Beyoncé wore all-Black designers at Amsterdam concert ‘in honour of Juneteenth’
Beyoncé has revealed that she wore outfits created exclusively by Black designers during her Renaissance tour concert in Amsterdam on Saturday night (17 June). Since beginning her tour in May, the pop star has worn sparkling disco-themed looks onstage by designers such as Mugler, Alexander McQueen and Balmain. However, ahead of the US holiday Juneteeth (Monday 19 June), Beyoncé decided to switch things up. In an Instagram post published on Sunday night (18 June), she shared a series of photographs of herself wearing a rhinestone-covered red dress with silver cuffs, which she wore while performing one night ago. She wrote: “In honour of Juneteenth, everything I wore for RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR tonight was created exclusively by Black designers.” It has not yet been revealed who the designers are and which looks they created for her concert. The Independent has contacted Beyoncé’s representatives for comment. This is far from the first time the “Flawless” singer has shone a spotlight on Black designers and creators through her own work. In 2019, she released Black Is King, the visual accompaniment to her album The Lion King: The Gift. The full-length film, which is streaming on Disney+, featured independent Black designers such as D.Bleu.Dazzled, Loza Maléombho, Lace by Tanaya, Levenity, and more. The 29-time Grammy winner’s wardrobe department is spearheaded by US stylist and costume designer Zerina Akers, who founded the retail platform Black Owned Everything to showcase Black fashion designers and businesses. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the US that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is sometimes dubbed “America’s second Independence Day” and takes place on the anniversary of the day Major General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for slaves in Texas on 19 June 1865. Beyoncé previously marked the holiday by releasing a surprise song, “Black Parade”, in 2020. The song dropped after the singer announced a project of the same name to support Black-owned businesses. Some of the “Dangerously In Love” singer’s standout outfits throughout her tour so far include a custom LOEWE catsuit that features gloved hands with sharp red nails. She is also a long-time fan of French fashion house Mugler and wore at least two looks from the label at her show in Stockholm – including a black-and-yellow outfit with an insect-like headpiece that emulated a bee. Fans believe this is a nod to the name of her fandom, the Beyhive. The Independent gave Beyoncé’s concert in Cardiff on 17 May four out of five stars and described her as “sizzling as ever”. Read More Dirty talk isn’t always mortifying, but it can – and should – be better Security snatch Beyonce’s sunglasses after singer throws them into crowd Why Spotify ‘ended its £15m deal’ with Harry and Meghan Glastonbury regular reveals best clothing to take to festivals - and what to avoid Vogue divides opinion with controversial job ad for Anna Wintour’s assistant Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple Martin revives her infamous 2002 Oscars dress
2023-06-19 16:51
Vogue divides opinion with controversial job posting for Anna Wintour’s assistant
Fashion lovers can now live out their Devil Wears Prada dream (or “nightmare”), as Vogue is hiring an assistant to none other than Anna Wintour. This week, Vogue publisher Condé Nast posted a job listing for Assistant to the Editor in Chief of American Vogue and Global Chief Content Officer in New York City. Much like Anna Hathaway’s character Andy Sachs in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, Vogue is looking for a candidate to assist with coordinating meetings, managing events and engagements, and overseeing the overall flow of communication and information that comes in and out of Anna Wintour’s office. The ideal candidate is extremely organised, deadline-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Perhaps knowing the difference between turquoise, lapis, and cerulean wouldn’t hurt, or where to pick up an advanced copy of the seventh Harry Potter book. Minimum requirements include a college education, one to two years of work experience in administrative support, and strong writing skills. The salary range is $60,000 to $80,000. “This is a tremendous opportunity for an ambitious, business-savvy professional who is passionate about culture, fashion, digital media, and content,” the listing reads. Unsurprisingly, the new job listing sparked many comparisons to the beloved movie The Devil Wears Prada, in which Meryl Streep stars as Miranda Priestly – an intimidating magazine editor largely inspired by Anna Wintour. The 2006 film was adapted from a book of the same name by Wintour’s own former assistant, Lauren Weisberger. Since it was posted, many people have shared their reactions to the job listing by posting memes and iconic moments from the film. “A million girls would kill for this job!!!!” tweeted author Matt Ortile, along with a screenshot of the job posting. “Y’all didn’t watch The Devil Wears Prada?” one person asked. “This sounds like a nightmare actually,” another user said. “Does it come with the makeover from Stanley Tucci,” someone else joked. Meanwhile, others couldn’t help but point out the annual job salary, which ranged from $60,000 to $80,000 per year. Some people believed it was too low of a pay day, considering some of the tasks Anne Hathaway’s character had to do for her boss throughout the film, while others felt it was an unsustainable salary for living in New York City – where monthly rent has soared to record-high numbers. “Salary is a f***ing travesty for vogue they should be ashamed,” claimed one user. “u can’t afford to live in nyc based off of this salary alone”. “If Andrea Sachs was actually paid the $80k (and in 2006, no less), I’d understand her sticking with Miranda for so long,” said someone