Princess Diana’s sheep sweater smashes records to sell for $1.1 million
Associated Press
23-09-15 12:42
A red sweater worn by Princess Diana has sold for $1.1m, many times its presale estimate and a record for an item owned by the late royal. The playfully patterned wool jumper featuring a single black sheep in a grid of white ones was bought by an unidentified bidder at Sotheby’s online Fashion Icons sale. The previous record for a piece of Diana memorabilia was $604,800 for a Victor Edelstein-designed ballgown sold by the auction house in January. The sale also smashed the existing auction record for a sweater, the $334,000 paid in 2019 for Kurt Cobain’s green cardigan from Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged concert.
Princess Diana’s ‘black sheep’ sweater breaks auction records
Washington Post
23-09-15 14:11
An iconic black sheep jumper worn by Princess Diana in 1981 has sold for $1.14m at Sotheby's auction house in New York. The jumper was worn by the princess, then Lady Diana Spencer, when she was 19 as she attended one of Charles's polo matches. It was sold to an unidentified bidder and established a new auction record for any article of clothing worn by the princess. The previous record for a sweater was set by a green cardigan belonging to musician Kurt Cobain, which sold for $334,000 in 2019.
Why the naked baby bump is strictly for celebrities only
Telegraph
23-09-15 20:59
The trend for celebrities to flaunt their pregnant bellies in public has been a long time coming. In the past, pregnant women were largely confined to their homes or, if they did go out, would hide their bumps. However, in 1991, Demi Moore posed naked and heavily pregnant on the cover of Vanity Fair, which proved to be a turning point. Since then, countless pregnant celebrities have been photographed with their bumps on display, and now social media has allowed ordinary women to do the same. Despite this, working women still face discrimination during pregnancy, according to data from women’s rights group Pregnant then Screwed.
Angela Rippon, the newsreader making Strictly history aged 78
The Independent
23-09-16 14:06
Angela Rippon, 78, has become the oldest celebrity to compete on the BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. Rippon has a special connection to the show, as she previously presented the BBC’s long-running ballroom series Come Dancing that inspired Strictly. Rippon began her career as a journalist and newsreader and was the first female journalist to regularly read the news on national TV. She has also had a successful career in entertainment, hosting shows such as Top Gear and Cash in the Attic. Rippon is excited to take on the challenge of learning to dance the Argentinian Tango on Strictly.
Will you embrace the bro-bracelet, like Prince Harry?
Telegraph
23-09-18 12:29
Bracelets have become a popular accessory for men, with a surge in demand for beaded, leather, and metal versions. One reason for their popularity is their association with mental health and spiritual wellness, as well as their more affordable price point compared to luxury watches. The trend has caught on with men of all ages, from younger men influenced by celebrities like Harry Styles, to older men who have embraced the more casual style of dress. Brands such as Shamballa are even offering luxury beaded bracelets at high price points.
Women discuss the female version of the male Roman Empire trend
The Independent
23-09-18 20:28
Women on TikTok are responding to a viral trend that asks, "What is the female version of the Roman Empire?" Many women have expressed that they think about the possibility of being victims of violence on a regular basis. Other common responses include the Salem witch trials, Princess Diana, and Greek mythology. The trend started on Instagram when a Roman reenactor called Gaius Flavius shared a post claiming that men think about the Roman Empire frequently.
The Versailles Palace celebrates its 400th anniversary and hosts King Charles III for state dinner
Associated Press
23-09-19 06:37
King Charles III and Queen Camilla have begun a three-day trip to Paris and Bordeaux, starting with a grand dinner at the Palace of Versailles to celebrate the palace's 400th anniversary. The visit follows the recent opening of a gallery at the palace retracing its history from 1623 to the present day. The French presidency said the visit will showcase France's cultural and gastronomical excellence. The Hall of Mirrors will be closed to visitors on 7 May to prepare for the banquet.
Take it from Kristi Noem: you can be an arm woman or a leg woman, but not both
Telegraph
23-09-19 19:18
Arms and legs have become a new form of power dressing, according to The Times. The paper noted that South Dakota Governor, Kristi Noem, who recently endorsed Donald Trump for president, is also a bodybuilder. The Times claimed that “these arms are just the new frontier in a line stretching back to Madonna via Michelle Obama and Angelina Jolie.” Arms are seen as a way of demonstrating fitness and strength, with The Times considering them to be “the safest, least sexy body part you can expose in public without getting arrested and the one that speaks volumes about your personal discipline and self worth.” The paper added: “If you’re going for one-upmanship in the boardroom… then it’s arms out all the way.” On the other hand, legs are seen as more rebellious, with women who show off their legs seen as more youthful and confident. The Times observed that “if you skip the heels and substitute brogues or loafers or ballet flats it’s cheeky and cool and a feminist statement.” The paper concluded that “you don’t have to be older to have… legs but you probably are”.
