More and more men are embracing statement jewellery and wearing engagement rings, according to industry insiders. The trend isn’t exactly brand new. For example, back in 2009, American singer, actress and TV host Jennifer Hudson decided to propose back to her then partner, American actor David Otunga – getting down on one knee with a ring in hand, five months after he’d first popped the question to her on her 27th birthday. Later, singer Michael Bublé sported an engagement ring after he and Luisana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre got engaged, telling fans it was usual that “the boy also wears the engagement ring” in Argentina, where his now wife is from. Former American footballer Osi Umenyiora was another male celeb spotted wearing an engagement ring, among others. Attitudes are shifting For Arabel Lebrusan, founder and designer at ethical jewellery designer brand Lebrusan Studio, the margins for ‘bridal’ jewellery customs are shifting, largely in line with our evolving understanding of gender roles and identity. “But what makes the current demand difficult to define by concrete statistics is the difference in the language used to refer to engagement rings for men versus engagement rings for women, with men’s engagement rings often discussed in more ambiguous terms,” Lebrusan told PA Media.“Western tradition has assigned engagement rings primarily to women for centuries, but a greater emphasis on gender equality within couples and increasing visibility, inclusivity and liberty of LGBTQ+ people has loosened the rules that once governed who could and couldn’t wear an engagement ring,” she added.“Up until last year, we’d never knowingly been commissioned to create a men’s engagement ring, so even one assignment in this field is technically an increase.” What should you look for in a men’s engagement ring? According to the industry experts, male engagement rings are usually selected on an individual basis and every enquiry is different. Dan Dower, design director at Dower & Hall, said they rarely get asked for an actual engagement ring for men – it tends to be a more elaborate or stone set ‘wedding’ ring, which does the job, and often in white gold or platinum. “We’ve done quite a few with diamonds, but also with other stones like sapphires and even one recently set with a faceted labradorite. It was definitely a statement engagement ring, which was then reconfirmed as the wedding ring,” explained Dower. “We’ve had commissions from both gay and straight men – but all definitely super confident in their tastes and appearance, which has been a joy to work with.” Do men have separate engagement and wedding rings? Traditionally, women have tended to have an engagement ring at the point of proposal, and then a different wedding ring once married. Is it the same for men who choose to wear an engagement ring? “More often, the ‘engagement’ ring then becomes the ‘wedding’ ring,” said Dower. “Or we might do a ‘commitment’ ring, which is worn on a different finger or right hand, followed by a ‘wedding’ ring for the ring finger.” Ultimately, it’s an individual choice and traditions don’t need to dictate how you choose to do things! How much do men’s engagement rings cost? Cost often depends on a number of factors, including how complex the design is and the materials used. Simple bands without any gemstones will cost less than more detailed rings, of course. Pricing can typically start anywhere from £200 to £2,000. What are the things to be mindful of? Lebrusan strongly encourages men to think about the materials they go for, since they will be wearing the engagement ring every day, and maybe for years on end. She suggests: “Choosing only from a pool of resilient metal and gemstone options – think platinum, 18ct gold, diamond or sapphire. For those with bigger hands, we also recommend considering chunkier styles, since incredibly slender bands can be compromised by large internal diameters. “Jewellery care requirements vary depending on style and materials, so it’s worth asking your jeweller for some detailed tips for caring for your engagement ring before you part ways,” Lebrusan added. “As a general rule of thumb, however, any engagement ring should be easily removed before any form of sport, housework or manual labour.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 11 ways to work the terracotta trend 3 great abs exercises that aren’t crunches ‘Women short-changed as 65% of weekly working hours ignored in official data’

English model, actress and singer Twiggy has revealed that she never planned to go into modelling. Twiggy, 73, whose full name is Dame Lesley Lawson, rose to prominence as a model in the 1960s, and has appeared on the front cover of fashion magazines Vogue and Tatler. Discussing her career, including an appearance in musical film The Boy Friend, Twiggy told Good Housekeeping: “I’ve spent my life doing things that I didn’t plan to do. “I didn’t plan to model. I definitely didn’t plan to do a musical film with Ken Russell and I certainly didn’t plan to star on Broadway in a big musical. I must be mad!” Russell wrote and directed The Boy Friend, which also starred ballet dancer Christopher Gable and EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor. Twiggy has also been involved in Close Up – The Twiggy Musical, written and directed by comedian Ben Elton and slated to open in September. She said: “I only get involved with projects that really spark something in me, with people I love and want to work with. “Ben Elton is an old friend and I love him to bits. “He’s a huge talent – so clever and such a sweet man. “The musical came about when we were having dinner about six years ago and he said, half-jokingly: ‘I should do your story! It’s an amazing story set in an amazing period – I should write it.’” The musical traces the model’s rise to stardom in a show filled with music from the 1960s and 70s. Twiggy also talked about her marriage to English actor Leigh Lawson and said: “(Leigh and I) have been together for 38 years, which is frightening! I suppose luck has a lot to do with it. “You never know when you meet somebody how it’s all going to turn out or what life is going to throw at you. “We’ve both been through things that didn’t work out for various reasons and when you’ve had that experience, you’re a little gentler when you meet someone else.” Lawson is also a director and writer and he has credits in TV shows including Silent Witness, Travelling Man, Absolutely Fabulous and The Red Tent. The September 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping is now on sale. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘Women short-changed as 65% of weekly working hours ignored in official data’ How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?