else. Another person wrote: “The salary range on this is *interesting* but speaks to who gets to occupy space in fashion – oftentimes a demo [demographic] who do not need to work for a living. In turn, the way that demo approaches work + their coworkers/office is……” Anna Wintour has served as Vogue editor-in-chief since 1988 and global chief content officer for Condé Nast since 2020. Lauren Weisberger, one of Wintour’s two assistants from 1999 to 2000, wrote the novel The Devil Wears Prada in 2003 based on her experience working at Vogue. However, it seems that the fashion giant has no recollection of the former personal assistant who wrote the famed novel. In Amy Odell’s 2022 book, Anna: The Biography, she claims that Wintour didn’t know which of her assistants could have written the 2003 fiction novel. “On May 21, 2002, Women’s Wear Daily reported that The Devil Wears Prada had sold to Doubleday for a reported $250,000. When Anna learned about the book, she said to [Laurie] Jones, ‘I cannot remember who that girl is,’” writes author Amy Odell. Odell also claimed that a friend of Wintour’s, William Norwich, said she “didn’t really didn’t care” about The Devil Wears Prada, even after it spent six months on The New York Times best-seller list. “‘I don’t think Anna is as interested in the cultural phenomenon that she is as the rest of us are,’ he said. “Anna has said to friends, ‘I’m so bored by me’. This is one reason she doesn’t plan to ever write a memoir. Norwich explained, ‘She doesn’t want to stop working to reflect,’” Odell writes. However, the author noted that Wintour did attend the premiere of the film adaptation dressed in Prada, alongside her daughter, Bee Shaffer. “Anna had a seat at the end of the row and, though she had a habit of dashing out of plays that bored her, watched the whole movie,” Odell wrote. “At one point, Bee turned to her and said, ‘Mom, they really got you.’” Read More ‘Worst one ever’: ‘Art world family’ sparks backlash with personal assistant job ad Anne Hathaway explains why The Devil Wears Prada wouldn’t work today Anne Hathaway responds to her ‘accidental’ Devil Wears Prada outfit at NYFW: ‘It was kind of nuts’ Vogue divides opinion with controversial job ad for Anna Wintour’s assistant Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes makes British Vogue cover debut aged 82 Miriam Margolyes reveals the secret to her 54-year relationship
2023-06-17 05:17
Gwyneth Paltrow’s daughter Apple Martin revives her infamous 2002 Oscars dress
Gwyneth Paltrow has revealed that she still owns her infamous 2002 Oscars dress that “everybody hated,” and that her daughter Apple Martin even wears it on occasion. The Goop founder, 50, took to Instagram on Thursday 15 June to answer some questions from her fans and followers – including what she ate for breakfast and her go-to restaurant recommendations. When one fan asked Paltrow if her daughter Apple wears “any of [her] fashion archives,” the Shakespeare in Love star responded with a photo of the 19-year-old model dressed in the memorable Alexander McQueen gown, which Paltrow wore to the 2002 Academy Awards. In the snap, Apple – who Paltrow shares with ex-husband and Coldplay frontman, Chris Martin – could be seen standing in her mother’s walk-in closet while posing with one hand under her chin and the other on her hip. Back in 2002, the gothic Alexander McQueen dress caused quite a stir for its sheer, sleeveless bodice. The punk-inspired black gown also featured a flowing black floor-length skirt. Gwyneth Paltrow has previously discussed the criticism she received after attending the 2002 Oscars in the daring gown. In 2021, the Glee alum revisited some of her most iconic fashion moments, including the criticism she received for the black McQueen dress. “Everybody really hated this [dress] ... but I think it’s kind of dope,” she said in a video interview with Vogue. “I’m into it.” However, the lifestyle guru admitted she was hurt by the criticism over the dress at the time. “I had a weird hangover about it for a while because people were really critical,” Paltrow explained. “I think at the time it was too goth, I think people thought it was too hard, so I think it sort of shocked people. But I like it.” Paltrow also defended the dress – which was then dubbed “unflattering” and “a fashion disaster” – in a Q&A post shared to Goop’s website in 2013. “I still love the dress itself but I should have worn a bra and I should have just had simple beachy hair and less makeup,” she said. “Then, it would have worked as I wanted it to – a little bit of punk at the Oscars.” Apple Martin has since become somewhat of a fashion icon herself. Earlier this year, she made her Paris Fashion Week debut at the Chanel haute couture spring/summer 2023 show in January. For the occasion, Apple was pictured sitting front row in a black-and-white tweed skirt and jacket set by Chanel. The teen recently poked fun at the Iron Man star after she made some candid confessions about her love life during an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast. In a video shared to the official Call Her Daddy Instagram account, Apple could be seen standing next to her mom and host Alex Cooper, as Paltrow shared many NSFW details about exes Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck. Apple proceeded to cover her ears as her mom divulged about her past relationships. “When your mom goes on Call Her Daddy,” the text over the clip read, along with a crying face emoji. In addition to daughter Apple, Paltrow shares 17-year-old son Moses with ex Chris Martin. These days, the entrepreneur is married to producer Brad Falchuk, while the Coldplay singer has been dating actor Dakota Johnson since 2017. Read More Gwyneth Paltrow recalls being hurt by criticism of 2002 Oscar dress that ‘everybody hated’ Apple Martin hilariously reacts to Gwyneth Paltrow’s candid confessions about love life on Call Her Daddy Apple Martin opens up about attending first fashion show and her ‘classic ‘90s’ style
