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A strike by minibus taxi drivers in Cape Town triggered violence that’s claimed the lives of five people

LVMH led luxury stocks higher in Europe on Thursday as China lifted a ban on group tours, boosting

Wynn Resorts Ltd. said it expects to soon obtain a gaming license in Ras Al Khaimah, a northern

When it comes to duality in design, there isn’t a black or white answer as to why a monochrome scheme works so well in the world of interiors – it just does. The foundation for a minimalist style, there’s a sense of simplicity if you favour subtlety over drama, especially with varying tones of grey – or you can go bold with a stark black and white statement-making contrast. Either way, it’s no surprise this timeless classic is easy to update with modish pieces and decorative accessories. Here’s how to strike the right balance for visual impact… 1. George Cream & Black Spot Decal Mug – Set of 4, £10, Direct.asda Spot the difference… whether it’s an Americano or cortado, your favourite coffee will taste that much better in one of these striking mugs. 2. Spode Zoological Gardens Set of Pasta Bowls, £52.70, (was £62), Spode These pasta bowls are tailor-made for spaghetti al nero di seppia (spaghetti with squid ink) – and thrill of exotic wild animals on the dinner party guest list. 3. Small Donut Lamps, £10 each, B&M in-store If you’re bookending a bureau or sofa with side tables, these donut lamps lend interest with their curvaceous shape – and you can always style the white on one side and black on the other. 4. Palm Leaf Print, Black & White Palm Tree Photograph, from £49; Monochrome Coast, Black & White Beach Painting, from £59; Land Rover Defender Beach at Dawn, Black & White Photography, from £49; Surfer, Black & White Photography, from £49; Vintage Star Shell, Black & White, Shell Art Print, from £59; Framed, Beach House Art Graphic art prints are super effective when it comes to creating a chic monochromatic aesthetic – especially if you group them in different shapes and sizes. After all, there’s a reason why photographers still shoot in black and white; somehow everything looks more striking – and graphic. 5. Concrete & Wax Candles, from left: Large Candle and Holder Set, Grey, £55, Slim Candle and Holder Set, White, £38, Mid Candle and Holder Set, Black, £45, Concrete & Wax These cool candles come with a concrete holder for a fluid line and look great grouped together. Available in Lime, Basil & Mandarin, Tobacco & Oak, Sandalwood & Black Pepper Amber Noir, Curious Rose, and Cherished Leather, we’d love to add all these fragrances to our scented stash. 6. Moxie Abstract Face Art Wallpaper Mural, £25.95 per square metre, WallpaperMural When you want to beautify your living space, this face line art print solves the decorating dilemma of how to create a wonder wall tailored to your exact spec. Made to order, you can always start with one panel and then really go to town when you realise your monochromatic muse is a huge hit. 7. Borneo Black Wicker Chair with Boucle Latte Cushion, £224.99 (was £299.99), Desser No monochrome scheme is complete without an accent chair, especially when you want to add interest with wicker, texture and timber. With sweeping arms, cane panel, deep seat and black finish, this piece will add visual interest and dimension to a neutral scheme. 8. Memphis – White Sideboard, 90cm, £99, Out & Out Original More than a decorative afterthought, cue this modish cabinet with storage room for all your dinnerware, table-scaping props and stemware. With a melamine coating for a glossy effect and metal feet, it’s contemporary and chic. 9. ‘La Femme’ Screen Printed Cushion – Black, £59, Bon Bon Fistral When it comes to soft furnishings, a statement scatter cushion with a sophisticated silhouette will enhance a plain sofa or armchair – and make it look and feel more luxe. 10. Monochrome Bud Vase Trio, £13.99, The Wisteria Tree While the beauty of monochrome is all about styling your décor around a palette of black and white, every canvas needs a little colour… namely greenery. These bud vases are perfect for freshly cut foliage, olive stems and eucalyptus. 11. Charcoal Grey Bedtime Bundle, Duvet Cover, Sheets and Pillowcases, from £177, (was £263), Piglet in Bed If you’re updating your bedding, grey is the go-between for light and dark – and an instant refresh layered with white; plus a few lush ferns to help filter toxins. This charcoal grey set is made from stonewashed French linen with natural breathability and pre-washed for softness. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live How to get the ‘quiet luxury’ look on the high street 6 survival tips for parents of live-at-home university students What is TikTok’s ‘soft life era’ and could it be the secret to happiness?

