Giorgio Armani, Zegna present fluid elegance for the next hot season as Milan Fashion Week wraps up
With temperatures rising, Milan designers focused on fluidity in dressing, allowing the body to move without constrictions
2023-06-20 01:52
Aircraft Mega-Deals Prompt Bubble Warning From Industry Veterans
In less than a year, the global aviation industry has gone from near annihilation to exuberant enthusiasm. Fleet
2023-06-20 00:55
This man is traveling the world on non-motorized transport
Canadian firefighter Markus Pukonen has spent seven years circumnavigating the world using just his "muscles and some wind." He's walking, paddling, kayaking, cycling, skiing, rowing and sailing his way across 29 countries in support of a sustainable world future.
2023-06-19 21:53
How to Spot Poison Oak
Poison ivy isn’t the only thing that can give you a nasty rash.
2023-06-19 21:23
Meghan ‘set to sign’ Dior deal: 4 times she’s worn the brand
The Duchess of Sussex could be on the brink of signing a major deal with Dior, reports suggest. If the rumours are true, she would join stars like actors Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence as a face of the French luxury brand. It’s no secret that Meghan, 41, is fond of the fashion house. Over the years, she has worn Dior to a number of special occasions, and even the Duke of Sussex wore a suit from the brand to the coronation earlier this year. Here are five examples of the best times Meghan has worn Dior… 1. The kaftan gown When Meghan arrived at the intimate reception hosted by the British ambassador to Morocco in 2019, she turned heads in a cream-coloured custom Dior kaftan. The gown had embellished voluminous sleeves and a unique neck detailing. She paired the outfit with a clutch bag in the same colour and gold court heels, with reports suggesting the outfit totalled at £99,000. 2. The trench coat For the Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving in 2022, two years after the Sussexes announced their departure as working members of the royal family, Meghan wore a white Dior outfit. The set included a long trench coat and skirt in wool and silk with an organza shirt. She paired the outfit with gloves and a wide-brimmed hat designed by milliner Stephen Jones for Dior. 3. The day dress Joining other members of the royal family, Meghan attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the Royal Air Force in 2018 wearing a bespoke navy boat neck Dior A-line midi dress, paired with a Stephen Jones navy fascinator, a navy clutch bag and cream coloured court heels. 4. The silk coat Meghan was spotted wearing a vintage silk double-breasted chocolate brown Dior coat for Mike and Zara Tindall’s daughter Lena’s christening in 2019. She paired it with a navy Stephen Jones beret and her Victoria Beckham bag. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Designer JW Anderson wears Irish rugby top on the runway Can noisy festivals damage your hearing long term? Princess of Wales praises children’s hospices as ‘shining light’ to families
2023-06-19 20:59
Designer JW Anderson wears Irish rugby top on the runway
Designer JW Anderson wore an Ireland rugby shirt to take a bow at the end of his Milan Fashion Week show. The Northern Irish designer – full name Jonathan Anderson – wore the green T-shirt on Father’s Day. This could have been an homage to his own father Willie Anderson, a former rugby player who captained the Irish international team. Anderson was taking a bow after presenting his latest menswear collection and womenswear resort collection at Milan Fashion Week. He’s also the creative director of fashion house Loewe, where he’s become well-known for surrealist designs. Clothes were a bit more wearable for his latest JW Anderson collection, but the designer still pushed boundaries and continues to show why he’s one of the most exciting voices in fashion right now. There was an emphasis on knitwear – from subdued matching sets in earthy tones to more exuberant colourful creations with 3D effects, which the brand said on Instagram was “creating the structured texture of popcorn”. Anderson wearing a rugby top at the end of the show wasn’t a complete curveball however, as sporty elements permeated the collection. The designer showed his spin on rugby tops, giving them a more structured shape and fashion-forward aesthetic. The brand wrote: “Flipping the idea of British heritage, sporty silhouettes and rugby stripes are reimagined.” Beautifully tailored dresses, coats and shirts rounded out the collection. Anderson has become a celebrity favourite, with Heartstopper actor Kit Connor and Sex Education star Asa Butterfield front row to see his latest show in Milan. He made headlines earlier this year after designing Rihanna’s bright red jumpsuit to perform at the Super Bowl, in his capacity as creative director of Loewe.