2023-06-16 06:54
The Rolling Stones and Skechers launch shoe collaboration with iconic tongue logo
The Rolling Stones and footwear brand Skechers have teamed up to launch a collection of trainers for men and women. The collaboration with the legendary British rock band features a range of limited edition designs, all featuring the iconic lips and tongue logo designed in 1970 by English artist John Pasche. Produced in partnership with Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management company, the Skechers X The Rolling Stones collection comprises of three styles: the modern Skechers Uno, a canvas slip-on, and lug and cup sole designs. The canvas slip-ons are made from light-wash blue denim, with the tongue and lip logo on the tops of the shoes. Meanwhile, the other two designs come in a black-and-white, as well as a red-and-white colourway, with the logo placed either on the side of towards the back of the trainers. The collection will launch exclusively at the RS No 9 Carnaby, The Rolling Stones’ flagship merchandise store in London today (Thursday 15 June), followed by stores across the UK and the EU on 22 June. The Rolling Stones said in a statement: “We love partnering with brands that offer great product and giving our fans something new they can enjoy.” Michael Greenberg, president of Skechers, added: “For six decades, the Stones have endured like no other – rebelling, conquering and being listened to by billions. Nearly every adult on this planet knows their iconic logo.” Skechers recently released a collaboration with Doja Cat, which comprised of the Skechers Uno trainers in different colours, such as neon pink, neon green and bright purple. The American footwear company has also previously collaborated with musicians including Ringo Starr, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Snoop Dogg. Read More Craving a ‘beach-ready body’ is the surest way to self-loathing, but I still want one Vegan family asks neighbours to close their windows when cooking meat Demi Lovato changed pronouns because explaining They/Them to people was ‘absolutely exhausting’
2023-06-15 23:15
Whiten up your wardrobe with summer’s hottest trends
When the weather heats up and you want to cool down, white is the colour of summer. From romantic broderie anglaise to sexy off-the-shoulder, to a frilly mini, white is a win-win with its flattering reflections, aura of freshness – and it’s never a big deal to accessorise. Summer’s answer to what to wear when you want to look your best without having to try too hard, white suits all your holiday mood swings and loves high temperatures, sunshine and blue skies. Here are some of our favourite finds, from girlie to sophisticated… 1. White off-the-shoulder top The off-the-shoulder top isn’t going anywhere this summer, especially when the weather hots up. From Bardot-inspired to peasant style, these pretty cottons have just enough sensual softness to be worn with confidence – and a cute pair of shorts. Threadbare Women’s White Linen Blend Strap Bardot Top, £23.99 The White Company Organic Cotton Off-The-Shoulder Jacquard Top, £89 2. White broderie belted dress While last year’s take on broderie anglaise was all about a boho vibe, this season there’s a sense of sophistication with loop tie-waisted dresses, camp collar and flattering A-line silhouette. Pair with flat tan sandals for the chance to show off your nude pedicure. Damart White Broderie Anglais Dress, £69.99 Jasper Conran Daria Broderie A Line Dress, £320 3. White frill mini It’s sort of impossible to look anything but happy and carefree in a flirty mini dress trimmed with ruffles. And a few fun accessories such as a wide-brim hat or summer straw, large wicker basket and gypsy hoop earrings, will kick up the look a couple of notches. V by Very Frill Detail Woven Mix Mini Dress – White, £26, Very River Island White Broderie Frill Mini Dress, £65 4. White jumpsuit Tailored but soft-shouldered with an effortlessly draped neckline, there’s no mistaking the glamour of a white jumpsuit. With free-flowing wide-leg trousers, this style hero is particularly on trend with a cape sleeve – and all that’s needed is a pair of strappy sandals for summer soirées. River Island White Cape Jumpsuit, £79 Reiss Carmen Halter Neck Linen Blend Jumpsuit, £268 5. White beach skirt Skip the sarong with fashionista’s new must-have staple to transition from beach to bar… and beyond. Ultra-versatile, if you go for a sexy split you can still show off your best bikini while sipping on a sundowner. Otherwise, a tiered maxi looks drop dead gorgeous with a white cotton crop top with long puffy sleeves for a statement look. Ta-da! M&S Collection Textured Maxi Tiered Beach Skirt, £35 Next Crochet Lace Skirt, £34 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Paternity leave should be paid for six weeks, campaigners tell Government My teenager gets all their news from TikTok – should I worry? How to take care of pets in the heat
2023-06-15 14:48
‘Devil Wears Prada’: Vogue divides opinion with controversial job posting for Anna Wintour’s assistant
