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

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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.

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Fashion

Brown Handbags Are Back this Season in a Big Way

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Fashion’s nostalgia wave is in full swing this autumn, and brown handbags are leading the charge. Once relegated to the “safe choice” category, these bags are now appearing everywhere, from bustling high streets to glossy runway shows, proving that classic shades can have bold, modern appeal. From rich chocolate satchels to warm caramel totes, brown bags are no longer just practical; they’re the statement piece your wardrobe has been waiting for.

The Revival of a Classic

For years, black dominated the handbag scene. Dependable, yes, but often predictable. This season, designers and shoppers are turning to brown. From caramel totes to espresso shoulder bags, the colour adds warmth and depth, giving outfits an instant refresh.

The trend reflects a broader revival of 70s-inspired fashion, with earthy tones, soft textures, and natural leathers in the spotlight. Brown bags fit perfectly with this nostalgic yet contemporary mood.

Why They Work Now

Brown bags integrate naturally into modern wardrobes. They look sharp with tailored blazers, relaxed with denim, and refined against creams, rusts, and other muted tones. There is a quiet sophistication in brown that feels easy to style for the season. It enhances an outfit without overpowering it.

Styles Worth Watching

Structured top-handle bags in dark shades are increasingly popular, often finished with polished leather or subtle metal detailing. Tan slouch bags complement oversized coats and wide-leg trousers, while compact cross-body styles in nutmeg or rust tones bring a hint of vintage appeal. The wide spectrum of brown shades makes them versatile enough to pair with both contemporary and retro looks.

Everyday Essential or Long-Term Investment?

The appeal of this trend lies in its flexibility. A designer bag in soft-grain leather can be a wardrobe staple for years, while a high-street version in warm chestnut or toffee tones feels just as current. Either way, a brown handbag brings style, practicality, and wearable charm, making it a smart addition to any wardrobe.

Final Word 

Brown handbags have stepped out of black’s shadow. Once overlooked, they are now a key accessory for the season, versatile, stylish, and reflecting a broader move toward natural, timeless fashion. Adding one to your collection is an easy way to refresh your autumn wardrobe while keeping your look polished and grounded.

 

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Celebrity Style

Style Highlights from the 2025 Venice Film Festival

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Every summer, Venice transforms into the world’s stage for cinema, and the 82nd Venice International Film Festival is no exception. Running from August 27 to September 6, 2025, this year’s edition promises breathtaking fashion, big movie premieres, and enough drama to keep the fans excited. But let’s talk about the best dressed at the opening of this year’s edition.

Alam and George Clooney at 82nd Venice International Film Festival— Getty Image

The week began with Amal Clooney, who easily became the talk of the festival. She stepped onto the carpet in a vintage fuchsia gown from 1995, paired with Cartier jewels, and standing proudly beside her, George Clooney kept it classic in black.

Emma Stone at Venice – Getty Image

Then came Emma Stone, who took everyone unaware proving that even an arrival could be a fashion moment. She came into Venice by boat in a sleek Louis Vuitton little black dress with lace detail.  A dramatic modern entrance.

Cate Blanchett at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival- Getty Image

Cate Blanchett reminded us why she’s a red carpet queen. She rewore her jeweled Armani gown first seen in 2022, and somehow it looked even more iconic this time around. Cate made sustainability look glamorous, and the fashion world loved it.

Heidi Klum and her daughter Leni Klum at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival— Getty Image

Heidi Klum brought extra sparkle to the red carpet by turning it into a family affair. She and her daughter Leni Klum wore a matching corseted gown hers in pink while her daughter, in black version. Showing us how spectacular coordinated looks can be.

Kim Kardashian at the Venice International Film Festival Photo by Stefano Mazzola/GC Images

And of course, Kim Kardashian was impossible to miss. Her dramatic hooded black gown instantly went viral online the instant she was spotted. She paired the look with sleek stilettos and dark cat-eye sunglasses, and the internet couldn’t stop talking about it.

With Amal’s vintage gown, Emma’s boat-side chic, Cate’s couture repeat, the Klums’ coordinated glamour, and Kim’s show-stopping couture, the Venice Film Festival 2025  is reminding the world that Venice isn’t just about films. It’s about style, spectacle, and unforgettable moments. This year, the city once again is proving it is the perfect stage for cinema and fashion to shine together.

Also See: Kate Middleton’s Favourite Brands: A Peek Inside the Duchess Wardrobe 

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Fashion

Lisa Brings Labubu to Life at BLACKPINK’s London Show

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When BLACKPINK’s Lisa stepped onto the Wembley Stadium stage on 16 August 2025, she didn’t just perform; she became a living, breathing Labubu doll. Fans erupted as the K-pop star unveiled a playful, pink-themed ensemble inspired by the viral collectible, turning the night into a memorable mix of music and fashion theatre.

Photo: @Lisa-Instagram

Designed by Brett Alan Nelson, Lisa’s outfit struck a perfect balance between whimsy and high fashion. A fuzzy pink miniskirt and matching crop top with exaggerated padded shoulders were paired with a corseted bustier, while knee-high furry boots added extra flair. A custom Labubu doll by artist Marko Monroe was pinned to her waist, and Lisa completed the look with a pink Labubu mask, delighting fans as she performed tracks from her solo album Alter Ego.

Photo: @Lisa-Instagram

Lisa’s fascination with Labubu dolls has been evident for years. Known for their quirky, exaggerated features, the dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart, have become sought-after collectibles among celebrities and influencers. Lisa has previously been spotted carrying Louis Vuitton purses adorned with Labubu charms, proving the toys are more than just a passing interest; they are a personal signature.

Photo: @Lisa-Instagram

Her London appearance highlights Lisa’s talent for merging music, fandom, and style into a single spectacle. Social media quickly lit up with clips of the outfit, with fans praising the singer’s boldness and creativity. The Labubu costume didn’t just showcase her love for the dolls, it set a new standard for on-stage fashion moments, blending pop culture and personal flair seamlessly.

Photo: @Lisa-Instagram

This London show is part of BLACKPINK’s DEADLINE World Tour, which spans 31 shows across 16 cities. From London to Taipei, Bangkok to Jakarta, the tour continues to combine exhilarating performances with striking fashion statements. Lisa’s Labubu-inspired look may well be remembered as one of the tour’s defining moments, proving once again that BLACKPINK doesn’t just perform; they make every stage an event.

For a closer look at Lisa’s playful Labubu ensemble, check out her performance clips online. Fans are still talking about it.

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