Chloe Mac Donnell

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute will stage John Galliano: Horizons, a major retrospective opening in May and launched by the Met Gala. The three-part exhibition will survey Galliano’s influential career while directly addressing his racist, antisemitic and anti-Asian remarks, his 2011 conviction and dismissal from Dior, and his subsequent rehabilitation through recovery, work at Maison Margiela and renewed industry partnerships. Supporters argue that his artistic impact merits recognition, while critics and observers question whether exceptional talent and institutional forgiveness can outweigh serious misconduct. The exhibition is intended to examine both artistic achievement and ethical accountability rather than present a simple disgrace-and-redemption narrative.

Demand for bathroom and dressing-room mini fridges is rising as consumers use them for skincare, supplements and injectable weight-loss drugs. Sub-Zero & Wolf reports a tenfold increase in demand over two years, while Gumtree searches rose 85% between January and June. Dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus says refrigeration genuinely benefits unstable vitamin C serums and some retinoids, while most eye creams and sheet masks do not need it. Semaglutide and tirzepatide injections require refrigeration before first use but can generally be stored below 30C afterward. UK electrical-safety rules and ventilation requirements mean the appliances are more suitable for larger bathrooms and dressing rooms than typical wet rooms.

Private White VC founder James Eden defends Prime Minister Andy Burnham against criticism that his expensive British-made clothing conflicts with his working-class image. Eden argues that Burnham should promote high-quality domestic goods and says the company’s prices reflect fair wages, skilled labor and local supply chains. He advocates directing more NHS and Ministry of Defence apparel contracts to UK manufacturers, citing his factory’s pandemic PPE production as evidence that domestic manufacturing can create jobs and retain economic value locally. Eden says the company remains apolitical, gives no products away for free, and will support anyone who promotes British industry.

Luxury oral care is turning toothpaste, mouthwash and toothbrushes into lifestyle and status products, with perfume-inspired flavors, designer collaborations, colorful designs and gold-plated handles. Dental professionals say attractive products may encourage better habits and reflect growing awareness of oral health’s connection to overall wellbeing, but they insist that scientific efficacy—especially the presence of fluoride—matters more than branding. The trend is also criticized as a conspicuous luxury at a time when many people in the UK struggle to access basic NHS dental care, while limited-edition products are increasingly treated as collectibles and resold at inflated prices.

Wide-legged Zara trousers have been dubbed “Zara death pants” after social-media users shared videos of trips and injuries linked to their excessive length. Physiotherapist Lucy McDonald says high heels are the most common fashion-related cause of injury, while long trousers can also cause falls, fractures, ligament tears and hip problems. Tailor Ruby Slevin attributes the risk partly to clothing being designed around taller fit models rather than the average UK woman, and recommends alterations. A fashion historian places the issue in a longer history of hazardous garments, from hobble skirts to clothing-related deaths and catwalk injuries. Experts advise avoiding garments that impair movement or balance.

Office workers facing extreme heat should favor breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk and merino wool, along with loose, professional cuts. Beachwear, very short shorts, cargo shorts, flip-flops, exposed toes and overly casual prints are presented as unsuitable for most workplaces. The piece argues that climate change is making heat-adaptive clothing increasingly important, highlighting UV-protective ranges, cooling fabrics, built-in fans and ice vests as signs of a growing climate-resilient fashion market.

Ties have become a defining accessory among Harry Styles fans during his Together, Together tour, inspired by the singer’s own eclectic tie choices onstage. Fans are creating DIY versions, repurposing secondhand ties, and crafting full garments, reflecting a growing culture of personalised concert fashion. Creators such as Whitney Jones and Amy Frye are contributing to the trend through handmade designs shared on social media and Etsy. The accessory serves as a subtle, community-building symbol of fandom and a creative alternative to official merchandise.

Marks & Spencer will join the London fashion week lineup in September to mark its 100th anniversary, highlighting its latest womenswear and menswear collections in a bid to reinforce its transformation into a modern fashion destination. The retailer has shifted its appeal toward younger customers through trend-focused releases, viral social media presence and high‑profile shows in Ibiza and Silverstone. Leadership credits this strategy with improving market share and reinvigorating the brand, though some long‑standing customers have expressed concerns about increasingly youthful styles. Upcoming collections aim to balance new trends with designs that cater to traditional preferences.