The biggest menswear trend of the moment is about putting an easygoing spin on the classic suit. “Casual tailoring is a fashion movement that has accelerated over the last few years,” says Martin Roberts, head of buying at Jacamo. “Dress codes have become much more relaxed and comfort has become a key priority in menswear. “As a result, men are moving away from formal etiquette and instead adding some style and versatility to their suits.” From catwalks to red carpets, the ‘suited and booted’ look is increasingly being replaced by the ‘blazer and trainers’ combo. “We’ve seen prominent fashion designers embracing the trend, incorporating lightweight fabrics, earthy tones and refined silhouettes,” says Victor Nyamdavaa, tailoring specialist at Hawes and Curtis. “Along with the countless red carpet appearances from A-list celebrities dressed in relaxed linen suits, it’s clear that casual tailoring is revolutionising the way we perceive sartorial styling.” While some events still call for a formal dress code, casual tailoring is supremely versatile. “A matching two-piece will always look dapper and can suit every occasion, whether it be a trip to the office or a weekend wedding,” says Roberts. “However, comfort dressing is the new power dressing, and smart shirts are now being replaced with tees, polos and knitted sweaters, as working and social environments become more accommodating to a casual attire.” And it’s simple to work into your wardrobe, Nyamdavaa says: “By incorporating tailored pieces such as linen jackets, polos, and linen trousers into your summer outfits, you can embrace the casual tailoring trend and exude sophistication with ease.” Style and simplicity “The best way to approach the trend is by keeping it simple and suave,” says Roberts. “Mixing up the style and colour of your suit layers will make the vibe feel more laid-back and add some versatility to your outfit choice. This look is ideal for a celebratory event, such as a birthday party or anniversary.” But stay within the same colour palette and choose soft hues, he advises: “It’s important to find the perfect colour contrast, as too similar and the suit separate loses its touch, but too bold and it can look out of place.” Steer clear of jazzy prints, too, he adds: “For example, checkered trousers with a striped blazer will look displaced when put together.” Pastels have been a major part of the casual tailoring trend, with style icon Ryan Gosling rocking mint, baby pink and powder blue suits during the Barbie movie press tour. “If you’re looking for an outfit that shouts ‘laid-back cool’, combine a cotton polo shirt with linen trousers in a matching or contrasting hue,” says Nyamdavaa. “Accessorise with leather loafers to elevate the outfit while maintaining its easygoing charm.” If sugary shades aren’t for you, opt for natural tones like cream, caramel or light brown. Darker colours also work well for evening events in summer. Nyamdavaa continues: “You can create a sleek monochromatic look with a navy linen blazer, navy polo and navy linen trousers, creating a level of understated style while keeping you cool and comfortable wherever the season takes you.” Neutral and natural “People must also consider which fabric to wear based on the season – in summer, linen and cotton suit parts work well together,” says Roberts, while wool or tweed should be left in your winter wardrobe. Nyamdavaa agrees: “For an effortlessly chic aesthetic, opt for a tailored linen jacket in a neutral tone, paired with a classic polo shirt, completed with tailored linen trousers and suede loafers for a touch of sophistication.” As an alternative to a two-piece suit, mix and match separates. “A pair of suit trousers can be replaced with more comfortable and informal clothing, such as chinos and even jeans,” says Roberts. “For holiday goers who are planning a family meal out or couples who are heading to a wedding abroad, a chino and blazer pairing is the perfect summer look.” Here’s our pick of the coolest casual tailoring pieces on the high street… Jacamo Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Jacket, £75 (was £100); Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Trousers, £35 (were £50); Grey Marl Crew Neck Jumper, £22; Puma RBD Game Low Trainers, £48.75 (were £65) Hawes and Curtis Brown Linen Shirt Jacket, £179 (was £199); White Mercerised Cotton T-shirt, £29.50; Natural Herringbone Tailored Linen Trousers, £150; Light Brown Suede Leather Casual Loafers, £99 (were £129) Threadbare Luxe Men’s Stone Linen Blend Blazer, £75; Luxe Men’s Navy Linen Mix Drawstring Trousers, £30 Matalan Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Jacket, £39; Lilac Essential Pull-On Hoodie, £15; Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Trousers, £21; White Stripe Trainers, £17 Ted Baker Lancej Wool And Linen Blazer in Light Green, £206 (was £295); Lancet Slim Fit Wool Linen Trousers in Light Green, £105 (were £150) FatFace Light Teal Organic Cotton Pique Polo, £35 Peacocks Mens Tan Linen Blend Shirt, £12 (was £18)