Fashion lovers can now live out their Devil Wears Prada dream (or “nightmare”), as Vogue is hiring an assistant to none other than Anna Wintour. This week, Vogue publisher Condé Nast posted a job listing for Assistant to the Editor in Chief of American Vogue and Global Chief Content Officer in New York City. Much like Anna Hathaway’s character Andy Sachs in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, Vogue is looking for a candidate to assist with coordinating meetings, managing events and engagements, and overseeing the overall flow of communication and information that comes in and out of Anna Wintour’s office. The ideal candidate is extremely organised, deadline-oriented, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Perhaps knowing the difference between turquoise, lapis, and cerulean wouldn’t hurt, or where to pick up an advanced copy of the seventh Harry Potter book. Minimum requirements include a college education, one to two years of work experience in administrative support, and strong writing skills. The salary range is $60,000 to $80,000. “This is a tremendous opportunity for an ambitious, business-savvy professional who is passionate about culture, fashion, digital media, and content,” the listing reads. Unsurprisingly, the new job listing sparked many comparisons to the beloved movie The Devil Wears Prada, in which Meryl Streep stars as Miranda Priestly – an intimidating magazine editor largely inspired by Anna Wintour. The 2006 film was adapted from a book of the same name by Wintour’s own former assistant, Lauren Weisberger. Since it was posted, many people have shared their reactions to the job listing by posting memes and iconic moments from the film. “A million girls would kill for this job!!!!” tweeted author Matt Ortile, along with a screenshot of the job posting. “Y’all didn’t watch The Devil Wears Prada?” one person asked. “This sounds like a nightmare actually,” another user said. “Does it come with the makeover from Stanley Tucci,” someone else joked. Meanwhile, others couldn’t help but point out the annual job salary, which ranged from $60,000 to $80,000 per year. Some people believed it was too low of a pay day, considering some of the tasks Anne Hathaway’s character had to do for her boss throughout the film, while others felt it was an unsustainable salary for living in New York City – where monthly rent has soared to record-high numbers. “Salary is a f***ing travesty for vogue they should be ashamed,” claimed one user. “u can’t afford to live in nyc based off of this salary alone”. “If Andrea Sachs was actually paid the $80k (and in 2006, no less), I’d understand her sticking with Miranda for so long,” said someone else. Another person wrote: “The salary range on this is *interesting* but speaks to who gets to occupy space in fashion – oftentimes a demo [demographic] who do not need to work for a living. In turn, the way that demo approaches work + their coworkers/office is……” Anna Wintour has served as Vogue editor-in-chief since 1988 and global chief content officer for Condé Nast since 2020. Lauren Weisberger, one of Wintour’s two assistants from 1999 to 2000, wrote the novel The Devil Wears Prada in 2003 based on her experience working at Vogue. However, it seems that the fashion giant has no recollection of the former personal assistant who wrote the famed novel. In Amy Odell’s 2022 book, Anna: The Biography, she claims that Wintour didn’t know which of her assistants could have written the 2003 fiction novel. “On May 21, 2002, Women’s Wear Daily reported that The Devil Wears Prada had sold to Doubleday for a reported $250,000. When Anna learned about the book, she said to [Laurie] Jones, ‘I cannot remember who that girl is,’” writes author Amy Odell. Odell also claimed that a friend of Wintour’s, William Norwich, said she “didn’t really didn’t care” about The Devil Wears Prada, even after it spent six months on The New York Times best-seller list. “‘I don’t think Anna is as interested in the cultural phenomenon that she is as the rest of us are,’ he said. “Anna has said to friends, ‘I’m so bored by me’. This is one reason she doesn’t plan to ever write a memoir. Norwich explained, ‘She doesn’t want to stop working to reflect,’” Odell writes. However, the author noted that Wintour did attend the premiere of the film adaptation dressed in Prada, alongside her daughter, Bee Shaffer. “Anna had a seat at the end of the row and, though she had a habit of dashing out of plays that bored her, watched the whole movie,” Odell wrote. “At one point, Bee turned to her and said, ‘Mom, they really got you.’” Read More ‘Worst one ever’: ‘Art world family’ sparks backlash with personal assistant job ad Anne Hathaway explains why The Devil Wears Prada wouldn’t work today Anne Hathaway responds to her ‘accidental’ Devil Wears Prada outfit at NYFW: ‘It was kind of nuts’ Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes makes British Vogue cover debut aged 82 Miriam Margolyes reveals the secret to her 54-year relationship Edward Enninful reflects on closeted upbringing and finding freedom in fashion
2023-06-15 01:27
Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes makes British Vogue cover debut aged 82
Miriam Margolyes says she “never had any shame about being gay” as she makes her British Vogue cover debut aged 82. The award-winning actress, known for her foul mouth and lovable eccentricity, said gay people are “not conventional” and she “wouldn’t want to be straight for anything”. Margolyes is known for a wide range of work in the TV and film industry, including roles in Blackadder, Babe and the Harry Potter franchise. She features along with other “LGBTQ+ pioneers”, including Ncuti Gatwa and Emma D’Arcy, in the July edition of British Vogue. In an accompanying interview, she discusses her sexuality and says she has always tried to “make people feel good about themselves”. “It’s a strong position if you’re not afraid to be who you are,” she said. “We’re all so insecure. People are frightened such a lot of the time and what I’ve always tried to do… (is) make people feel good about themselves.” Margolyes came out as a lesbian in 1966, a time when homosexuality was illegal, and lived through the HIV crisis of the 1980s – during which she lost 34 friends. She has been with her partner – academic Heather Sutherland – for 54 years. “I never had any shame about being gay or anything really,” she told British Vogue. “I knew it wasn’t criminal because it was me. I couldn’t be criminal.” She added: “I think gay people are very lucky, because we are not conventional, we are a group slightly apart. It gives us an edge. “We’re good artists, we’re good musicians. And I like being gay. I wouldn’t want to be straight for anything.” The full interview with Miriam Margolyes can be read online on British Vogue’s website.