The soaring cost of business travel is projected to climb even higher this year and in 2024 as

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. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 6 survival tips for parents of live-at-home university students What is TikTok’s ‘soft life era’ and could it be the secret to happiness? Kim Kardashian teased as the face of a major fashion brand

European stocks extended gains into a second session, as China’s decision to relax travel curbs offered a lift

The Philippine economy expanded much slower than expected in the second quarter, reeling from the impact of above-target

A fifth of new students plan to live at home while studying at university, according to new research. But while living with their parents will undoubtedly be cheaper, it could create problems if teenagers try to live a typical student lifestyle in their mum and dad’s house – so experts advise ground rules. A new UCL and Sutton Trust study of more than 11,000 Year 13 students in England, who have either applied or plan to apply to university, found 20% had decided to live at home during term time if they got into university (14% had not yet decided). Nearly a fifth (18%) said the main reason was because they couldn’t afford to live away from home, while 46% said they wanted to be near their families. Gill Hines, co-author of Later! A Guide to Parenting a Young Adult (Piatkus), says living at home while doing further education is an increasing trend. “There’s many, many more kids living at home when they go to university – universities are reporting a lot more students are local people. But there can be problems, particularly with the social side of things,” she says. To help life with an adult student living at home remain as harmonious as possible, Hines says it’s vital for students and parents to discuss exactly what the house rules are well before term starts. “Sit down with them and talk about how things are going to be once they start uni,” she advises. “You need to talk to them about everything their new life may entail, including overnight guests, finances, and them behaving like adults so you can treat them like adults.” Here, Hines outlines the issues that need to be addressed in families where teenage students choose to live at home… 1. Set rules for helping in the houseParents need to talk to their teenager about how they’re going to contribute to the running of the home, stresses Hines. “They need to be doing much, much more than they probably have been doing. If they want the rights of being a young adult, they have to do the work of a young adult. Rights and privileges are great, but there are responsibilities too.” It’s important to be clear about what’s expected of them, which should include a high level of self-care (you probably don’t want your house to smell like student digs). They may be expected to buy and make their own food, and if so, clear up after themselves, do their own laundry – or take a turn in doing the household laundry – take their turn to clean the bathroom, put the bins out, etc. “You could either have set chores, or say that every fourth week or whatever they do a particular chore, whatever seems fair. It all needs to be discussed with them,” she says, although “they won’t like it”. Adding: “We want them to have a nice life at university, but they do need to knuckle down. Hopefully they’ll be moving out [in the future], and they need to be able to look after themselves.”2. Discuss overnight guests Parents may already have had ‘the talk’ about girlfriends or boyfriends staying overnight and what’s acceptable, but if not, now is the time to do it, says Hines. “They’re more likely to have a partner or be in a sexual relationship at this age, and may be playing around because they’re at that stage of life. Parents need to have a chat with their child about it, and also with each other about how comfortable they are with overnight guests, and some rules need to be outlined.” She suggests that, if possible, it may help to move their bedroom closer to an outside door, so they can come and go with more freedom. “I know it’s not possible for everybody,” she notes, “but if you can change an upstairs room to one downstairs for them, it might help them to not have to trail right through the house with their guests, and they’ll have a sense of being more independent.” 3. Don’t treat them like a child Hines says it can be tempting for parents whose young people live at home to treat them like children, but treat them as adults and they’re more likely to behave like one. “They’re that bit older, and they no longer get the right to be a child who’s looked after 24/7,” she stresses. Getting themselves up, getting themselves to uni, and getting their work done on time is not the parents’ responsibility anymore. “You need to be clear about that,” she stresses. “The whole point of university is for them to grow up. It’s all down to them now – you’re no longer responsible for their day-to-day life – they are.” 4. Explain what you’ll do if they break your rules Hines points out that although parents of adult children don’t have many sanctions if their house rules aren’t followed (they’re too old to be grounded) be aware of what you pay for. “If you pay for their phone and their travel and food or anything else, they need to accept that not every parent is doing that for their child at the age of 18,” she says. “It’s not a right, it’s a privilege, and some of it can be taken away.” 5. Encourage them to get a job Hines points out that many students living away from home while at university have to get a part-time job to make ends meet, and says: “I would encourage them to get an income – as well as needing the money, it’s good experience.” 6. Discuss finances Although once teens are earning, some parents may expect a contribution to room and board, Hines says if they’re students with a part-time job it might not be a feasible request. “I don’t think they should be contributing to the financial running of the home – at that age, I think it’s unrealistic to expect them to – but I think they should be contributing in other ways, like helping around the house.”

Iranian authorities have for months done little to enforce the law on women wearing the mandatory headscarf, but now the country’s theocracy is pushing to make businesses the new battleground over the hijab

China lifted a ban on group travel to a slew of countries including the US, UK, Australia, South

ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence chatbots have become the go-to source for cheating in college