Twiggy has revealed that she did not plan to get into modelling as a career, which means the world could have missed out on one of the most iconic fashion models of the Sixties. The English model, actor and singer, whose real name is Dame Lesley Lawson, said that most of her life has been spent “doing things that I didn’t plan to do”. In a new interview with Good Housekeeping, Twiggy, 73, said: “I didn’t plan to model. I definitely didn’t plan to do a musical film with Ken Russell and I certainly didn’t plan to star on Broadway in a big musical. I must be mad!” Russell wrote and directed the 1971 musical comedy The Boy Friend, which also starred EastEnders star Barbara Windsor and ballet dancer Christopher Gable. Twiggy was also involved in Close-Up: The Twiggy Musical, written and directed by comedian Ben Elton. The show is set to open in September at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. She said: “I only get involved with projects that really spark something in me, with people I love and want to work with. “Ben Elton is an old friend and I love him to bits. He’s a huge talent - so clever and such a sweet man. “The musical came about when we were having dinner about six years ago and he said, half-jokingly, ‘I should do your story! It’s an amazing story set in an amazing period – I should write it’.” Close-Up traces Twiggy’s rise to stardom alongside music from the Sixties and Seventies. Elsewhere in the interview, Twiggy opened up about her marriage to English actor Leigh Lawson and reflected on their nearly 40 years together. She said: “[Leigh and I] have been together for 38 years, which is frightening! I suppose luck has a lot to do with it. “You never know when you meet somebody how it’s all going to turn out or what life is going to throw at you. “We’ve both been through things that didn’t work out for various reasons and when you’ve had that experience, you’re a little gentler when you meet someone else.” Lawson is also a director and writer. He has been credited for TV shows such as Silent Witness, Travelling Man, Absolutely Fabulous, and The Red Tent. Earlier this year, Twiggy revealed that cosmetic surgery “frightens” her, and she has never undergone procedures such as Botox, which is common among celebrities. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said she is “proud” of her wrinkles, but said she was open to the idea of having “little tweaks” someday. “But what I don’t think I’d ever do is all the stuff they inject, when they get those funny cheeks that look like cotton wool balls have been stuffed in them. It would frighten me,” she added. The full interview is in the September 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping, which is on sale now. Additional reporting by PA Read More ‘My dentist injects me, but I trust him’: Inside the scary world of unregulated Botox London chef apologises after criticism for all-white, all-male kitchen team Bakery delivers brilliant response to ‘well-known celebrity’ offering ‘exposure’ in return for free cakes JW Anderson is teaming up with a major tennis star for new collection Leigh-Anne Pinnock unveils the three wedding dresses she wore to marry Andre Gray Eva Mendes shows dress made out of sponges as she jokes it’ll be her Oscars outfit

Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson is collaborating with former tennis player Roger Federer for a new collection with Uniqlo. Federer posted a picture of him with Anderson on Instagram with the caption: “Excited for this one… stay tuned.” The nine-piece unisex collection mixes Anderson’s gender-fluid aesthetic with elements of sporty style. Fleece jackets, sweaters, shorts and parkas are offered in neutral colourways – blacks, whites, greys and blues. Polo shirts are a big feature of the mini collection – and were also seen in JW Anderson’s recent Milan Fashion Week show, where models wore sporty styles and rugby-inspired tops. This is the first time Anderson and Federer are teaming up, but both have long relationships with the Japanese retailer. Federer, 41, has been a brand ambassador for Uniqlo since 2018. This was when he broke off his long-standing deal with Nike, and started wearing Uniqlo outfits on the court. In 2018, it was reported that Uniqlo would be paying Federer around £22 million a year for the next decade. Outside of sportswear, Federer – who retired from professional tennis in 2022 – also models the brand’s lifestyle clothing. The Swiss sportsman told Uniqlo: “My style tends toward simple, muted tones and classic looks. That’s me.” Anderson – who is also the creative director of luxury fashion house Loewe – has been creating collaborative collections with Uniqlo since 2017. His most recent spring/summer Uniqlo collection was