Bold, brilliant, blue: How 2027's colour of the year sets a new standard for brand activations
Clare Smith, WGSN's senior colour strategist, calls Luminous Blue a tone with broad appeal, embodying the theme of 2027: the interconnectedness of polarities. This isn't just a pretty colour, it's a concept brought to life. The shade captures a tension between practicality and playfulness, seriousness and spirituality, science and emotion. When brands infuse a colour like this into their physical installations, they aren't just painting walls, they're conjuring up a mood, a mindset, a moment in culture. Ikea Hus of Frukta Credits: Studio Xag.
Look no further than IKEA's Hus of Frukta pop-up on London's Oxford Street, which transformed the space into a saturated dreamscape of blue. An immersive nod to their iconic carrier bag but dialled up to theatrical scale. The overwhelming wash of tone was more than a visual stunt; it was a plunge into a world where colour dictates the pace, mood, and sensory engagement. The pop-up made the iconic IKEA blue feel alive, dynamic, and even playful, exactly what a physical brand activation should do. Burberry Harrods Takeover Credits: Burberry
It's a move echoed in the luxury sphere as well. Burberry's Harrods takeover with their Knight Blue, a close cousin in the colour spectrum, demonstrated how a deep, compelling blue can elevate brand narrative while commanding attention. The depth of the shade lent a quiet power and sophistication, inviting visitors to linger and absorb the mood. Meanwhile, Tiffany & Co.'s pop-up in Paris, designed by OMA, leveraged a similar jewel-toned drama, mirroring the brilliance of their signature diamonds through sharp, reflective blues that felt simultaneously contemporary and timeless. Tiffany & Co. Paris Pop-Up by OMA Credits: Benoit Florençon via Tim Nash. La Prairie SKP Beijing Pop Credits: Beijing SKP
Beauty brands have also embraced this vivid blue trend. La Prairie's sleek, futuristic spaces bathed their skincare rituals in a cool, luminous glow, underscoring innovation and purity. Yves Saint Laurent's summer beauty oasis at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport used a rich, shimmering blue to craft an escape, a cocoon of calm and creativity amidst the bustle, proving that bold colour doesn't just arrest the eye, it soothes the soul. YSL Beauty Pop-Up, Paris Charles de Gaulle Credits: Moodie Davitt Report via Tim Nash
For me, what makes a colour like Luminous Blue so impactful in physical activations is its ability to transcend simple decoration and become a vehicle for emotional connection. Colour, especially one as striking as this, activates memory and mood in ways that digital can only hint at. It invites interaction, encourages photo-worthy moments, and helps build a distinctive brand language that consumers can experience, not just see. It's tactile, immersive, and unforgettable.
Looking ahead, the future is bright, or should I say, brilliantly blue. As brands increasingly seek to break through the noise with immersive, sensory-first activations, the power of bold, conceptually rich colour palettes will only grow. We can expect to see similar electrifying shades used not only to command attention but to build atmospheres that reflect brand ethos in multifaceted ways, from calming sanctuaries to high energy experience hubs.
For brands ready to embrace this trend, it's about more than just slapping on a strong hue. It's about thoughtfully weaving it into the storytelling fabric of their spaces, creating moments that feel both intimate and expansive, playful yet profound. When wielded with confidence and creativity, colour becomes more than its tone: it's a cultural signifier, a mood-maker, and an invitation to engage deeper with a brand's world.
In a period when physical retail must fight harder than ever for consumer attention, the use of colour can offer a vivid solution: captivating, connecting, and converting.
