Felix Baumgartner, who jumped from edge of space, dies paragliding
Porto Sant'Elpidio's mayor, Massimiliano Ciarpella, said reports suggested he may have suffered a sudden medical issue mid-air, and offered the town's condolences over the death of "a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flights".
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Times
an hour ago
- Times
Would you dress like the pope?
Just before the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria fashion show began last Wednesday, the guests mingled in front of the imposing Castel Sant'Angelo, which dates from AD123 — part papal residence, part mausoleum for emperors and part, as the name suggests, fortress. Among them, towering above those around him, was Manchester City's statuesque Erling Haaland, wearing an elegant pale grey combo of polo neck and relaxed, full trousers. Only a silver necklace over the knit sparkled as a decorative hint. But boy was he about to be eclipsed in the wardrobe department. The Dolce & Gabbana Alta Sartoria collection is unusual in the extreme. It is essentially couture for men and is presented each year in a different Italian location that the designer duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana select with a view of engaging in a dialogue with its history and tradition. This year they went for the big one: Rome. As Dolce says: 'Rome is an extraordinary city, an endless source of inspiration. It embodies our love for Italy and its roots, for the artists and creatives that in time have celebrated it.' Before the show as the invitees enjoyed an aperitivo, he confided to me that 'Rome is intense culturally — it is so different to Milan. You feel the presence and influence of the Vatican. It is a heavy city — not in a bad way, just intense.' This article contains affiliate links that will earn us revenue So when places were taken and the classical music soundtrack started, it perhaps shouldn't have come as such a surprise that the fashion show — the first permitted to be staged here — kicked off with a procession of 'cardinals' in their red vestments, like a scene from Edward Berger's movie Conclave. These took their place on the bridge that connects the castle to the city, the Ponte Sant'Angelo, which is lined with marble angels designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The models then began their own stately procession. We were treated to a visual symphony of luxurious hand-made decorative opulence, inspired, sometimes very literally, by ecclesiastical tailoring. Here, among the pink and black suits were tunic-style pieces that borrowed from the wardrobe of the Catholic Church: copes, chasubles and dalmatics. The embroidery and crystal decoration, the filigree made from gold bullion thread, the use of the cross as a recurring emblem in both clothing and jewellery — all this left us in no doubt that we were witnessing clothing possessed of grandeur. One golden brass filigree bodice displayed gemstones and crystals like a piece of body armour. Another bodice, constructed from a white fabric that looks like marble, featured a three-dimensional head of Saint Peter with the keys to the kingdom of heaven. And though some of the more extreme expressions would undoubtedly require quite the occasion to get a wearing, there were plenty of embroidered and embellished jackets and trousers that would do service at any dressy event — though admittedly ear-marking the wearer as someone who enjoys spectacle and theatre. But then the brand's Alta Sartoria is spectacular and theatrical. Those invited to attend are the label's top customers and this cohort decamp annually to whichever Italian city or venue the designers have designated. Last year it was Sardinia, previously it has been Venice and Florence. Alta Sartoria, launched in 2015, meaning literally 'high tailoring', is the male equivalent of what Dolce & Gabbana does for women: Alta Moda ('high fashion'). And like the women who attend those shows (and this week there was one the night before the men's event at Rome's historic Forum), the men at this couture bash place orders for what's on display. Often while the models are actually walking the catwalk. Prices start at about €50,000 and each piece is unique. If you buy one of these outfits you won't ever bump into anyone dressed the same. Not even Erling
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Jason Statham, 57, recreates Commonwealth Games dive on sun-soaked family holiday - 35 years on from representing England
Jason Statham proved he's still got it as recreated his Commonwealth Games dive off his luxury yacht while on a family holiday in Positano in Italy. The Hollywood star, 57, showed off his ripped body on the trip as he leaped from the top deck of the boat last week. He was snapped as his dived from the 30ft vessel and headed straight for the clear water below him. It was like no time had passed for Jason, who previously represented England at the Commonwealth games in 1990 in New Zealand. Statham's best finish in Auckland was eighth place in the 1-metre springboard with a score of 487.26 points. He also took part in the 3-metre springboard and 10-metre platform, where he finished 11th in both events. It was like no time had passed for Jason, who previously represented England at the Common Wealth games in 1990 in New Zealand Fortunately for the hunk, his performances on the big screens have been much better than those on the high boards. Jason, who is engaged to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, has been enjoying downtime with his fiancée and their kids - son Jack, eight, and daughter Isabella, three. Rosie, 38, showed off her incredible figure as she shared an array of sun-soaked snaps from the trip, giving a rare insight into her family life. In one jaw-dropping shot, she showed off her incredible figure in a chic