described as “a modern interpretation of quintessential British style, as always through JW Anderson’s elegant and playful lens”, and was “inspired by the traditional sports of British universities, putting an athletic twist on classic wardrobe staples”. Federer told WWD: “I’ve always wanted to have a collection perfect for playing tennis while also versatile for the other parts of daily life. “I’m fortunate that Jonathan shared this vision. Together we were able to create a stylish and comfortable line rooted in a classic tennis style. Jonathan is talented, creative and incredibly down-to-earth. It has been a pleasure to work with him on this collection.” Anderson told WWD he was “influenced by watching Roger play” when designing the clothes. He said: “We designed a collection that could be worn in an actual match, for a classic look or just as easily be worn around town. We’ve got something that feels elevated, and it is kind of timeless.” Uniqlo’s Roger Federer Collection by JW Anderson will be available in-store and online on August 28, although that might vary in different regions. Prices range from $39.90 to $89.90 (£31.20 to £70.40). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live N-Dubz cement comeback with first new album in 13 years Irregular sleep patterns linked to harmful gut bacteria, study suggests Babies as young as four months have taste in fine art, study shows

Leigh-Anne Pinnock has offered fans a glimpse into her wedding to Andre Gray by sharing a set of exclusive photographs from their wedding album on Instagram. The couple got married in Jamaica on 3 June after six years together; they welcomed twins in August 2021. On Monday (31 July), the 31-year-old Little Mix star shared a series of photos alongside the caption: “03/06/23 I married my soul mate.” The first snap showed Pinnock and Gray kissing at the alter on the beach. Others showed them walking down the aisle hand in hand with the ocean behind them. Pinnock also posted photos of herself with her bridesmaids getting ready for the ceremony, with four of them holding up her skirt as she turned away from the camera. In another post, Pinnock shared photographs of her and Gray walking into their reception dinner holding hands. The two are then seen dancing together and posing later on in the night. “More wedding SPAM incomingggg [sic],” Pinnock captioned the post. The posts reveal that Pinnock and Gray each wore several outfits on the night. For Pinnock, the first gown was an embellished Princess-style gown with a full tulle skirt and an ivory bodice that featured a corset-style top with mesh sleeves. The gown also featured a long train with the words: “We’ve crossed the line”. Gray, who plays football for Greek club Aris, wore a white suit jacket with black trousers for the ceremony, which he then followed with a black waistcoat, black trousers, and white shirt for the reception. For her second outfit, Pinnock chose a silver fishtail gown with a plunging neckline and an open back. Finally, the musician changed into a mesh gown that featured corset-stye boning with a sheer overlay that had a slit up to her thigh. The photos come after Pinnock announced that she is set to release her first memoir. The singer, who performed with Little Mix from 2011 to 2022, shared a video to Instagram on Monday (17 April) announcing her autobiography. In the clip, Pinnock can be seen sipping a cup of tea and reading from the book, before explaining that the memoir is “so special to me”. “I hope you guys love it as much as I do,” she said. “Ever since we won The X Factor back in 2011, I feel like I’ve been in a whirlwind,” she captioned the video. “I’ve had some life-changing moments that up until now, I’ve never really had the chance to process. “Maya Angelou once said, ‘You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been’ so with this in mind and before I embark on this new journey, I want to respect my past; my life, my heritage, family, identity and most importantly, embracing & believing in my own power.” Believe will be released on 26 October. Read More Sex and The City author Candace Bushnell once dated a 21-year-old and a 91-year-old in the same week Neelam Gill confirms whether she is dating Leonardo DiCaprio Real Housewives star Teresa Giudice calls Sofia Vergara the ‘rudest woman’ she has ever met Eva Mendes shows dress made out of sponges as she jokes it’ll be her Oscars outfit Christina Aguilera stuns fans with mind-bending purse skirt Fans are obsessed with George RR Martin’s pink Barbie outfit