And 2027's colour of the year, is more than ready to light the way. Burberry Harrods Takeover Credits: Burberry Ikea Hus of Frukta Credits: Studio Xag YSL Beauty Pop-Up, Paris Charles de Gaulle Credits: Moodie Davitt Report
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Fashion United
2 days ago
- Fashion United
Bold, brilliant, blue: How 2027's colour of the year sets a new standard for brand activations
There's something undeniably magnetic about a bold, saturated colour when it takes over a physical space, and WGSN's Colour of the Year for 2027, Luminous Blue, proves this in spectacular fashion. Described as "both mysterious and eccentric," this rich, potent blue has become a beacon for brands daring enough to wield colour as a full-bodied storytelling tool in their activations. It's a hue that effortlessly balances versatility with vibrancy, making it an ideal brand experience anchor, where emotion, innovation, and functionality collide. Clare Smith, WGSN's senior colour strategist, calls Luminous Blue a tone with broad appeal, embodying the theme of 2027: the interconnectedness of polarities. This isn't just a pretty colour, it's a concept brought to life. The shade captures a tension between practicality and playfulness, seriousness and spirituality, science and emotion. When brands infuse a colour like this into their physical installations, they aren't just painting walls, they're conjuring up a mood, a mindset, a moment in culture. Ikea Hus of Frukta Credits: Studio Xag. Look no further than IKEA's Hus of Frukta pop-up on London's Oxford Street, which transformed the space into a saturated dreamscape of blue. An immersive nod to their iconic carrier bag but dialled up to theatrical scale. The overwhelming wash of tone was more than a visual stunt; it was a plunge into a world where colour dictates the pace, mood, and sensory engagement. The pop-up made the iconic IKEA blue feel alive, dynamic, and even playful, exactly what a physical brand activation should do. Burberry Harrods Takeover Credits: Burberry It's a move echoed in the luxury sphere as well. Burberry's Harrods takeover with their Knight Blue, a close cousin in the colour spectrum, demonstrated how a deep, compelling blue can elevate brand narrative while commanding attention. The depth of the shade lent a quiet power and sophistication, inviting visitors to linger and absorb the mood. Meanwhile, Tiffany & Co.'s pop-up in Paris, designed by OMA, leveraged a similar jewel-toned drama, mirroring the brilliance of their signature diamonds through sharp, reflective blues that felt simultaneously contemporary and timeless. Tiffany & Co. Paris Pop-Up by OMA Credits: Benoit Florençon via Tim Nash. La Prairie SKP Beijing Pop Credits: Beijing SKP Beauty brands have also embraced this vivid blue trend. La Prairie's sleek, futuristic spaces bathed their skincare rituals in a cool, luminous glow, underscoring innovation and purity. Yves Saint Laurent's summer beauty oasis at Paris Charles de Gaulle airport used a rich, shimmering blue to craft an escape, a cocoon of calm and creativity amidst the bustle, proving that bold colour doesn't just arrest the eye, it soothes the soul. YSL Beauty Pop-Up, Paris Charles de Gaulle Credits: Moodie Davitt Report via Tim Nash For me, what makes a colour like Luminous Blue so impactful in physical activations is its ability to transcend simple decoration and become a vehicle for emotional connection. Colour, especially one as striking as this, activates memory and mood in ways that digital can only hint at. It invites interaction, encourages photo-worthy moments, and helps build a distinctive brand language that consumers can experience, not just see. It's tactile, immersive, and unforgettable. Looking ahead, the future is bright, or should I say, brilliantly blue. As brands increasingly seek to break through the noise with immersive, sensory-first activations, the power of bold, conceptually rich colour palettes will only grow. We can expect to see similar electrifying shades used not only to command attention but to build atmospheres that reflect brand ethos in multifaceted ways, from calming sanctuaries to high energy experience hubs. For brands ready to embrace this trend, it's about more than just slapping on a strong hue. It's about thoughtfully weaving it into the storytelling fabric of their spaces, creating moments that feel both intimate and expansive, playful yet profound. When wielded with confidence and creativity, colour becomes more than its tone: it's a cultural signifier, a mood-maker, and an invitation to engage deeper with a brand's world. In a period when physical retail must fight harder than ever for consumer attention, the use of colour can offer a vivid solution: captivating, connecting, and converting. And 2027's colour of the year, is more than ready to light the way. Burberry Harrods Takeover Credits: Burberry Ikea Hus of Frukta Credits: Studio Xag YSL Beauty Pop-Up, Paris Charles de Gaulle Credits: Moodie Davitt Report
The Guardian
2 days ago
- The Guardian
Turquoise touches and gothic flair: the Premier League's 2025-26 kits
