Morwenna Ferrier

Andy Burnham’s appearance in a tailored navy Oliver Brown suit with barely visible braces is examined as both a practical clothing choice and a political statement. Fashion historian Chloe Chapin explains that braces have shifted from undergarments to symbols associated with working-class rebellion, 1980s excess and political tradition. Burnham’s team presents his wardrobe as balancing professionalism with an image distinct from conventional politicians, allowing him to connect across class and political divides. The braces therefore reflect the broader tension between clothing as function and clothing as political aesthetics.

Fashion houses and high-street brands have embraced a surf-inspired aesthetic dubbed “board short summer,” characterized by oversized shorts, flip-flops and coastal style cues. While luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Miu Miu amplify the trend, surfers in Newquay view it with a mix of amusement and pragmatism, noting that real surf culture is shaped by cold seas, hard work and community rather than fashion. Rising demand for secondhand surfwear underscores the nostalgia-driven appeal, yet locals emphasize that authenticity comes from living the lifestyle, not copying the look.

Andy Burnham’s evolving fashion choices have become central to his public image as he moves closer to becoming prime minister, with his casual “Manchester” look shaping perceptions of authenticity and relatability. His willingness to discuss and adapt his style contrasts with the missteps of other politicians, underscoring how clothing functions as political signalling. While his wardrobe may need to shift toward ministerial formality, his ability to balance authenticity with expectation is presented as a strength that could serve him well in high office.

Canned cocktails have become mainstream in Britain, with supermarket and convenience-store sales surging since 2020 and premium brands such as Moth gaining popularity. Their portability, lower price and aspirational packaging make them appear more discreet and respectable than beer or traditional alcopops, particularly among middle-class women. Experts argue that the container and branding disguise drinks that can contain substantial amounts of alcohol, while historical and cultural examples show how cocktails reflect social identity and political ideals. The trend therefore combines convenience and affordability with a softened image of intoxication, raising familiar public-health concerns beneath a more sophisticated presentation.

Andy Burnham’s decisive victory in the Makerfield byelection has intensified demands for Keir Starmer to set a timetable for leaving office rather than fight a divisive Labour leadership contest. Labour figures including Charlie Falconer, Jess Phillips and Beccy Cooper discuss Burnham’s electoral strength, while Jeremy Corbyn argues that any change of leader must involve significant policy differences, criticizing Burnham’s economic and Gaza positions. Starmer’s allies are preparing arguments against Burnham and warning that his support could weaken under scrutiny, but many MPs reportedly believe Burnham would win. The Green Party has also selected Geraldine Coggins as its candidate for the next Greater Manchester mayoral election, while Reform UK is examining whether sexist comments by its defeated Makerfield candidate harmed its campaign.

Illustrator Stanley Chow explains how he created a stylized image of Andy Burnham after the mayor’s 2020 speech and how Burnham quickly adopted it for social media and political campaigns. The image’s distinctive scowl and informal clothing have become visual shorthand for Burnham’s anti-establishment, people-focused persona and have appeared on campaign materials and merchandise. Chow says Reform UK figures, including Nigel Farage and Robert Kenyon, reused and altered the image to promote anti-immigration messaging without permission; after he took legal action, the images were removed. Burnham’s team has since licensed the work.

John Travolta’s Cannes appearance in a series of berets sparked discussion after he revealed he was channeling classic film directors to embody his new role as a first‑time director. His fashion choices highlight how clothing is used to shape identity and influence perception, a tactic mirrored across celebrity culture and politics. Public figures such as Andy Burnham, Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner employ similar strategies to project desired roles, though the narrative notes that visual signaling has limits when not matched by capability.

Kim Kardashian commissioned London design duo Whitaker Malem and artist Allen Jones to create an orange fibreglass breastplate for the Met Gala, drawing on Jones’s earlier sculptural work. The piece was cast from a 1969 mould, fitted closely to Kardashian, finished by a Kent car body workshop, and paired with a hand‑painted leather skirt. The designers recount the rapid production process, Kardashian’s involvement, and their broader career in fashion and film costume design.

Jeff Bezos’s role as honorary chair and principal funder of the 2026 Met Gala has sparked criticism, boycotts and concerns that his influence diminishes the event’s cultural credibility. Activist groups have mounted public protests, and New York’s mayor will break tradition by not attending. While the exhibition focuses on marginalised body types and the artistic value of fashion, commentators argue that the gala has become driven more by publicity than by fashion itself, with some blaming Bezos’s patronage for eroding its cachet.

A ranked survey of 20 memorable onstage dresses highlights how performers from Grace Jones to Lily Allen have used fashion to amplify persona, performance and cultural impact. Designers including Gucci, Vivienne Westwood and Bob Mackie feature prominently, with each look contextualized through the artist’s career moment, visual identity and broader pop‑cultural resonance.