How Hilary Mantel became a titan of British literature
Telegraph
23-09-22 07:00
A new collection of non-fiction writing by the late Hilary Mantel will be published in October. A Memoir of My Former Self, edited by Nicholas Pearson, includes Mantel's film reviews from the 1980s, previously unpublished 2017 Reith Lectures, and articles on a range of subjects, from perfume to Princess Diana. The book also features her thoughts on British royalty, with Mantel described as "the best writer on British royalty, ever". "She saw things other people didn’t see," says her agent, Bill Hamilton. "Those little piles of canapé sticks that royal guests had hidden behind the pillars? That’s the kind of thing Hilary noticed and they revealed so much."
Prince William received gift for children during New York City trip
The Independent
23-09-22 18:46
Prince William received a gift of three "I [Heart] NY" shirts for his children during his recent trip to New York City. The gift was given to him by a fan outside the New York City Fire Department’s Ten House Fire Station. In a video shared on social media, the prince can be seen thanking the fan for the shirts before handing them to a security guard. William also expressed his desire to bring his children to New York one day. Fans have praised the prince for his interactions with the crowd and his down-to-earth nature.
Joan Collins: ‘Everyone thinks I’ve had work done – here’s the truth for the record’
Telegraph
23-09-23 12:39
Actress Joan Collins has revealed her Saturday routine in an interview with The Telegraph. Collins, 84, said she likes to wake at 7am and then try to go back to sleep until 10am. She then reads books, including The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin and Di and I by Peter Lefcourt. Collins also reads five newspapers every day, three in the morning and two in the afternoon. She then watches reruns of Dynasty, in which she starred, to see how her character Alexis might spend her Saturday. Collins said she writes in bed or on her sofa, using a child's notebook and pen. She then takes a walk in her garden with her husband Percy, whom she married in 2002. Collins said she usually stops to talk to babies she sees in prams. The couple then call their children to see if they want to join them for lunch. Collins said she generally only drinks one glass of wine with her lunch and eats half of what is on her plate. The couple often watch more episodes of Dynasty together in the afternoon and then Collins watches television until she goes to bed at 11pm.
How a Celebrity Stylist Became a Fashion Consultant to the Masses
WSJ
23-09-23 12:00
Wardrobe consultant Allison Bornstein has gone viral on TikTok for her three-word method of discovering personal style. Bornstein advises choosing three adjectives that describe how you dress or how you want to dress. She has chosen "classic, '70s, and elegant" for herself. Bornstein has conducted over 1,500 wardrobe consultations via FaceTime since 2020 and is releasing her first book, "Wear It Well," this month. Bornstein discusses the conflict and trauma around clothes and the pressure from social media to constantly buy new items. She advises readers to take a slow approach to changing their style and to buy things slowly and live with them for a while. Bornstein acknowledges the contradiction between advising people not to buy more while also posting new outfits and accessories on social media. She tries to post things she actually likes and show multiple ways to wear them. Bornstein also recommends adding belts to outfits as a way to break up the look and add texture and color.
Complacency of London’s stock exchange boss leaves the City in deep trouble
Telegraph
23-09-24 10:00
David Schwimmer, CEO of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has dismissed reports of the decline of the London stock market as "clickbait". However, the number of listed companies on the LSE has fallen significantly, major businesses are moving to New York, and private investors remain uninterested. Schwimmer's complacency means the City is unlikely to be fixed any time soon, argues Liam Halligan in The Telegraph. The decline of the London stock market is alarming, with the total number of quoted companies falling from 2,400 in 2015 to 1,900 last year, and it has halved over the last two decades.
Kim Kardashian dons Chanel Barbie necklace in Super Bowl ad with Usher
The Independent
23-09-24 20:08
Kim Kardashian has helped announce that Usher will be performing at the 2024 Super Bowl Half-Time Show. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Kardashian is seen making a phone call to Usher to deliver the news. She was dressed in a glamorous outfit, including a vintage Chanel necklace from the brand's spring/summer 1995 collection. Fans praised Kardashian's style and the announcement of Usher as the performer for the Super Bowl. Kardashian is known for her collection of exclusive jewelry, including Princess Diana's Attallah Cross necklace and Jackie Kennedy's Cartier Tank watch.