Salt-based drinks are becoming popular in the UK as a cooling option during a hot summer, influenced by traditions from India and Mexico and a growing preference for savoury flavours. Bars and restaurants are using premium salts to enhance fruit and non‑alcoholic beverages, while consumers are embracing designer salts as part of an elevated pantry trend. Producers and consultants highlight the appeal of natural sea salts and flavoured varieties, noting their ability to enhance flavour without excessive sweetness.

Naomi Osaka debuted a kimono-inspired white gown designed with Hana Yagi for her Wimbledon walk-on, blending traditional Japanese elements with tournament dress rules. She later played in a white Nike performance dress that quickly sold out. Spectators queued in massive numbers, with many relying on social media advice to plan their arrival, while several British players withdrew or lost early. Tournament officials expressed support for Osaka’s attire and noted growing demand and changing travel habits contributing to longer queues.

Naomi Osaka drew widespread attention on Wimbledon’s opening day with a white kimono‑inspired walk‑on gown created with designer Hana Yagi, blending Japanese cultural motifs with tournament tradition before changing into a floral Nike dress for her match. Tournament officials welcomed the outfit as long as it met the all‑white rule. The day also saw all British players in action eliminated and massive early‑morning queues, with thousands of fans using social media and varied transport options to secure entry. The All England Club noted the queue’s growing popularity and is adapting operations to manage increased demand.

Men continue wearing jeans during extreme heat, with figures such as Andy Burnham and fashion attendees in Paris favouring denim despite soaring temperatures. Designers and experts link the trend to ease of styling and deeper cultural ideas about masculinity. Retailers report rising sales of various jean brands, while stylists offer guidance on denim choices and footwear. Some argue jeans provide breathability and sun protection, while debate continues over whether shorts are fashionable or appropriate outside casual settings.

Umbrellas are becoming a popular heatwave accessory as people use them to reduce sun exposure and stay cooler. Fashion shows in Paris and Milan have incorporated umbrellas for guests and models, while brands from Original Duckhead to Blunt and Solbari promote UV‑protective designs. Experts note that any tightly woven umbrella provides basic UV protection, with light-coloured or reflective options offering better heat reduction. Rising temperatures and increased awareness of sun exposure are driving higher year‑round umbrella sales.

Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons present a minimalist menswear collection at Milan fashion week, emphasizing simplicity, precision and the rejection of unnecessary design. Using jeans as a universal starting point, they reimagined classic items through altered materials, proportions and layering. The designers aim to counter what they see as overwhelming choice in modern fashion and hope to inspire more individual expression from wearers, drawing inspiration from past eras when catwalk trends strongly influenced everyday style.

Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan menswear show embraced theatrical excess to counterbalance ongoing debt challenges and recent controversies, including an all‑white casting backlash and leadership changes following Stefano Gabbana’s resignation as chair. The collection showcased ultra‑sexy, flamboyant designs while the company navigates financial strain and potential property sale‑and‑leaseback negotiations. Paul Smith’s menswear show later in the day highlighted the renewed popularity of tailoring among younger customers, drawing on archival influences and modern relaxed styling to present suits with distinctive craftsmanship and details.

Ralph Lauren centred his Milan menswear show on ties, revisiting the accessory that launched the brand while appealing to both younger and older customers. The collection mixed Purple Label tailoring with Polo’s collegiate style, reflecting strong brand momentum amid rising sales. Inspired by the golden age of Italian sport, the show featured nautical themes, textured knitwear and versatile accessories, while the Polo segment embraced TikTok-driven interpretations of American prep through relaxed, eclectic styling.

Several major retailers, including Brandy Melville and Sainsbury’s, are removing in‑store changing rooms, citing factors such as staffing costs, shoplifting concerns and space efficiency. The shift coincides with a broader high street downturn driven by inflation, geopolitical pressures and the rise of online and secondhand shopping platforms. Technology‑based sizing tools and virtual try‑on features are further reducing reliance on physical fitting rooms. Some brands, however, are investing in upgraded changing spaces to create a more premium in‑store experience, aiming to differentiate themselves and encourage purchases. The decline of the changing room reflects changing consumer habits, operational pressures on retailers and the evolving role of physical retail spaces.