2023-06-19 20:20
Four berry sweet recipes that go beyond strawberries and cream
British strawberry season has finally arrived, albeit a month later than last year’s first harvests due to the unsettled spring weather. A cooler than average April and May means the nation can expect to enjoy bigger, juicier and sweeter strawberries this year due to a slower ripening period. But it’s the iconic summer occasions that mark peak popularity for the British strawberry. The slightly later season this year means British strawberries will be in their prime for Wimbledon, Royal Ascot, the Lord’s Test Match and Henley Royal Regatta. Nick Marston, chairman of British Berry Growers, the industry body that represents 95 per cent of berries supplied to UK supermarkets says: “Our strawberry crop has arrived a little later this year – but the good news is that they are well worth the wait. Cooler spring weather means that strawberries have ripened a little more slowly which allows them to grow particularly large – and the recent bright weather has boosted their sugar content ensuring they’re incredibly sweet tasting too. “Advanced growing techniques now mean we now produce fresh British strawberries from May right through to October. That’s great news for UK shoppers and it means big business for the UK economy too.” Despite the UK spending a whopping £778m on strawberries in the past 12 months, most of us (two-thirds) are storing them all wrong, according to a survey by the group. Marston says: “When it comes to storing berries, wash them and pop them in the fridge to keep them fresher for longer. However, remember to take them out a couple of hours before eating so they can warm up to room temperature to release their wonderful natural flavours and sugars. “Storing berries in glass mason jars or airtight containers can also help them last longer. Whilst laying berries on a paper towel to absorb moisture can also help maintain freshness”. They’re not just for covering in chocolate or dipping in cream either. From a superfood salad to a cooling punch, these strawberry recipes make the most of the cream of the British summer fruit crop. Superfood strawberry and pine nut salad Serves: 2 Ingredients: 100g strawberries 1 large avocado 100g kale 150g cooked wild rice 50g pine nuts 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp mustard Salt Pepper Method: Toast the pine nuts in a small pan for a few minutes until golden then leave to the side to cool. Thinly slice the kale leaves into strips. Whisk the olive oil, vinegar and mustard together with a pinch of salt and pepper. Massage the kale with this dressing for 5 minutes until the kale wilts down. Cut the strawberries into quarters and the avocado into chunks and mix this with the kale salad. Stir in the wild rice, a pinch of salt and toasted pine nuts and serve. Cheat: add black Thai rice instead or buy a pouch of ready cooked brown basmati and wild rice. Strawberry and raspberry ripple Eton Mess Make up the strawberry swirled meringues and fruit puree the day before, then just layer with whipped cream and extra fruit in recycled jam jars and screw on the lids, take out to the garden in a basket or pack into a cool box for a picnic pud. Serves: 6 Prep time: 35 minutes | Cooking time: 1¼-1½ hours Ingredients: 225g (8oz) strawberries, hulled 100g (4oz) raspberries For the meringues: 2 egg whites 100g (4oz) caster sugar To finish: 300ml (½ pint) double cream 200g (7oz) 0.1% fat fromage frais 225g (8oz) strawberries, hulled, roughly chopped 50g (2oz) raspberries Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 110C (225F)/gas mark ¼. Line a large baking sheet with non-stick baking paper. 2. Puree the strawberries and raspberries in a liquidiser or food processor then press through a sieve. 3. Whisk the egg whites in a large clean dry bowl until they form stiff moist looking peaks and you feel confident that if the bowl was turned upside down the egg whites wouldn’t fall out! Gradually whisk in the sugar a teaspoonful at a time then continue whisking for a minute or two until really thick and glossy. 4. Add 2 tablespoons of the berry puree then very briefly mix until marbled. Spoon into a large piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm (¾ inch) plain piping tube, pipe small rounds on to the lined baking sheet. Bake for 1¼-1½ hours or until the meringues may be easily lifted off the paper. Leave to cool. 5. To serve, lightly whip the cream until it forms soft swirls then fold in the fromage frais. Crumble the meringues then layer in jam jars or plastic containers with the remaining berry puree and diced strawberries. Decorate with the raspberries. Add the lids and keep in the fridge until ready to serve or transport to a picnic in a cool bag with a frozen ice block to keep them cold. Serve within 1½ hours or the meringues tend to lose their crunch. Strawberry basil éclairs Strawberries and cream get the French treatment, what’s not to love! Makes: 16 Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 50g (2oz) butter, plus a little extra for greasing 150ml (¼ pint) water 65g (2½oz) plain flour, sifted 2 medium eggs ½ tsp vanilla extract To finish: 400g (14oz) strawberries, hulled, chopped 2 tbsp icing sugar, plus extra sifted icing sugar to decorate 3 tbsp fresh chopped basil leaves 300ml (½ pint) double cream Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas mark 6. Lightly butter 2 baking sheets and set aside. 