Football strips nowadays are big business. Especially for the not insignificant number of clubs flogging shirts for £85+ a pop. As sport and fashion become ever more intertwined – Jack Grealish as an ambassador for Gucci; Son Heung-min for Burberry; Kalvin Phillips in those massive Loewe boots – mainstream football's interest with clothes has moved on from just David Beckham in a sarong. It is a state of affairs that former catwalk model Pep Guardiola no doubt appreciates. And, after a couple of years of subpar kit designs – running the gamut from insipid to truly horrifying – the 2025-26 Premier League season has upped its sartorial game. All-black away strips and turquoise touches have proved popular; while manufacturers still insist on 'taking inspiration' from home stadium architecture and surroundings. (The success of this varies immensely; but Everton, Leeds, and Burnley have all nailed it this time around.) No brand has let the side(s) down, but the Adidas designers have done especially well with a series of understated new strips, all based on their 'Total 90' template. The smaller labels have also impressed. And it is pleasing to see the three returnees dressed up for the occasion. 2025-26 is due to be the final season that betting companies are allowed to serve as front-of-shirt sponsors, but judging by the number still present they will have to be dragged from the pitch kicking and screaming. Here are all the looks – taking in sand, sky, and sea – to soon emerge from the tunnel. The Gunners launched their new home strip on a heavily vignetted, blood-red landing page, complete with anatomical heart beating on the screen; an incongruously dark vibe until you consider that Mikel Arteta does indeed have something of the night about him. A subtle repeating motif on the shirt is a similarly eldritch, gothic A (a nod to the typeface used for the club's 1949-50 'Victoria Concordia Crescit' crest), offset by a crisp white collar and sleeve. Said sleeve is still urging us to Visit Rwanda. The away kit is also good: a royal blue lightning bolt-ish pattern that harks back to the mid-90s' on-the-road design, and only mildly – unintentionally – reminds one of the Victoria line moquette. The beautiful, art deco-influenced third kit in cream and burgundy features the Adidas trefoil logo, AKA the one that looks like the top half of a ganja leaf. Apart from that, you would be happy to take it home to your mum. Do not ask me why Arsenal need five goalkeeper shirts, but you will find David Raya in any of the following (deep breath): green; a slightly darker green; yellow and red; yellow and black; purple. The sleeve of Villa's Adidas home strip ostensibly 'pays homage' to the club stadium. This seems to be a common – but too often shoddily executed – theme this year. But the Villans' top actually does reference Villa Park in a way that is recognisable; the cuff features the same intricate gold design that adorns the Holte End facade. The main shirt colour way is the classic claret and blue; the shorts are white. The socks feature a gold 'AV' monogram. The away fit is a mostly black design with grey raglan sleeve. It is OK, I guess; but it does slightly remind one of when the printer runs out of colour ink. Unlike the third kit, which is basically what would happen if a toddler was let loose with purple and blue finger-paints. A joy. As for the home goalkeeper jersey: you know when the doctor asks what colour phlegm you are bringing up, in case you have pneumonia? Usually indicated by an intense green? Well, it is not looking good for Emi Martínez (or his potential replacement) … There is no more awkward sponsor logo than the 'bj88' slapped on the front of the Cherries' shirts. It is difficult to see past such misfortune to assess the Umbro-made kit itself, but suffice to say it consists of black and red vertical stripes. In a hint at the club's beachside location, there is a delightful 'rippled sand' effect within the stripes. (And, for anyone fancying their chances with a metal detector along the coastline, the collar and cuff boast a gold trim.) The away strip is a throwback to the blue and black epoch – the Cherries if you'd packed them at the bottom of the shopping bag – with the crest and Umbro logo embroidered. Which is as it should be: I do not want to tell you how many TPU badges I have lost to bathroom radiators. The third kit is pastel pink. The home goalkeeper kit is a luminous green; the away a bright purple. Thomas Frank's departure is not the only change for the Bees this year: their kit supplier, formerly Umbro, is now Joma. The Spanish brand has done well (what do you mean you have never heard of them? Do you not watch tennis players who rank in the low-tens?) The kit celebrates the centenary of the traditional red-and-white colour scheme with a breezy '100' signoff on the back of the collar (although it is giving 'ran out of space at the bottom of the page' so the handwriting starts to slide into the margin). In keeping with the anniversary celebrations, the design echoes the 1925 strip; broad stripes with pinstripe edging. The collar is a modern take on the classic lace-up. Now, I do not know if there is a job-share situation going on at Joma, but while the home strip slaps, the away one is … well. The players will be running out in what I can only describe as a soil-brown monstrosity. (Maybe it is a literal grower.) The goalie outfit, meanwhile, is a