2023-06-14 17:51
From Lupita Nyong’o and Jessica Chastain: 6 of our favourite looks at the 2023 Tony Awards
The red carpet at the 2023 Tony Awards on Sunday night (11 June) was awash with some of the biggest names on Broadway, as stars turned up in their finery. The annual ceremony has been recognising the biggest achievements in theatre since 1947. This year, the show was hosted by Ariana DeBose, who made a statement when she opened the show by referring to a “blank script” due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike in pursuit of a fair deal. Meanwhile, the two biggest awards of the night were clinched by Leopoldstadt for Best New Play and Kimberly Akimbo was named Best New Musical. You can see the full list of Tony Awards winners here. Yet among the dozens of actors, musicians and performers who strutted down the red carpet, only a few truly dazzled with their outstanding sartorial choices. Here are our six favourite looks from the 2023 Tony Awards. Lupita Nyong’o Lupita Nyong’o’s striking look became a talking point among fans watching the awards show. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever star wore a metallic custom-made breastplate moulded over her own chest. The silver breastplate, which was created by Pakistani artist Misha Japanwala, covered the front of Nyong’o’s entire torso, from her neck to her waist. The actor wore a black velvet suit jacket and trousers over the piece and accessorised with a Venezia box clutch by The Bella Rosa Collection, along with large diamond earrings and geometric silver rings. It wasn’t just her outfit that turned heads. Nyong’o also sported an intricate henna tattoo on her shaved scalp by artist Sabeen Marghboob Sharing her look on Instagram, Nyong’o wrote: “Honoured, humbled, strengthened and energised to don this breastplate created by @mishajapanwala, which she cast and moulded of my body.” Dylan Mulvaney Comedian and TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney debuted a dramatically different hairstyle at this year’s Tony Awards. The transgender rights activist swapped her usually dark brunette hairstyle for platinum tresses, which were styled as wavy strands framing her face. She wore a sparkly black off-the-shoulder dress with a corset-style waist and a full skirt by Christian Siriano. Mulvaney first showed off her new hair in an Instagram post on Friday (9 June) and last night was the first time she wore it out at a public event. J Harrison Ghee Some Like It Hot star J Harrison Ghee made history at this year’s Tony Awards when they became one of the first openly non-binary actors to win an award. Ghee made a splash on the red carpet in a bright blue structured gown with a plunging neckline and off-the-shoulder collar. They wore matching blue opera gloves, as well as a layered choker around their neck and dangling earrings, as well as a large diamond ring on their left pinky finger. On social media, fans described Ghee’s dress as “gorgeous”, with one person writing: “This is a fabulous outfit J Harrison Ghee got on, we love when winners dress to win.” The 32-year-old won Best Lead Actor in a Musical for their dual role in Some Like It Hot and dedicated their award to “every trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming human who was ever told you couldn’t be seen”. They continued: “People often see me and say, ‘Well, I could never wear that or I can never do that’ and this whole season, I have been living in this mantra: You have to free yourself to see yourself.” Jessica Chastain Jessica Chastain was a bright ray of sunshine as she walked down the red carpet in a bold yellow Gucci down with a matching cape. The A Doll’s House star’s stunning dress featured a sweetheart neckline and a bodice that cinched in at her waist. The skirt fell in straight, tiny ruffles, while her cape swept dramatically across the floor as she walked. Chastain kept her red hair off her face in a sleek ponytail and wore a large chain necklace with an oversized glittering pendant. She was nominated for Best Actress (Play) alongside Jodi Comer (Prima Facie), Jessica Hecht (Summer, 1976) and Audra McDonald (Ohio State Murders). Comer emerged victorious at the end of the night. A Doll’s House was also nominated for a number of awards, including best play revival, best supporting actor for Arian Moayed, and best direction for Jamie Lloyd. Alex Newell Alongside Harrison Ghee, Alex Newell also became one of the first openly non-binary actors to clinch a Tony Award last night. Newell won Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for their part in the 2022 musical Shucked. The 30-year-old star was dressed to the nines for the evening in a sparkly gold off-the-shoulder gown with a corset waist and draped floor-length skirt. In their acceptance speech, Newell thanked the crew, cast and creative team behind Shucked and their mother for “loving me unconditionally”. They added: “Thank you for seeing me, Broadway. I should not be up here as a queer nonbinary fat Black lil baby from Massachusetts. “To anyone that thinks they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face [and say] that you can do anything you put your mind to.” Stephanie Hsu The Everything Everywhere All At Once star brought goth glam to the Tony Awards in a beautifully structured black off-the-shoulder gown by Markarian. The structured dress featured puff sleeves and a fitted bodice, with a voluminous skirt. Hsu kept her jewellery simple by wearing dangling pearl earrings that stood out against her jet-black hair. Although Hsu is best known for her role in the Oscar-winning film, as she starred alongside Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan, she has regularly appeared in Broadway musicals including Be More Chill and Spongebob Squarepants The Musical. Read More Shapewear is booming, and body image experts are worried: ‘It’s really dangerous’ Tony Awards 2023: The 5 biggest talking points Tony Awards 2023: Full list of winners Shapewear is booming, and body image experts are worried: ‘It’s really dangerous’ Chanel’s classic 1926 little black dress added to fashion exhibition in Scotland 6 innovative self-tan products to help you get your best-ever faux glow
2023-06-12 18:18
Shapewear is booming, and body image experts are worried: ‘It’s really dangerous’