2. Add the measured butter to a saucepan with the water, heat gently until the butter has melted then bring to the boil. Take off the heat add the flour and stir together then put the pan back on the heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture forms a smooth glossy ball that leaves the sides of the pan clean. Cool for 15 minutes. 3. Gradually beat in the eggs and vanilla, beating well after each addition until all the eggs have been added and you have a smooth thick paste. If you have a food processor or electric mixer you might like to use this to save time. 4. Spoon the choux pastry into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm (½ inch) wide plain piping tube. Pipe 7.5cm (3 inch) long éclairs, leaving space between them to rise in the oven. 5. Bake for 20 minutes until well risen and golden, pierce each éclair with a small knife so that the steam can escape then transfer to a wire rack to cool. 6. Meanwhile mix the strawberries, 2 tablespoons icing sugar and basil together, cover the dish and leave at room temperature. 7. About 1 hour before you are ready to serve the éclairs, slit open the sides with a serrated knife. Whisk the cream until it forms soft peaks then fold in any strawberry juices. Spoon into the éclairs and top with the strawberries and basil. 8. Dust with sifted icing sugar and transfer to a plate and serve. Cook’s tip: Choux pastry isn’t as tricky as you might think to make, the secret is to weigh the ingredients accurately, don’t be over generous with one of the ingredients or the mixture may be too soft to pipe and use either metric or imperial not a mix of both! For chocolate fans: Spoon a little melted white chocolate over the top of the éclairs instead of adding the icing sugar. Iced berry punch This can be made in advance and chilled in the fridge overnight. Top up with white wine and chilled sparkling mineral or tonic water for a refreshing summer aperitif. Drivers can simply top up the cordial with sparkling water, tonic or lemonade. Add strawberry or herb flowers, even tiny pansy flowers to sections of an ice cube tray, then top up with water and freeze. Pop out of tray and add to punch just before serving. Makes: 10, 150 ml (¼ pint) glasses Prep time: 15 minutes | Chilling time: 4 hours or overnight Ingredients: 450g (1 lb) strawberries, hulled, sliced or raspberries (whole) 75g (3 oz) caster sugar Grated rind and juice 1 lemon To serve: A few ice cubes 75cl bottle dry white wine, chilled 1 sliced lemon 200g (7oz) fresh strawberries, halved or raspberries (whole) 1 litre (1¾ pint) sparkling mineral or tonic water, chilled Method: 1. Crush the strawberries in the bottom of a saucepan with a potato masher. Add the sugar, lemon rind and juice and heat gently for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Leave to cool. Mash once more then strain into a bottle or jam jar and chill overnight. Pour the chilled strawberry syrup into the base of a punch bowl, add some ice then the chilled white wine, sliced lemons and sliced strawberries. Mix together then top up with sparkling mineral or tonic water and serve immediately. Over 90 sweet and savoury strawberry recipes can be found on the Love Fresh Berries website: www.lovefreshberries.co.uk/recipes Read More Can you whip up the perfect burger in just five minutes? These are the viral TikTok recipes you have to make this Father’s Day Eddie Huang: ‘I’ll never eat at BAO London – I know mine’s better’ BBQ salad recipes without a soggy lettuce leaf in sight Grace Dent’s quick and easy recipes that only require the microwave How to shop for and cook Japanese food at home like a pro
2023-06-19 19:16
The women who run Antarctica's 'penguin post office'
When this year's all-woman team arrived on Antarctica's Goudier Island to run the world's most remote post office, it was shovels they needed rather than stamps.
2023-06-19 19:15
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
Cathay Pacific to Hire More Cabin Crew From Mainland China
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. will recruit more cabin crew from mainland China and widen the use of Mandarin
2023-06-19 11:53
Milan Fashion: Prada animates male form with 1940s tailoring that aims to liberate, not constrict
The architecture at Prada’s showroom shifts with every season, but never so fluidly as for Spring-Summer 2024 menswear
2023-06-18 23:27
Glastonbury regular reveals best clothing to take to festivals - and what to avoid
A Glastonbury regular has been revealing the best clothes to pack if you’re heading to a festival this summer - and what you should be avoiding. Natalie McMullen, 33, says attendees will quickly realise that comfort is just important as style, and recommends wearing dresses, skorts (skirts with shorts attached underneath), and maxi skirts with slits in to marry the two together. “It’s things like that that mean you can still look amazing but you can enjoy the festival too”, she says. When it comes to footwear, however, don’t compromise. Converse, Vans, and Dr Martens have all proven a bad choice for McMullen, who now braves a pair of sturdy walking boots - even if they aren’t the top of her style wish list. Read More Care home hosts its own Glastonbury for ‘festival-loving’ residents 90-year-old man sets all-time record with final 1,162nd blood donation Prince Louis’ best moments from Trooping the Colour
2023-06-18 18:15