bright pink number. The third kit is a little meh; a pale blue, salmon, and burgundy – hues borrowed from the club's pre-red 'n' white era. Brighton's new home strip is the first ever to feature the colour of 'Hyper Turq'. This is because 'Hyper Turq' is a colour Nike has made up. As the name suggests, it is turquoise. It is a nice touch (including on the Nike swoosh and underarm panels) on what can – apologies – historically be a pretty dull blue-and-white affair. Plus Hyper Turq turquoise is the colour of Brighton's seafront railings. The smart v-shaped collar bears the quote: 'WE ARE BRIGHTON'. The round-necked away kit is a lilac and mauve mix. Interestingly, both the Nike swoosh and crest are centrally aligned, which makes for a pleasingly streamlined aesthetic. In a rare example of club owners not trying to squeeze every last penny from loyal supporters, Brighton tend to repurpose the previous season's away kit as the next third kit, which, at present, looks to be the case again (despite an earlier statement saying otherwise). The three keeper kits are in yellow, orange, and black. Nike did their best work this season in the 'city by the sea' (embroidered on the back). Welcome back, lads. It is good to see you – especially because Castore has created some lovely new fits. The home shirt is in the traditional claret and features an ultra-fine topographical pattern representing the contours of Lancashire's countryside and the heights of the Pennines. This actually works, unlike when manufactures 'take inspiration' from something and then just whack on a standard, or unidentifiable, motif. The away shirt is sky blue and has a decoration resembling cirrus clouds (those are the streaky ones; yes, I did pay attention in GCSE geography – ask me about onion skin weathering, I beg you. Anyone) – although apparently they are meant to be sound waves. All in all it is a very soothing kit, as opposed to the multiple vibrant keeper strips, which strongly suggest attendance at the Holi festival. The third kit will be a much more hangover-friendly black with gold trim. Dolly Parton once described her style as 'costing a lot of money to look this cheap'; and it has to be said that the wealthier legacy clubs often seem to follow the same mantra. But Chelsea, celebrating their 120th anniversary, have scrubbed up well – if a little blandly – for the new season. Nike's marketing spiel is that the jersey's (extremely) subtle pattern 'embodies the youthful spirit that has shaped west London'. Reggie Walsh – the club's current 16-year-old squad member – will be pleased. They also managed to get Suggs in the promo video. Madness. The kit is the usual heritage colour of dark blue, but has red and white underarm inserts in a modern twist. The shirt will also boast a gold Club World Cup winners' badge. As in recent seasons, a front-of-shirt sponsor is absent. The club is holding out for a lucrative long-term deal – although not signing a short one in the meantime does not seem to make a massive amount of business sense, IMHO. Shirts do look so much better without giant, garish logos though – especially when the logos are those of gambling companies. The home keeper shirt comes in black, and the away is green. The outfield away strip is much more interesting. Officially in the colours of 'Phantom' (that's white to you and me), and 'Galactic Jade' (otherwise known as green) and red (red), the design is a nod to the club's 1974-75 Magnificent Magyars-era away look. There are also some centralised pinstripes to add flair. The third kit is yet to be released, but is rumoured to feature the 1990s club crest. The Italian brand Macron is again producing the Eagles' fits. The home, of course, features the classic red-and-blue vertical stripes, but this time the stripes include white bands in between them for a refined feel. The cuffs are also white – as are the sleek shoulder panels. It is a classy kit; far nicer than last season's 'experimental' effort which looked for all the world like an 80s pub carpet. The keeper kit is a light green. The away kit, complete with Mandarin collar, is a bold, gold affair to celebrate the club's jubilant 2025 FA Cup win. The PR people are calling it the 'Golden Eagle' kit, which is a pun I can 100% get behind. No update, at the time of writing, on the third look. Despite the Toffees finishing unexpectedly rather well last season (given the inauspicious start, anyway); being reunited with beloved manager David Moyes; and moving into a brand new stadium, the club has struggled to secure quality additions during the transfer window. But should they materialise, the new signings will have the privilege of wearing an attractive and intelligent Castore strip. Both the body and sleeve of the home shirt – in a familiar Everton blue – feature a prominent wave pattern to represent the River Mersey and the club's new waterfront ground. The socks, paired with white shorts, showcase the silhouette of local landmark, Prince Rupert's Tower (also an integral part of the club crest). The away strip is a pale yellow for shirt and socks, with blue shorts. The cuff features a design that mirrors the railway line which used to serve Liverpool's docklands. The third kit is rumoured to have a black base and Prince Rupert's Tower on the chest instead of the club's full badge. Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford will either be in a green jacquard number (home) or black (away). Fulham have announced their 'clean and contemporary' 2025-26 home strip; and clean and contemporary is an accurate description of the v-necked, zero-red, all-white fit (with piping, Adidas logo, and the brand's famous stripes on the shoulder all in black). The aesthetically agreeable home jersey also features a rubber emblem of Craven Cottage balcony's wrought ironwork. Compensating for the white-domination of the outfield look, the keeper will wear all red with metallic detail. The away strip is also a looker, and heavily reminiscent of the club's 1999-20 lime green away threads. It shows off an oversized retro collar and the club crest of the same era. Back in the day the club sponsor was an internet service provider called Demon Internet; a company which no longer exists, but turns out had a very prophetic name. No news yet on the third kit. The Leeds Adidas-made home kit stays traditional with the main colourway of white, blue, and yellow. But, consistent with a popular concept in kit design this year, there is a cute pattern inspired by the mosaic tile of the Lowfields Tunnel – the route Whites fans often take to Elland Road – which adds pizzaz to what is otherwise a simple but gratifyingly polished, attractive look for the club's return to the top tier. The away strip is predominantly blue with multiple yellow touches, including an all-yellow twist on sponsor Red Bull's logo. The goalkeeper kits are in a lighter blue (home) and orange (away), as well as deep purple. The third kit is a few alcopops down; a dizzying, chaotic mishmash of the traditional three colours. But I rather like it; it is everything but dull. Liverpool start their season dealing with a maelstrom of emotions. There is the triumph of last season's title win and plenty of exciting new faces – Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong among them. But there is tragedy too: the death of Diego Jota, as well as the incident at the title parade that left scores of fans injured. Joining Wirtz et al is another addition to the club: Adidas. The brand has signed a 10-year deal with the club after Liverpool ended their five-year Nike stint. And a brand responsible for some of the club's most iconic strips has hit the ground running: the home outfit is an all-red affair (officially 'Strawberry Red') with a white crewneck collar and cuff. The simplified Liver Bird emblem remains instead of the full crest (which personally I wish would make a comeback …) The away effort is also beautiful: an off-white jersey complemented by red and dark green accents. The shirt is paired with a choice of either a black short and white sock, or the reverse. Meanwhile, the third kit is a mint green, which calls to mind the early 90s away drip. Well done to Puma, who have designed a lovely home uniform here. It is the standard sky blue (with navy blue accents), but a sash features for the first time on a City home shirt (it has been a frequent away design element). The collar shade is the same as the body, creating a clean, smooth aesthetic. The away kit is an all-black number referencing the club's earliest known strip. Either that or they are going through their Johnny Cash era/a severe depression. It is dashing, though, and if one were to attempt to enter a Michelin-starred restaurant in a footie top, this is the one I would probably go for (see also: a funeral). The third kit is causing quite the reaction online – none of it good. The neon green accents are proving especially unpopular, but for my money* the raindrops-inspired main design on a drizzly-grey jersey for a club located in the soggy north-west is a stroke of genius. LS Lowry would be proud. The goalie kits are available in many loud colourways, including fuchsia. *But not literally because YNWA. The Red Devils have been promoting their new home strip with the strapline: 'United, wherever we go.' Bold, given that the club has five players hankering for a move, all of whom are only allowed to train at Carrington after the rest of the squad has gone home. The Adidas kit ostensibly pays homage to Old Trafford – a slightly odd decision now that Jim Ratcliffe has announced the 115-year-old stadium is to be replaced with a Norman Foster-designed behemoth (currently assigned the Ronseal-esque name of 'New Trafford'). The back of the collar reads 'Theatre of Dreams' – if the dream is to finish 15th – while the sleeve incorporates an 'abstract' pattern referencing the stadium. After close inspection, I can report that this is a very, very abstract reference indeed. The away kit is white with plum accents and a lavender snowflake motif inspired by the 1990-92 strip. The colour scheme brings to mind the Jenny Joseph couplet: 'When I am old / I shall wear purple'; just a thought in case the 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo fancies a hat-trick of United stretches. The third kit is the best of the three; a black and yellow strip reminiscent of the 1993-94 away kit. Despite the Magpies' extremely feelgood Carabao Cup win last season – marking a first domestic triumph in 70 years for this storied and well-loved club – it still pains me somewhat to compliment a team majority-owned by a regime whose greatest hits include dismemberment by bone-saw. But kit manufacturer Adidas continues its (for the most part) good summer run here. Clubs with traditional monochrome colours can sometimes struggle to distinguish themselves, but Adidas has introduced a serrated edge to those classic, thick black stripes. The border pattern is officially known as Shepherds' plaid, although it actually reminds me of frits (those little black dots at the bottom of windscreens). Other elements include blue piping and an 'HOWAY THE LADS' inscription on the back of the collar. The away kit is not as much reminiscent of a Saudi national team kit as could quite literally be a Saudi national team kit of before. The third kit, in burnt orange and blue, is a fun number with a stitched crest; inspired by that incredible late 90s away piece. It has the Adidas trefoil logo to maximise the retro feel. The goalie garms come in yellow, blue, purple, and pink, respectively. Forest's new home kit is a throwback to its favoured early 90s strip, sharing the same polo-style collar and a wide pinstripe body. It is an extremely classy affair from Adidas, with a nice added detail being the also 90s-inspired shield crest. The keeper will wear yellow, orange, or blue. When the club, after its successful last season, initially released the new home shirt it was yet to feature a front sponsor – and was all the more handsome for it. But now, just in time for the team's opening game, it advertises … a betting company. Surprise, surprise. The away fit is primarily cream and features a neat detail: a weave replicating the lace designs the city is famous for. No third kit news at the time of writing. Danish brand Hummel frequently punches above its weight, and this smart new effort for Sunderland's return to the top flight is no different. But not everybody is happy: the back of the players' home shirt (but not the fan replica) is catching flak from supporters for the number placement – a white panel has been introduced to abide by Premier League legibility rules. The rest of the shirt is an elegant creation; a black v-neck with thin bands of the traditional red-and-white is a key characteristic. Also eye-catching is the crest placement; centrally aligned for the first time since the 1990s. And why shouldn't the Black Cats show it off when it is one of the prettiest around? In a similar move to Leeds, Sunderland's snazzy goalie kits allude to the patterned tiles of a city landmark (in this case, the Bridge Hotel); while the gorgeously retro royal-blue away outfield threads are further livened by a chequerboard weave with a subtle Roker Beach lighthouse motif. The third kit is an all-black number because: Black Cats, geddit? Spurs's home kits have been rather banal and indistinguishable for a while now (sorry), but Nike has come up with something a little fresher this time for the Europa League holders (although that is no consolation for the departing Son). As with Sunderland, the new Spurs home shirt has a centrally aligned brand logo and club badge. The sleeve and underarm panels incorporate 'Iron Ore' as an accent colour (Nike is at it again; they are grey), which is a departure, and ribbing on the body provides texture. Fans and players will also be wearing navy shorts with white socks. It is definitely the club's least insipid home strip for a long time – although it retains a slight whiff of the training ground. More rousing is the luminous pink-and purple-gradient pinstripe keeper's kit. The Lilywhites go all black with their away look – a prevalent choice this upcoming season. The Spurs kit in particular reminds one of Roger Federer's iconic 2007 US Open drip. Nike's blurb describes it as 'razor-sharp, engineered for speed and built for stealth', which unfortunately does sound a lot like club legend Harry Kane in his prime. The away keeper's kit is akin to the home one but in mint-and-forest green. The third kit is yet to be officially launched, but it looks as though the bright yellow and navy shirt will air the beautiful 90s-era crest. Umbro has gone back to basics for the Hammers' fetching new home strip. The traditional claret colour is the majority presence, but it is the dapper taping detail on the ribbed collar and cuff – and discreet underarm blue inserts (the colour is relegated to a smaller role than usual) – that subtly elevate this minimalist take. The applique full club crest is revived here after last season's hideous variation and the crossed-hammers symbol is also printed on the back of the neck. The socks and shorts are in white. The away strip is equally nice and calm. Supposedly it is a callback to the 1996-97 away strip; I would argue that the call is not particularly loud. But it is a satisfyingly soft, creamy ecru with black sleeves and collar. The third kit, with a fold-over collar and a striking oversized Hammers logo on the breast, is a mix of submarine-deep navy as well as gold. Where the Umbro designers have had their welcome sugar rush is with the keeper kits; each of which (in blue, orange, and lilac) has a jaunty shoulder and sleeve decoration. Wolves' latest home kit, made by Sudu, schools us on the history of Molineux. Before the site served as a football stadium, it was the location of the Molineux Pleasure Gardens; a Victorian public park with amusement offerings typical of the period. The traditional gold jersey features a debossed, ornamental print of swirls and shapes to honour that sense of fun. The overall look – from collar to cuff – is influenced by the club's 70s threads. The home goalie kit is black and features the same print. The first-choice goalkeeper José Sá will wear pink for away fixtures, while the outfield players will be hitting the grass in turquoise; again, quite a popular colour for teams this season. This time the general feel is 80s-inspired, with dark green (almost black) ribbed collar and cuff. The third kit is yet to be released at the time of writing.