'Not just a magazine store': How Atlantic News is still surviving after 50 years
CBC
23-09-24 19:20
Atlantic News, a newsstand in Halifax, Canada, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The store, which was opened in 1973 by Pat Doherty, has weathered the decline of print media and the rise of digital technology. In the 1990s, there were 11 major newsstands in Halifax, but today, Atlantic News is the only one remaining. The store has had to adapt to changing times by offering on-demand newspaper printing through PressReader and flying in copies of The Globe and Mail for customers. It has also increased its inventory of books and local art. While the prevalence of smartphones and social media has affected demand, the store has still found a loyal customer base, with many people seeking a break from screens. The COVID-19 pandemic has also presented challenges, but Atlantic News has managed to survive. The current owners, Michele and Stephen Gerrard, plan to sell the shop after 25 years of ownership and move to Australia to be closer to family.
The autumn shades inspired by a Starbucks coffee trend
Telegraph
23-09-25 16:00
The fashion trend for pumpkin spice latte (PSL) dressing is set to be bigger this year than ever before, according to fashion site Love the Sales. Searches for pumpkin spice colours are up 40% on the previous five years. The colours include burnt orange, camel, burgundy, navy, butter yellow, muted pink and dark teal. The trend is known as colour drenching, and it involves picking one or two colours and sticking to them. The style is particularly expensive-looking when using autumnal shades, such as those seen at Hermès, Zegna and Missoni.
Netflix’s Who Killed Jill Dando? leaves us none the wiser, 24 years on
The Independent
23-09-25 23:01
A new Netflix documentary on the murder of British television presenter Jill Dando offers no new evidence or leads in the 22-year-old case. The three-part programme includes an interview with Barry George, the man who was wrongfully convicted and later cleared of the crime. However, George sheds no new light on the case. Dando was shot dead on her doorstep in 1999 and her murder remains unsolved. Despite following numerous leads, police were unable to uncover any strong suspects or motives. The documentary includes interviews with Dando's friends, colleagues, and the senior investigating officer, who still believes George is guilty. The programme highlights the lack of closure in the case and the fact that the police are not actively pursuing any new leads. Without new evidence or a confession, it is highly unlikely that the case will ever be solved.
The Sydney Opera House recently celebrated its 50th birthday. From its inception to its completion, the iconic building faced numerous challenges and controversies, but it has become a symbol of Australia and one of the world's most recognizable landmarks. The Opera House was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II on October 20, 1973, with an estimated one million people in attendance. The opening ceremony featured ribbons, balloons, doves, and a flotilla of decorated vessels on the harbor.
Since its opening, the Sydney Opera House has become a cultural hub, hosting a wide range of performances from opera and ballet to comedy and drama. It is home to eight resident companies, including Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The building’s unique design, with its distinctive sail-like shells, has also made it a popular location for outdoor concerts and events.
Over the years, the Opera House has played host to a variety of notable figures and events. Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most acclaimed tenors of all time, performed there in 1983 to a sold-out audience. The building has also been the backdrop for visits by royalty, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Additionally, it has been the site of protests, such as when activists protested the lighting of the sails for a horse race promotion in 2018.
The Sydney Opera House is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a cultural and historical landmark. It stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of its architects and the people of Australia, who funded its construction through a lottery. As it celebrates its 50th birthday, the Opera House continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.
How to watch BBC’s untitled Panorama investigation on Monday
The Independent
23-09-28 09:31
The BBC's documentary series, Panorama, has sparked speculation after announcing an hour-long special episode on 2 October. The episode is simply listed as "Special" and does not provide any details about its subject matter. This follows Channel 4's Dispatches programme, which recently aired an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct and assault against comedian Russell Brand. Social media users have speculated whether Panorama's episode will be similarly revealing. Panorama, the world's longest-running television news magazine programme, has been responsible for several high-profile documentaries in its 70-year history.
Ice Spice breaks silence on controversial Matty Healy comments
The Independent
23-09-29 06:41
Rapper Ice Spice has said she was "so confused" by comments made about her by The 1975 frontman Matty Healy during a podcast earlier this year. Healy referred to her as an "Inuit Spice Girl" and a "chubby Chinese lady", though he later apologised. The podcast, which was later removed from Spotify and Apple, also featured derogatory comments about women and jokes about Japanese people. Healy has previously deactivated his Twitter account after making an ableist joke about the band Boygenius.