Why wear an Hermes Birkin bag on your arm, when you can don a lookalike around your waist? Christina Aguilera wowed fans with a daring style choice, but this time she made viewers do a double take when she shared a photo of herself wearing bottoms designed to look like the most sought-after luxury accessory. In her 31 July Instagram post, Aguilera posed in front of a grey tile wall, assuming her most Barbie self in a dazzling pink Namilia micro purse skirt. The brand’s 2024 spring collection piece mirrors the form of a Birkin bag, handles and everything. A half-moon strap is stitched between three crystal flaps which are detailed with silver buckles identical to the Hermes model. In the photo, Aguilera is seen gripping the front handle with her long nails. The 42-year-old music icon teamed up with her stylist Chris Horan to pair the Avant Garde piece with a classic black T-shirt, see-through kitten heels, a messy 90s bun, and wraparound moto sunglasses. “Precious goods,” she wrote, signing the caption with a pink bow emoji. Mesmerised viewers rushed to Aguilera’s comment section to compliment her subversive look. “She’s in her bag,” one fan joked, while another said: “Barbie legend.” “Xtina is such a legend! She looks effortlessly perfect here,” someone else added. Founded in 2015 by Nan Li and Emilia Pfohl, Namilia is a Berlin-based forward-thinking brand using ready-to-wear designs to symbolise cultural beliefs. Their spring 2024 collection debuted during Berlin Fashion Week, titled: “In Loving Memory of My Sugar Daddy.” This season’s line is a rebellious ode to “the self-made millionaire that is the gold digger,” according to the brand’s website. “She navigates through gender inequality head-on.” The “Genie in a Bottle” singer’s eye-catching purse skirt was just one of many designs that utilised the structure of the renowned Birkin bag on the runway. In addition to the pink micro skirt was a full-length glossy version adorned with a drop train, an enormous tote that says, “Tragic,” and a corset, all marked with the Hermes handbag design. Read More Paris Hilton struggles to remove $450 Crocs boots: ‘It’s a full-team effort’ Victoria Beckham shows off new $450 Crocs boots after claiming she would ‘rather die’ than wear brand Pink hits back at claims she ‘shaded’ Christina Aguilera during interview: ‘Some personalities’

Host Maya Jama has wrapped up the summer series of Love Island 2023 in suitable style. She revealed that Jess Harding and Sammy Root were the winning couple of the competition, wearing a glittering Noughties-inspired two-piece of a bralette and mini skirt. The Vittoria Two-Set from Annie’s Ibiza retails at £1,350, and Jama wore it with simple silver heels and her newly highlighted hair in beachy waves. Radio DJ and TV presenter Jama, 28, has become a fashion It girl over the past few years, and appeared on the August cover of British Vogue. Her style for Love Island has been bold, with lots of bright colours, form-fitting ensembles and on-trend cut-outs. Six of the main outfits she wore for the summer series of the show clock in at £10,765 if bought at full price – and that’s not considering shoes, accessories, or even the ensembles Jama wore for the weekly Love Island: Aftersun show. When singer Rita Ora did a surprise performance on the show, Jama tapped into the growing fashion trend for crochet. The knitted yellow dress was a custom outfit from Manchester-based designer Ella Mia, who later sold similar versions of the Maya Limited Ladder Dress in Yellow Gradient on her website for £225, which has now sold out. For another outfit, Jama donned a white two-piece from Singaporean designer Grace Ling, which had previously been worn by Jennifer Lopez to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The white Pillar Drape Skirt retails at £1,021, while the matching Vertebrae Bralette costs £309. Lopez wore the ensemble with a white cropped jacket over the top, while Jama kept things simple and summer-ready without it. The presenter also chose white to make her entrance into the villa when the show kicked off in early June. She chose a daring crochet dress from Miami-based brand Cult Gaia, a go-to for models including Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The Accalia Crochet Gown costs £2,400, and Jama paired it with gold strappy sandals and her hair in loose waves. Jama’s Love Island wardrobe was all about risque cut-outs – as seen in this electric blue knotted dress from French fashion house Balmain. The Balmain Alys Knit Dress retails at £3,895 on the Flannels website, but is currently on sale for £2,749. Jama rarely chose black for the show, but when she did, she wore a knock-out dress by up-and-coming London-based designer Nensi Dojaka. The Strapless Cutout Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress had a plunging neckline, a cut-out at the bodice, and Jama wore it with poker-straight hair and simple strappy black sandals. Originally retailing at £1,565 on Net-A-Porter, the dress is currently on sale for £1,017.25. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Do you need to watch what you eat when you’re breastfeeding? Sten dos: What you need to know about the quirky wedding trend Why have the birds disappeared from my garden?