In a number of scenes in 2001’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, our heroine – a thirtysomething singleton played by Renée Zellweger – squashes the skin of her lower torso into an array of Lycra shapewear, all in an attempt to make herself appear slimmer. When Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver sets his eyes on her high-wasted, nude-coloured underpants in one memorable scene, Bridget blushes with embarrassment. “Well, hello mummy,” Daniel purrs. At the time of the film’s release, control shapewear – or tummy-tucking underwear designed to smooth its wearer – was marketed predominantly at people like Bridget, someone who was told by society she was “fat” or undesirable unless she had a flat stomach. Today, though, shapewear is branded differently, marketed to young women as a sexy, must-have fashion accessory. Shapewear products are not only promoted as stomach-smoothing fixes, but for anyone who wants a narrow waist or their figure to resemble a contoured, Kardashian-style hourglass. Skims, Kim Kardashian’s self-owned shapewear brand that she founded in 2019, sells viral sculpting bodysuits geared towards achieving this particular body shape. They start at £70. Since the launch of Skims, as with anything that a member of the Kardashian clan wears or makes, fast fashion knock-offs have swelled the market. Online retailer PrettyLittleThing, which has a murky track record of contributing to a harmful cycle of fast fashion, sells duplicates of the Skims viral bodysuit for around £20. They also sell waist trainers – a corset-style casing worn underneath clothes to aggressively teach your waist to be narrow – for just £12. “Doll cinch your waist in an instant with this waist trainer,” the item’s description reads. The product has boning to make it stiff and restrictive. Venture onto TikTok and you’ll find viral dresses with Spanx-style shapewear, designed to minimise the width of a person’s waist and accentuate their bottom, built into the clothing itself. While Skims is not solely responsible for this recent boom in shapewear, it has contributed to transforming how we view it – Bridget’s “granny pants” are now glamorous and aspirational. For the brand’s latest collection, for example, buzzy British singer-songwriters Raye and PinkPantheress were enlisted to promote it, along with viral Bronx rapper Ice Spice. The resulting campaign wouldn’t look out of place in the pages of Vogue. What this marketing tells us is that fashion isn’t just about the garments you wear, but the apparently malleable shape of the body on which they’re worn. Early shapewear emerged in the 16th century, not as a trend or body sculpting device, but for practical support. Karolina Laskowska, a lingerie designer and director of the underwear archive The Underpinnings Museum, tells me that the primary purpose of shapewear back then was to support the body much in the same way that a contemporary bra is made to support the breasts today. “A pair of stays [a corset style bodice] would have offered bust and back support for women who worked,” she explains. “These styles were more functional and supportive, rather than trend-driven.” The beginnings of the shapewear we see today were first seen in the Sixties, when the invention of Lycra, a synthetic-based elastic fibre, allowed for stretchier fabrics. What Laskowska dubs the grandparent of modern shapewear was the “Little X Girdle” by a British brand called Silhouette. “It was a turning point for a shift from traditional structured corsetry into elasticated shapewear,” she says. The item was a seamless, pull-on girdle – an elasticated corset extending from waist to thigh – and was eventually licenced to sell in over 32 countries as turnover increased exponentially. We then saw the evolution of more comfortable, everyday shapewear, like those made by Spanx, an American brand founded in 2000. They’re so uncomfortable, but they’re so afraid of what others will think about them due to their body size Victoria Kleinsman By contrast, modern shapewear is now geared towards sculpting the body to appear differently underneath clothes. And now, fast fashion is getting involved, too. But lingerie designers like Laskowska are increasingly worried about the consumer physically “hurting” themselves with badly made undergarments. “We’ve seen fast fashion adopt corsetry and shapewear trends but it’s not made to fit the human anatomy, since it’s made to be as cheap as possible,” she says. She adds that people could “injure” themselves with elasticated shapewear if they buy a size too small, meaning they could potentially restrict their blood’s circulation. Victoria Kleinsman, a self-esteem expert and body love coach, works with women between the ages of 13 to 60, and says that she’s seen how her younger clientele are feeling the pressure to wear shapewear in order to conform to the cult of thinness. Some clients have bought pantyhose with built-in cushioning to make the bottom look larger and perkier. Others will wear layers of shapewear to sculpt the body, particularly the waist and stomach, to look slimmer or flatter. To Kleinsman, wearing modern shapewear allows people to apply an “IRL [Instagram] filter” to their bodies. She speaks to women each day who are “crying” to her on Zoom calls because they’re worried about what their bodies look like. “It’s to the point when it’s boiling hot weather [but] they’re wearing spandex shapewear and tights, and they’re so uncomfortable, but they’re so afraid of what others will think about them due to their body size.” The expert fell into her line of work after she struggled with an eating disorder – she also wore a waist trainer when she was dealing with her own body image issues. “I would go to the gym wearing it because apparently you ‘sweat more’ and therefore lose ‘water fat’,” she says. “Which is b******! It’s physically painful to your physical body and even more painful to your emotional and mental well-being.” Kleinsman doesn’t think that this type of elasticated shapewear has anything to do with fashion and it should not be marketed as such. “It’s really dangerous,” she tells me. “Shapewear gives you a fake ‘confidence’ but then underneath it all when that comes off, then, who are you?” The popularity of Skims and their various knock-offs doesn’t seem likely to decline any time soon, but Kleinsman is hopeful that more women will soon have epiphanies about the shapewear revival. “Fatphobia and body image trauma is still the norm,” she sighs. “There has never been more [appropriate] a time for us to embrace our natural bodies.” Read More ‘The models are skinnier than ever’: Has London Fashion Week stopped caring about body diversity? Hostage to fashion: Margot Robbie’s Chanel problem speaks to a wider red carpet crisis Jeans shopping is still a total nightmare Kim Kardashian says Kris Jenner gets ‘sad’ thinking of how fame changed her family Kanye West and wife Bianca Censori cause confusion with Sunday Service outfits Chanel’s classic 1926 little black dress added to fashion exhibition in Scotland
2023-06-12 13:59
Chanel’s classic 1926 little black dress added to fashion exhibition in Scotland
