wearing. It’s 100 per cent me. No further details have been released about plans for the brand, other than that Richie will not be the fashion line. Read More Lionel Richie shares anti-ageing secrets after fans praise youthful appearance: ‘Sex will work also’ Sofia Richie opens up about early days of her relationship with Elliot Grainge Sofia Richie shows off ‘chic’ coronation concert outfit ahead of father Lionel Richie’s performance