Following a record-breaking June, it’s fair to say summer has turned into a bit of a washout, with a deluge of downpours, while other parts of Europe are baking in unbearable heat. Unfortunately, the unsettled weather is set to continue, with the Met Office forecast for the next two weeks stating: “Showery conditions are likely, along with the risk of longer spells of rain and stronger winds at times too.” In the second half of August, we can expect: “A mixture of rain and showers for many areas… any prolonged dry and hot spells appear to be unlikely.” At the same time, temperatures haven’t plummeted completely, which makes deciding what to wear quite the conundrum at the moment. How do you keep cool and dry at the same time? Here’s what fashion experts recommend for wet weather during summer… Waterproof jacket When it’s too warm for a proper coat, a thin rain jacket with a hood is essential. Make a style statement in a bright colour or bold print, with trendy waterproofs that combine fashion and function. “A lightweight and compact rain jacket from Rains is always easy to style and perfect for carrying around for unexpected showers,” says Lesley Torson, co-founder of Trilogy Stores. “They look really sleek, so won’t ruin a good outfit, whilst still being really light and airy to keep you cool.” Amber Gordon, founder of fashion sourcing company Tailored Styling, recommends a see-through mac: “During Fashion Week, fashion editors and stylists will have a clear and structured raincoat they can whip on to keep their look from getting wet, that still allows people to see what they are wearing.” Regatta X Orla Kiely Summer Pack-It Jacket in Fuschia Passion Flower, £34.95 (was £70) Cotton Traders Moorland Rich Gold Waterproof Coat, £65; Wrinkle Free 3/4 Sleeve Stripe Jersey Top, £20; Women’s Ecru Coloured Stretch Jeans, £36 (accessories, stylist’s own) Lots of layers “Light layers are the best way to dress for summer rain,” says Torson. “Wear your raincoat with a cropped jean, or cotton or linen midi dress, and trainers to maintain a summery look, whilst being prepared for unpredictable weather.” The utility trend is also handy for rainy days – loose cargo pants are cool and practical. “Whip out your hoodies and wear underneath an oversized leather blazer,” says Gordon. “The different textures will make the laidback and comfortable fit feel super high-end.” Monsoon Wide Leg Cropped Jeans in Blue, £80 Sensible shoes Nobody wants soggy socks, which is why splashproof shoes are a must – trainers with a chunky sole will help stop puddle water from seeping into the seams. For seriously rainy days, only Wellington boots will do. “They’re officially back as a fashion staple, thanks to this unpredictable rain,” says Gordon. “To elevate the welly look to luxury, invest in a lighter colour, like a beige or cream Wellington boot. Wear with a bare leg and a floaty dress that will keep you cool and looking summery.” Dune London Truro Navy Side-Stripe Lace-Up Runner Trainers, £100 Don’t forget your hat A hat is the most important fashion accessory for keeping your hair dry and frizz-free. “Hats have become incredibly popular this summer, from denim hats, such as the Miu Miu denim cowboy hat, to summery straw hats,” says Gordon. A water-resistant bucket hat is on-trend and ideal for drizzly days. “A tanned leather bucket will go with most outfits,” Gordon continues. “Use hats to dress your outfits up or down, depending on your mood and as a bonus – you’ll barely notice the rain!” Accessorize Nylon Bucket Hat, £14, Simply Be

When fashion designer Priya Ahluwalia walked into the dress rehearsal of her autumn/winter 2023 London Fashion Week show in February, she couldn’t stop crying. Titled Symphony, the show was staged at a formerly baroque church hall, with models walking to jazz-infused renditions played by pianist Insxght and saxophonist Solaariss. “I was just so emotional,” the 30-year-old founder and creative director of Ahluwalia says. “It was like the culmination of a big deep dive coming together. That’s how I felt.” Ahluwalia rediscovered the music of her youth when designing the collection. “I don’t like to do things in an obvious way,” Ahluwalia admits. “As life changes, you listen to different things at different stages, so I thought about the visuals of what music sounds like when designing Symphony. “I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston was on the radio when I was born. So my mum finds that song really special and played it to me a lot. Sade’s Kiss Of Life was quite informative, and 50 Cent was also in there too. I remember getting one of his albums when I was 10 and thinking it was phenomenal. I also thought a lot about Prince, Queen, Freddie Mercury and even traditional Punjabi music.” Sound waves and musical notes inspired the lasered print on denim, jacquard patterns on mohair knitwear and track tops with accompanying shorts. Earthy shadows, reds and ochres were taken from the colours of album covers and illuminated cotton separates. Ahluwalia launched her eponymous fashion label in 2018 after graduating from the MA Menswear