Curators are “delighted” to have secured a little black dress designed by Chanel in 1926 to open an exhibition on the success of the garment over almost a century. Beyond The Little Black Dress, which launches at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh next month, will bring together more than 60 looks from collections and designers around the world. It opens with a long-sleeved black day dress designed by Gabrielle Coco Chanel in 1926, which was hailed by US Vogue as “the frock that all the world will wear”. The silk crepe dress is on loan from the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) in Berlin. Georgina Ripley, principal curator of modern and contemporary design at National Museums Scotland, said: “The dress is incredibly significant for its own merit anyway, but for our exhibition it’s really pivotal because we are opening the exhibition with the idea that this is kind of the birth of the little black dress. “The well-known story within fashion history is of Chanel being the inventor of the little black dress and 1926 being the date, and that’s because a very simple long-sleeved day dress of silk crepe de Chine was featured in US Vogue in the October edition and it called this dress the ‘frock that all the world will wear’. “The dress that we have on loan from the museum in Berlin is not the exact dress that featured in that Vogue article, but it is the exact same style, made from the same sort of fabric, and it’s incredibly rare to actually find little black day dresses from that date in collections. “It’s been amazing for us to be able to locate one, to be able to tell this really important story within the history of the little black dress.” Vogue compared the dress to Henry Ford’s model T motor car, linking it to the idea of the democratisation of fashion, although it would still have been very expensive and only affordable to the wealthy. The dress drew on the functionality of menswear and of clothes worn by those working in the service industry, such as maids and shop workers. Chanel’s contemporary Paul Poiret described the style as “poverty de luxe” – things that have humble origins elevated to couture-style clothing. While black was already in fashion before 1926 and other little black dresses had been created, something about Chanel’s design was seen as being an important moment in the modernisation of women’s fashion. The exhibition was originally due to open in 2020 but was pushed back due to Covid, and curators were “thrilled” they could still borrow the dress from the museum in Berlin this year. Ripley said: “This is such a natural place to start this story because it’s known in fashion history and we also wanted to confront head on that it really is just a moment that has been picked upon as the origin of the little black dress, but it would be really strange to tell that story without having that dress. “We had our heart set on telling the story in that way and opening with this dress, so we’re delighted we’ve been able to see that mission through.” The exhibition looks at fashions through the decades, from early pieces by Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior and Jean Muir to contemporary designers and brands such as Gareth Pugh, Simone Rocha and Off-White. Areas of the exhibition are dedicated to highlighting black British designers whose work explores both blackness in terms of identity and the role the colour plays in crafting a futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic. It also considers how perceptions of the colour black differ in a global context. The exhibition runs from 1 July until 29 October. Read More Jennifer Lawrence steps in to clarify theory about her Cannes footwear Qantas ditches mandatory heels and embraces make-up for flight attendants of all genders Love Island line up: Meet the contestants and couples of the 2023 summer edition Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-06-10 15:53
6 innovative self-tan products to help you get your best-ever faux glow
Every fake tan devotee has their Holy Grail formula – the one that glides on like a dream and leaves you with the perfect, streak-free, naturally bronzed glow. While it’s tempting to stick with a trusty favourite, with skincare innovations happening all the time you could be missing out on an even better bronze if you don’t deviate from your usual routine. Right now, there’s a host of hot new sunless tanning lotions, mists and foams that beauty buffs are loving – just in time for summer. Here are six self-tan launches that could become your next go-to… 1. Bondi Sands Technocolor Emerald 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam, £19.99 Introducing not one but four new formulas, Bondi Sands Technocolor range of one-hour foams is designed to suit different skin tones and avoid any orangey-ness. Sapphire creates a cool-toned tan for fair skin types; Emerald imparts an olive tan on medium skin tones; Magenta delivers a rich tan on olive to deep skin tones; and Caramel creates a warm glow on deeper skin tones. 2. Skinny Tan Limited Edition Birthday Cupcake Self-Tanning Whip, £21.99 Celebrating 10 years of terrific tans, Skinny Tan (named because of the slim ingredients list) has given its bestselling whipped mousse formula a birthday makeover. The overnight formula – which is enriched with cocoa butter and vitamin E, and develops in six to eight hours – now has a scrumptious vanilla frosting scent. 3. Utan x Jamie Genevieve CBD Tanning Water Facial Mist, £18 Utan has teamed up with make-up artist and beauty influencer Jamie Genevieve to create a complexion-enhancing tanning mist. The lightweight, antibacterial fluid delivers a subtle glow in four hours, doesn’t need rinsing off and has reportedly helped to get rid of acne breakouts. 4. St Moriz Luxe Body & Face Bronzing Mist Medium, £18.99, Boots Infused with organic rose water and soothing goji berry extract, this flora-scented spritz develops in eight hours. Use it as the last step in your skincare routine at night and you’ll wake up with a gorgeous glow. 5. Rose & Caramel Skinstant Instant Tanning Spritz, £19.99 Left it too late to do an overnight tan? This spray gives you glowing skin in minutes, drying quickly to leave a bronzed hue that washes off in the shower. Simply spritz on and blend with a tanning mitt or the Rose & Caramel Blending Brush (£12.99) to ensure a streak-free finish. 6. Xen-Glow Dark Lotion, £29.99, Beauty Flash Celeb-approved Xen-Glow (previously known as Xen-Tan) is back after a rebrand, with reformulated products. Tan-aholics will love the Dark Lotion, which comes with an olive guide colour and develops in three hours. Leave it on overnight for an even deeper bronze.