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Ikea to open ‘highly anticipated' store in city centre shopping mall in HOURS
IKEA fans won't have to wait much longer — the Swedish giant's long-awaited new store will open its doors in just 48 hours. The brand-new branch, located in Brighton's Churchill Square Shopping Centre, takes over the former Debenhams site which has been empty since 2021. 7 7 7 7 Shoppers will be able to step inside from 10am on Thursday, August 14 , to explore thousands of affordable homeware items, and tuck into the famous meatballs. Spread across two floors and 6,695 square metres, the store will offer 2,600 products for immediate takeaway and access to the full 12,000-strong range via delivery or collection. It's the first full IKEA store in the city, meaning Brighton locals will no longer need to trek to Croydon or Southampton for the full shopping experience. Bosses say the new shop has been created with the 'city at its heart', with displays inspired by local homes and Brighton's seaside style. Six roomsets have been co-created with residents, including ceramicists Adam Johnson and Dan Mackey, to show off colourful, space-saving ideas and a nod to the city's famous beach huts. Adam said: 'We've always loved IKEA because it's like an interiors disco – and what's life without a little sparkle?' The first floor houses a 100-seat Swedish Deli serving meatballs, plantballs and sweet treats, all with sweeping sea views. The Swedish Food Market will sell ingredients and snacks to enjoy at home. On the ground floor, bargain hunters can snap up pre-loved and discontinued items in the Re-shop & Re-use area. 'OMG how did we not know?' boot sale fans scream as shopper reveals 'one of the best' that's open whatever the weather There's also a home planning hub where shoppers can get one-to-one help designing kitchens or bedroom storage. Quick bites and drinks will be available at the Swedish Bite kiosk. Market Manager Karina Gilpin said: 'Our city centre location in Churchill Square means customers can conveniently drop in while out and about, to seek inspiration for their homes, browse our range, access our expert planning advice, or enjoy our delicious meatballs or plantballs.' To celebrate the launch, the first 100 IKEA Family Members through the doors will get a blue FRAKTA bag with a mystery gift card worth between £1 and £1,000. Brighton will be IKEA's third city-centre store in the UK, following Oxford Street and Hammersmith in London. The opening is part of the retailer's push for smaller, high street-friendly locations, moving away from giant out-of-town warehouses. The Churchill Square store will open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sundays. Where is my closest Ikea? A quick way of figuring out if you have an Ikea store near you is by using the retailer's locator tool on its website. You just have to enter the town or city where you live, or your postcode and it will pull up the nearest site. The same page has a helpful map showing where all of the 21 current stores are located. Below we reveal the full list of Ikea stores in the UK: Croydon Hammersmith Greenwich Lakeside Wembley Birmingham (Wednesbury) Nottingham Bristol Cardiff Exeter Belfast Manchester Warrington Edinburgh Gateshead Glasgow Leeds Sheffield Milton Keynes Reading Southampton Ikea's new Oxford Street store Total retail space of 5,800 square meters over three floors. The store will be of similar size as IKEA Hammersmith. About 6,000 IKEA product lines will be showcased. Half of these, about 3,500 IKEA products, will be available for immediate take-away. Checkouts will be located the ground floor and –2. Larger furniture can be purchased / ordered for home delivery, for click and collect, or for collection off site. Within the M25 customers can collect from IKEA Hammersmith, 19 lockers in partnership with Shift, 11 pick up points in partnership with Tesco, as well as at 1,907 DPD pick up points. There will be focus on sustainable solutions, supporting people to live a more sustainable life at home. It will have a small Re-Shop and Re-Use section selling second-life, second-hand and discontinued IKEA products. IKEA is creating 150 new jobs at the Oxford Street store, with the retailer receiving a record 3,730 applications in just five days when recruitment opened earlier this year. IKEA will introduce the first Changing Places Toilet at Oxford Street / Regent Street, the only available facility in a 4,000 feet / 1.2 km radius from Oxford Circus. 7 7 7