course at the University of Westminster, combining her dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots, while also exploring the potential of vintage and surplus clothing. Around that time, Ahluwalia visited her father in Nigeria and says she noticed “paupers” wearing secondhand clothing from the UK. “I was really confused and started to ask questions about it,” she says – and it led to the publishing of her first book, Sweet Lassi, exploring the secondhand clothing industry in the Global South. “Finding ways for people to cherish their clothing forever has always been important to me,” Ahluwalia says. “Microsoft and I worked on a platform called Circulate in 2021, where we use AI to crowdsource and categorise people’s unwanted clothing. But now, I think consumers really see the value in learning about the things that happen behind the scenes of the clothes they are purchasing.” It’s why individual garments from the Symphony collection feature Digital ID technology — created and connected by the EON Product Cloud platform, powered by Microsoft Azure. Ahluwalia customers can scan with their mobile phones to discover their item’s unique story, including the design inspiration, production processes and origins of the sourced materials, helping consumers better understand how their clothes can be resold, reused and recycled. “This gives us the opportunity to really share exclusive content and information about a product. As a contemporary luxury brand selling items that are around £400, it’s important to provide our customers with more value and share the stories behind their clothes, whilst encouraging them to engage with sustainability.” But Ahluwalia doesn’t want to be pigeonholed as a sustainable designer. “I’m so much more than making the right choices,” she says. “I’m a designer first and foremost, who is also a creative director, filmmaker of Joy and Beloved, who works sustainably to explore and redefine the inherent beauty of blackness [and brownness] through an authentic lens. “The vision is that one day someone would be sitting on Ahluwalia in their front room, watching it, wearing it, smelling it and eating it. A whole 360. I would love Ahluwalia to be an example of how ideas that are not so rooted in Eurocentric values are expandable and amazing on a global stage for people to interact with in a global sense, like we see with many traditional European [fashion] houses.” So what’s next for the fashion house? “We’re doing a show at London Fashion Week in September, but I can’t tell you anything about it. The only thing that I can tell you is that we’re holding the show at the British Library, which I’m really excited about.” Discover more about Ahluwalia’s partnership with Microsoft and EON here: Ahluwalia Symphony Unlocked | Microsoft Unlocked. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Experts reveal why you keep waking up at 4am, and how you can prevent it 10 last-minute gardening jobs before you go on holiday How often should you wash your bra?

Summer and smalls… it’s the yin and yang of our wash-day world. You’ve got a bit hot and sweaty at lunchtime, but you’ve only worn your favourite lacy bralette once… so it’s OK to put it back in the drawer, right? And then there’s the sports bra in your gym bag – it’s looking a little bit grubby but you can’t remember perspiring in your Pilates class. Here, experts shed some light on how you should be looking after your lingerie, along with some do’s and don’ts… How often should you wash your bra? “Realistically, if your bra hasn’t been worn for sports or on a particularly hot day, then we would advise washing every three to four wears,” says Rachael Burdis, product and marketing assistant at Pretty Polly. “If you leave it too long, then it will allow bacteria to build up and you could get dreaded boob spots; or even worse your bra could start to smell,” warns Burdis. Do you need to hand wash your bra or can you put it in the washing machine? We’ve all read the small print… some labels recommend hand washing but is this really necessary? Fabric plays a huge part in not only how often, but also how you wash your bras, says Burdis. “We all know bras are delicate garments and ideally, we should be hand-washing them each time in warm water – this keeps the bras’ shape and maintains the quality of the materials used. “However, I think we can all say we’re guilty of not doing that all the time – but we should try our best!” With fine fabrics like silk and fragile laces, she says they should always be hand-washed to avoid any additional wear and tear. If you’re pushed for time and your bra is going in the washing machine, Dinara Akhmerova, senior manager UK and Ireland for Simone Pérèle, advocates a detergent made specifically for delicates. “We recommend you don’t add softener as it can stay in the fibres for longer and reduce elasticity. Also, wash on a delicates setting at maximum 30C and no more than 800 RPM spin.” She also suggest using a bra wash bag to protect your underwired bras – and always dry lingerie flat to keep the shape. Does it matter if you wear the same bra