Luxury denim has surged in popularity alongside a revival of 1990s minimalism, with brands such as Alaia offering high‑end jeans priced around £800 while Uniqlo’s JW Anderson collaboration sells strong at a lower cost. Experts note that differences in weave density, stretch and durability become apparent over time, with cheaper denim more prone to losing shape and requiring frequent washing that accelerates wear. Sustainability advocates argue that forthcoming digital product passports will reveal the environmental and supply‑chain realities behind pricing, potentially challenging fast fashion while benefiting quality‑focused brands. Luxury jeans have grown more prominent in recent years, with prices driven by rare selvedge production in Japan and shrinking manufacturing capacity. Long-term value depends on longevity and resale potential, making secondhand high-quality denim an increasingly attractive option.

Love Story, Ryan Murphy’s glossy nine-part drama about Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr., has become Disney+’s most-streamed drama, with later episodes drawing 50% more global viewers than the pilot and searches for the couple rising sharply. Its success is attributed to word of mouth, weekly release scheduling, nostalgia, celebrity fascination and the appeal of a stylish but emotionally accessible modern fairytale. Critics and viewers see the series’ unapologetic schmaltz, predictable tragedy and focus on relationship dynamics as a refreshing alternative to weightier prestige dramas, even as its historical accuracy and sensationalist approach remain controversial.

Build-your-own takeaway salad bowls have become a staple working lunch in the UK, driven by convenience, health trends, and the pressures of modern office culture. Popularised by chains such as Farmer J and Atis and reinforced by supermarket offerings from brands like M&S, the bowls reflect shifts toward plant-forward eating, avoidance of ultra-processed foods, and time-saving meals for workers. Experts link their rise to post-pandemic habits, the growth of delivery services, and broader social factors including diet culture, the influence of GLP-1 drugs, and the decline of communal lunches. Though criticised for homogenising global cuisines and offering only the illusion of choice, they represent a practical, portable meal format that continues to expand in both the UK and US markets.

One Battle After Another dominates the 98th Academy Awards, winning best picture, best director for Paul Thomas Anderson, best adapted screenplay and several other awards. Michael B Jordan wins best actor for Sinners, while Jessie Buckley takes best actress for Hamnet. Sinners, Frankenstein, KPop Demon Hunters and other popular films also secure major prizes. The ceremony features Conan O’Brien’s comedic hosting, tributes and viral moments, while political themes involving Palestine, ICE, Donald Trump and Russia remain present but secondary.

Morwenna Ferrier reflects on her late mother’s description of children as lifelong friends and considers how that idea influenced her decision to become a parent. Although she acknowledges the anger, expense and uncertainty of raising children amid environmental and social instability, she emphasizes the profound emotional fulfillment they bring. She ultimately understands her mother’s words not as instructions to have children, but as an expression of love and of the close adult relationship they developed.

Alessandro Michele’s first major Valentino show since the death of founder Valentino Garavani pays homage to the late designer while expressing Michele’s own evolving vision of beauty. Presented in Rome’s Palazzo Barberini, the collection revisits 1980s glamour with jewel tones, bold shoulders, lace-dipped hems and satin sashes, reflecting both Michele’s personal influences and his mother’s era of empowerment. The show connects Valentino’s Hollywood legacy with Michele’s eclectic aesthetic developed at Gucci, as the brand transitions under Kering’s ownership. Despite global instability, Michele positions his work as an enduring commitment to creating beauty.

Elias Medini, known as Lyas, has turned his fashion week livestream watch parties into large-scale events aimed at opening the exclusive fashion world to wider audiences. After early setbacks gaining entry to major shows, his gatherings grew into major attractions supported by fashion houses and sponsors, even as he maintains a critical voice within the industry. His rising influence now secures him front-row seats while he continues efforts to give others access, highlighting the tension between being an outsider and becoming part of the establishment.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is presenting the UK’s first major retrospective on Elsa Schiaparelli, highlighting her role as an artist, impresario and couturier whose collaborations with figures such as Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dalí shaped her surrealist approach to fashion. The exhibition arrives amid renewed cultural attention driven by artistic director Daniel Roseberry, whose recent designs have elevated the brand’s profile on red carpets and social media. Featuring 400 objects spanning clothing, art and archival pieces, the retrospective traces Schiaparelli’s influence from the 1930s to contemporary fashion, underscoring her lasting impact on designers and the house’s current cultural relevance.

Stella McCartney marked her 25 years in fashion at Paris fashion week with a show reflecting key moments from her life, highlighted by a performance featuring dancing horses and the debut of innovative yeast-based knitwear. She revealed she will receive the Légion d’honneur while her brand faces financial pressure despite its long-standing commitment to ethical production. The event featured prominent attendees including Paul McCartney and Oprah Winfrey. The article also covers Pieter Mulier’s final show at Alaïa before moving to Versace, describing his tenure, design style, and industry expectations as the fashion house undergoes major leadership changes.