white bikini bra and matching trousers. Rosie also put her washboard abs on display as she relaxed in the crystal clear ocean while she enjoyed some downtime. She was also every inch the doting mother as she cuddled up to Isabella while she also enjoyed some fun activities in the son with Jack. Rosie also posted an adorable photograph of actor Jason, 57, sharing a hug with their two children. He sweetly cuddled them both on a sofa in the lavish vessel before he took Isabella on a jet ski and enjoyed a swim in the ocean himself. The action star proved himself to be every inch the daredevil as he also jumped head first off the top of the boat, perfecting a dive into the ocean. The family has been vacationing in the sun-soaked location in the southern coast of Italy for her brother Toby's wedding to his partner Noa. They were staying at five-star hotel Villa Treville, which boasts stunning views of the Amalfi Coast. Rooms start at £3,416 per night, which makes it a luxury place suitable for the stars. The high-profile couple seemed to enjoy some special family time together during the summer holidays. Rosie and Jason have been together since 2009 and got engaged in January 2016. He sweetly cuddled them both on a sofa in the lavish vessel before he took Isabella on a jet ski and enjoyed a swim in the ocean himself The model revealed they had taken their relationship to the next level when she flashed her impressive diamond ring at the Golden Globes that year. The model, who grew up in Devon, recently revealed why she returned to the UK in 2020 and explained that it was always 'the plan' to raise her children in the UK. She told The Times: 'We love the schools, the education. They're growing up British with their little British accents, which was important for us, and we have a great support system here. 'Jay's parents live up the road and see the kids most days, my family come to visit every six or eight weeks.' Rosie said her kids are having a childhood not dissimilar to her own, even spending large amounts of time in Devon where she grew up. The mum, who only shares the occasional snap of her children online, added: 'In the summer we go down to Devon and our children have the same experiences running around on the farm that I had growing up, and it's very special.' While the pair have been together since 2010, and despite getting engaged in 2016 and welcoming two children, they don't feel the need to tie the knot just yet. According to a source close to the couple, they are on the 'same page' when it comes to their relationship. 'Jason might be 20 years older than Rosie but they are on the same page with each other in so many aspects of their lives,' the source told
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
I'm 79 and have travelled to every country in the world - this is the country I'll never get tired of visiting
A 79-year-old woman who has spent six decades visiting every country in the world has revealed her three favourite destinations. Luisa Yu, from the Philippines, completed her extraordinary challenge of visiting all 193 countries on November 2023 after ticking off her final nation of Serbia. Her journey began sixty years ago as a young girl in Leyte, where her growing curiosity for Hollywood and American Western shows on TV inspired her to travel to the United States. She later emigrated to the US in her 20s as an exchange student, which gave her a golden opportunity to tap into her passion for cultural exploration. For many years, she limited her travels to America, but after receiving her Green Card, she finally was able to explore the wider world. Determined to travel as much as possible, Yu worked three jobs, held a real estate licence and eventually secured a job as a travel agent, which further opened doors for international travel. Since then, Yu has hiked the Himalayas, explored the plains of Africa, and is still marvelling at the wonders of the world with recent trips to North Caucasus and the Kalash Festival in Pakistan. After ticking off her last country of Serbia in 2023, Yu has had much time to reflect on standout trips from her global adventures. Speaking to NBC Miami in 2023, though she finds it difficult to pick an ultimate favourite, she declared no nation tops her home country, the Philippines. However, she also ranked 'beautiful' Italy highly, and gushed over the diverse landscape in Thailand, adding to her top three. Yu is to celebrate her 80th birthday later this year, and is thrilled to to reign in the landmark occasion after accomplishing her remarkable feat. She added: 'I did fulfil my dream. I was able to buy a house on my own. I was able to travel on my own. I'm just happy. I want to thank all the people that have been so nice and kind to me.' It comes after a man who has visited every country in the world has shared the ones he'd never go back to... and the hidden gems that he believes are overlooked. Luca Pferdmenges, 23, who is originally from Germany, started traveling when he was just 14 years old. An avid juggler, he would jet off to various cities in Europe to perform at juggling conventions, and along the way, he developed a fierce passion for exploring the globe. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020 and his juggling career came to a halt, he decided that once the world opened back up, he was going to start traveling full-time. He then made it his goal to visit every country on the planet, and just five years later, he's now spent time in all 195 of them. Now, he has broken down which countries are 'overrated' and which are hidden gems exclusively with the Daily Mail. He admitted that he wouldn't recommend 'small island destinations' that don't offer much except nice beaches and resorts because they are 'boring' to him. He also said he was not a fan of Egypt because he felt like he was 'constantly getting hassled' when he was there.