for a week, even in summer? “We wouldn’t advise wearing a bra for a week; whether that be summer or winter, just to avoid any bacteria build-up,” says Burdis. “We also know length of time worn plays a huge part when deciding when to wash your bra.” If it’s been for a couple of hours a day, she says you could have a week’s worth of wear. But for a full day’s wear, she wouldn’t advise wearing your bra for a week. For matching sets, should you always wash knickers and bras together, so they don’t become different shades? “We tend to wash our knickers more often than bras – and good-quality lingerie shouldn’t fade so dramatically that you can see a marked difference, simply from not washing them together on a few occasions,” says Akhmerova. However, how well your lingerie maintains its colour depends on many factors, such as how careful you are when washing it, the type of fabric and colour, suggests Akhmerova. “Whether you wash your sets together or not, the number one rule is to always separate colours, especially your whites. Just don’t mix the colours! “Also, don’t use bleach on whites,” she warns. “It’s more likely to turn lingerie yellow than brighten it.” What about sports bras? For sports bras, Burdis sees this a little differently: “With a less intense low-impact workout, we advise every two wears. “But when it comes to a heavy gym session, long run or HIIT class, we advise after each wear to ensure you are always smelling fresh – and the bra isn’t accumulating bacteria.” Should you wash you underwear before wearing it, if it’s brand new? “Underwear should leave factories or packing houses clean as strict hygiene rules are in place,” says Akhmerova. “But it never hurts to give it a rinse out before the first wear.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 5 late summer blooms to plant now This is why you keep waking up at 4am – and what you can do about it The two best exercises for lowering blood pressure, according to study

Akshata Murty, wife of prime minister Rishi Sunak, has been given the top spot as one of the best dressed people in Britain for 2023. The businesswoman and designer, 43, claimed the number one position on Tatler magazine’s best dressed list, alongside Princess Beatrice’s husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and Love Actually star Bill Nighy. Murty, who is the daughter of Indian billionaire and founder of Infosys NR Narayana Murthy, made headlines this year when she stepped out in £570 slippers from JW Anderson for the school run. She also became known for her “quiet luxury” style, also known as “stealth wealth”, having been seen in Gucci trainers that cost £445 and a leather skirt worth more than £1,000. However, after both she and Sunak faced some criticism for donning designer labels (the prime minister was mocked for wearing a £3,500 suit and £490 Prada shoes to campaign in Teesside last July) Murty has since swapped her lavish wardrobe for more accessible brands, many of them British. In May, during the couple’s visit to the G7 summit in Japan, she stepped out in clothes from Joseph, Strethberry, Me+Em, and Chinti & Parker, most of them retailing under £1,000. Chandler Tregaskes, style editor for Tatler, said: “The coveted number one spot in Tatler’s best dressed list belongs to the chatelaine of Downing Street, Akshata Murty. “Her stream of ‘It’ ensembles would have given Jackie Kennedy a run for her money. Though she lacks the pillbox hats and layered pearls of yore, Mrs Sunak is a shining example of modern-day diplomatically decadent dressing that steals the show.” Murty attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and later launched her own fashion label, Akshata Designs. Since her husband became prime minister last year, she has greeted prominent individuals in an array of elegant outfits, including a purple flower patterned dress to attend news publishers Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s annual party in June. For the coronation ceremony of King Charles III in May, she wore a pale blue embroidered dress with a black fascinator. Another memorable outfit was a blue-and-white dress with mosaic-like patterns to greet US first lady Jill Biden, who dressed in solid pink. Murty also made an appearance on Tatler’s Social Power Index for 2023, which was topped by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as Sunak. Others included on the magazine’s fashion list include former chief executive of the Serpentine Galleries Yana Peel, opera singer Danielle de Niese, and the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Previous mentions on the list included the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Sussex, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, fashion designer Stella McCartney, and pop stars Dua Lipa and Harry Styles. Additional reporting by PA Read More Men have a problem – and it won’t be solved by either Andrew Tate or Caitlin Moran Elon Musk reacts to ex-wife Talulah Riley’s engagement to Thomas Brodie-Sangster Thomas Brodie-Sangster references Love Actually in sweet engagement announcement with Talulah Riley