2023-06-09 16:52
Glastonbury Festival 2023 — what to wear this year
If you’re lucky enough to have secured tickets for Glastonbury 2023, you’ll soon be packing up your camping gear, sunnies and snacks ready for five days of musical magic. Wondering what to wear this year? While your wardrobe will be somewhat dictated by the weather, all being well you’ll be able to bust out some fabulous summer outfits for dancing the days and nights away. We asked style experts for their predictions on the festival fashion trends that will be taking over Worthy Farm this year… Crochet “Crochet is a must-have festival fashion trend this year for so many reasons,” says Talia Johnson, senior creative manager at PrettyLittleThing, who thinks bolder is better when it comes to the boho look. “Opt for a versatile crochet co-ord set in a vibrant colour of your choice,” she suggests. “If the Somerset weather isn’t up to par, a crochet set can easily be matched with a faux fur coat for a really breezy day or a cropped denim jacket for a ‘just in case’ scenario.” Celebrity stylist and presenter Kay Wyer is loving the retro 70s glam look. “This trend is all about crochet anything and everything, like cut-out tops and wide-leg trousers teamed with embellished belts,” she says. “If boho chic isn’t your thing, you can add a fringed jacket or shorts to a simpler, minimal outfit or accessorise your look with a crochet hat.” Matalan Pink Swing Crochet Lace Vest Top, £19 FatFace Crochet Phone Bag, £25 Cowgirl cool PrettyLittleThing Shape Indigo Denim Raw Hem Edge Cropped Jacket, £23 (was £25); Shape Indigo Denim Low Rise Micro Mini Skirt, £20 (was £22), boots, stylist’s ownThe cowgirl trend is still going strong, and this summer there are two ways to wear it. “The coastal cowgirl trend is a Western-inspired style that has taken over social media this year and is simple to embrace into your festival style,” says Johnson, who recommends double denim outfits to “perfectly combat unpredictable UK weather”. And, of course, cowboy boots: “There are so many different styles when it comes to cowboy boots, whether it’s a suede material, a fringed hem or a stitch detail, the choice is yours and you’ll certainly stand out in the crowd.” The other, more colourful, cowgirl look is ‘Western Barbie’. “Unlike your usual cowgirl outfit with muted tones and washed-out denim shorts, this trend is bold and vibrant,” Wyer says. “It’s all about layering up an all-pink outfit, adorned with embellishment or metallics and paired with some eye-catching cowboy boots. Be sure to have at least one statement piece – you can’t go too far with this look.” Oliver Bonas Glam Metallic Cowboy Hat, £29.50 Goldsmith Vintage Striped Pattern Shorts, £32.95 Suit up A jazzy jumpsuit or printed playsuit is your shortcut to festival cool. “From dazzling sequins to shimmery mesh, to bell sleeves and an extreme halter neck, all-in-ones are practical yet glamorous fashion statements that you can quickly throw on and go,” says Johnson. “For even more bust support while dancing the day away, feel free to wear a brightly coloured bikini underneath to highlight the raver vibe.” Very X Lucy Mecklenburgh Long Sleeve Bardot Beach Playsuit, £25 Mesh moment A trend that started on the catwalks last year, mesh and macrame fabrics are big news this summer. “Mesh can be playful and edgy or sheer and sexy, depending on how much you want to cover,” says Wyer. “You can opt for a beachy open-knit dress or a flowy sheer ensemble, worn over a silk slip dress or a bikini and shorts. Team with a pair of statement sunglasses and some chunky boots and you’re good to go.” River Island Orange Mesh Long Sleeve Top, £26 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 white into your interiors Archewell donates £10,000 to get diverse book in all secondary schools How to react kindly to people with Tourette’s – and what not to say
2023-06-08 18:52