Connect with us

Fashion

Colour, Culture, and Carnival – Highlights from Notting Hill 2025 

Published

on

Notting Hill recently burst with colour, music, and energy as Europe’s largest street festival returned for its 59th edition. Over two million people filled the streets, swept up by the rhythms of Caribbean sound and dazzled by a spectacle of costumes, parades, and celebration.

Dancing from Dawn to Dusk

Photo: @nhcarnivalldn – Instagram

The carnival kicked off with J’ouvert at sunrise, a messy, lively start marked by paint, powder, and playful chaos. By Monday, the grand parade unfolded through the neighbourhood, with dancers in feathered, glittering outfits weaving past cheering crowds. Soca, calypso, steelpan, and samba rhythms flowed naturally, pulling everyone into the moment. Brazilian samba schools and local mas bands like Mahogany and Chocolate Nation brought their own flair, merging tradition with showmanship in a way that felt natural and smooth.

Overcoming Obstacles

Photo: @nhcarnivalldn – Instagram

Behind the scenes, the event almost faced cancellation. Funding concerns threatened the carnival, but a last-minute £1 million boost from local councils ensured it went ahead. Security was tighter than ever, with around 7,000 officers deployed, and facial recognition technology was used to help keep the crowds safe. Despite these precautions, the carnival’s energy never wavered. Attendees laughed, danced, and celebrated as if nothing could interrupt the weekend’s unadulterated joy.

A Future Worth Fighting For

Photo: @nhcarnivalldn – Instagram

Even as the music faded and the streets emptied, organisers reminded Londoners that the carnival’s survival isn’t guaranteed. Rising costs and logistical challenges mean support is crucial if this iconic celebration is to continue. For now, Notting Hill’s streets remain a canvas of colour, culture, and unforgettable energy, proving the power of community and tradition when they collide in the heart of the city.

Fashion

Kaia Gerber Channels Cindy Crawford’s ’90s Cool at the Academy Museum Gala

Published

on

At this year’s Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, Kaia Gerber arrived in a custom white lace gown by Givenchy, designed by Sarah Burton. The look immediately reinforced her place among the new generation of models carrying the torch from the supermodel era her mother helped define.

Kaia Gerber – Instagram

The column-style gown was refined and precise. Cut close to the body and made from delicate lace, it reflected Burton’s eye for structure and balance. There was no excess; just an emphasis on craftsmanship that spoke for itself.

Gerber kept her look pared down. Straight hair, neutral makeup and minimal jewellery gave the ensemble a sense of ease and clarity. The effect was natural and assured, proof that simple styling can still hold attention on a red carpet where fashion often chases attention rather than refinement.

Kaia Gerber – Instagram

In photos, her resemblance to Cindy Crawford was striking. The symmetry of her features and the calm stance before the cameras felt familiar yet completely her own, an unforced continuation of the aesthetic her mother once embodied.

Editors from Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire named her among the best dressed of the night, praising the gown’s restraint amid a lineup of high-drama looks. While others favoured oversized cuts and bold colour, Gerber’s minimalist choice showed that restraint still carries influence.

Kaia Gerber – Instagram

Cameras followed her every step, capturing a presence that felt both familiar and fresh. The grace and composure reminiscent of the ’90s were unmistakable, yet distinctly Kaia — a modern interpretation of a style her mother once defined.

Kaia Gerber didn’t just resemble her mother that night; she carried the legacy into her own moment. In her Givenchy gown, she proved that timeless style doesn’t fade, it simply adapts.

Continue Reading

Fashion

Rita Ora Keeps It Sharp at Tom Ford SS26

Published

on

At the Tom Ford SS26 show in Paris, Rita Ora chose a black dress that did what so many front-row looks don’t. It kept things measured. High neckline, clean lines, and a fit that spoke for itself.

The dress was shaped neatly at the waist and kept close through the hips, showing tailoring that worked quietly but effectively. She kept her styling concise: dark sunglasses, a compact clutch, and a set of bracelets adding texture without distraction. A pair of heels in a soft burgundy tone broke the all-black look just enough to hold interest.

Rita Ora – Instagram

Her hair, left loose, balanced the sharp lines of the outfit, while natural makeup kept the focus on her overall presentation. The result felt assured and contemporary, proof that a front-row look can hold its ground without overstatement.

Inside the venue, under Haider Ackermann’s creative direction, Tom Ford’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection explored restraint as allure, and Rita fit easily into that atmosphere. Standing beside Kate Moss before the show, she offered a reminder that style presence often comes from knowing when to stop, not when to add more.

Rita Ora – Instagram

For readers thinking ahead to winter wardrobes, her appearance offers a clear takeaway: prioritise fit over flash. Choose structure over trend. Let accessories serve a function rather than decoration. And when dressing in one tone, use texture or shape to keep it interesting.

There’s a lesson in Rita Ora’s Tom Ford moment. Confidence doesn’t always need styling tricks. It comes through when every detail feels thought through. That’s the kind of dressing that lasts longer than a front-row photo.

Continue Reading

Fashion

Victoria Beckham SS26: Confident, Sharp, and Wearable

Published

on

Victoria Beckham presented her Spring/Summer 2026 collection at Val-de‑Grâce, the 17th-century Parisian abbey, for Paris Fashion Week. From the first look, it was clear this was a collection built for real life: smart, wearable, and precise, with each piece performing its role naturally.

victoria Beckham – Instagram

Youthful touches appeared throughout, including slip dresses, low-waisted trousers, and cropped jackets, but nothing felt costume-like. Jackets lost their lapels or cropped slightly, and leather looked soft and lived-in, giving structure without stiffness. The collection struck a balance between comfort and control, keeping it modern and ready-to-wear.

Colours stayed simple: bone, clay, faded rose, and muted metallics. Satin and sheer panels appeared sparingly, giving the outfits interest without overcomplicating the look. Fabrics hung naturally, proving these were clothes designed for streets as much as for the runway.

victoria Beckham – Instagram

Victoria’s husband, David Beckham, along with family, editors, and long-time supporters, were present, but all attention stayed on the garments. The abbey’s muted light and stone walls highlighted the details clearly, letting the work speak for itself.

SS26 focuses on refining what works. Youthful touches paired with clean lines, subtle twists, and a consistent overall look. Every design felt deliberate and carefully considered, demonstrating Beckham’s ability to create modern, wearable fashion without unnecessary theatrics.

When the show ended, the response was immediate: a mix of nods, applause, and quiet admiration from the audience. SS26 confirmed that Victoria Beckham makes an impact through precision and thoughtful design rather than performance, letting her clothes speak for themselves.

Continue Reading

Trending