Dua Lipa’s wedding outfit, a sculpted Schiaparelli skirt suit inspired by Bianca Jagger’s iconic 1971 look, underscores the growing popularity of nontraditional bridal suits. Fashion experts note that Jagger’s blend of rebellion and individuality continues to influence modern bridal trends, with celebrities and brands revisiting the style. Lipa’s accessories and design details set her version apart, reinforcing the appeal of separates for brides seeking multiple looks and personal expression. Her appearance further cements the legacy of the bridal suit as a defining fashion statement.

Museums are expanding their merchandising strategies, transforming gift shops into standalone retail destinations offering fashion, homeware and limited-edition items inspired by exhibitions. Institutions such as the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern and the V&A are developing curated products that appeal to younger audiences and generate significant revenue. Exhibitions now inspire items ranging from sunglasses and lipsticks to themed apparel and ceramics, reflecting a shift toward cultural consumption as a form of personal expression and status. Experts note that this trend blends cultural identity, institutional support and fashion, making museum merchandise a powerful form of cultural capital.

Fish-themed fashion and homewares are surging in popularity in the UK, with retailers such as John Lewis reporting sharp sales increases in items featuring marine motifs. Brands across fashion and accessories are incorporating sardines, starfish, and other sea life into their designs, reflecting a broader cultural fascination with tinned fish and its social symbolism. Experts link the trend to rising food-related identity signaling, historical uses of food in fashion, and a broader European-inspired lifestyle aesthetic. The movement echoes earlier seasonal trends while emphasizing simplicity and aspirational living.

A visual roundup of second-week Cannes Film Festival red-carpet and photocall fashion highlights, focusing on bold bows, oversized silhouettes, fringe, sequins, vivid colors, unconventional tailoring and playful accessories. Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Prada and Schiaparelli feature prominently, while celebrities including Tilda Swinton, Demi Moore, Chloé Zhao, Bella Hadid, Kristen Stewart and Cate Blanchett experiment with couture and more subversive styling. Stewart’s Chanel trainers notably breach Cannes’s no-sneakers rule, continuing her history of challenging the festival’s footwear expectations.

Sales of dates have surged in the UK as consumers seek alternatives to ultra-processed snacks, driven by viral recipe trends and increased awareness of fibre-rich foods. Retailers report sharp rises in date product searches while nutrition experts attribute the shift to demand for natural, nutrient-dense treats. Social media has boosted creative date-based snacks, and cultural connections, particularly in Islamic traditions, have added to interest. Palestinian date production has been disrupted by the Israel-Gaza conflict, with some shoppers turning to Palestinian brands in solidarity. Nutritionists note that despite benefits, date-based snacks remain treats that require balance.

Kim Cattrall discusses her shopping habits, from favourite food shops and luxury preferences to her love of books and independent stores. She highlights items she buys regularly such as chia seeds and tea, her preference for in‑person shopping, and her enjoyment of dining at home. She reflects on personal splurges, including designing her New York apartment with Tony Ingrao, and describes meaningful gifts, vintage finds and her selective approach to lending books or buying gadgets.

The sequel to The Devil Wears Prada is criticized for promoting size-washing despite promises of body diversity, relying heavily on outdated fat jokes and minimal plus-size representation. Industry trends show a reversal in body‑positivity progress, with fashion runways and major brands returning to thin-centric standards, influenced in part by widespread use of weight‑loss drugs. Examples of previous inclusivity milestones contrast sharply with recent setbacks. The film’s humor and character portrayals reflect this lack of progress, underscoring ongoing challenges around body image in fashion and entertainment.

Penne alla vodka has resurged in popularity, evolving from an Italo‑American 1980s nightclub staple into a mainstream menu fixture across the US and UK. Restaurants such as Carbone serve large volumes nightly, while supermarkets like Marks & Spencer and Waitrose report strong retail demand. Chefs and food writers attribute the trend to nostalgia, social media influence, and the dish’s comforting, adaptable nature, bolstered by viral interest from figures like Gigi Hadid. Its origins remain disputed, and modern variations reflect shifting attitudes toward authenticity, with new adaptations ranging from upscale versions to vodka‑based pizzas and sandwiches.