Somerset House announces Virtual Beauty exhibition
Somerset House has cleverly positioned itself to own a cool, cultured and slightly quirky sector of the London exhibition scene. When it comes to matters of 'beauty' specifically, its offerings aren't just always terribly stylish, but thoughtful and boundary-pushing too. It not only showcases beauty, but dissects and interrogates its power, myths and constant contradictions.
Highlights from the last decade include Hair by Sam McKnight, a celebration of hairspray and high-fashion, and an ode to the iconic London hairdresser's vast portfolio of exquisite wigs and images.
Guy Bourdain: Image Maker, showcased the provocative gloss of the subversive photographer whose images defied conventional beauty norms by injecting surrealism, eroticism and unsettling narratives into high-fashion photography.
Then there was Black Venus, which explored the historical representation and evolving legacy of Black women in visual culture.
Meanwhile, CUTE dissected our collective obsession with all things pink and wide-eyed.
Virtual Beauty is set to present no exception to Somerset House's unique approach. Curated by Gonzalo Herrero Delicado, Mathilde Friis and Bunny Kinney, the provocative exhibition will explore how digital technologies are reshaping our perceptions of beauty, self-representation and identity in a screen-dominated world.
Featuring the work of more than 20 artists from across the globe, Virtual Beauty will ask who holds the power to define beauty in this era of filtered, altered and enhanced realities.
Works by ORLAN and Amalia Ulman will bridge the digital and physical in performance art, while Isamaya Ffrench will use AI to interrogate machine-led beauty ideals.
Blurring virtual and tangible, the exhibition is set to offer a very timely exploration of gender, sexuality and identity in the post-internet world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hypebeast
an hour ago
- Hypebeast
Every Item From Palace's Fall 2025 Collection
Summary Following last week'slookbookreveal,Palacenow previews its completeFall 2025collection. The extensive lineup marries the label's signature graphic playfulness with rugged, utility-driven aesthetics, spanning pieces across outerwear, tees, bottoms and accessories that are weather-ready. Take a look at the complete Fall 2025 collection below. The first drop will be available viaPalacein the U.S. and Europe on August 8 at 11 a.m. local time. The following day, it will also be officially released online and in stores in Japan, Korea and and China via Wechat locally at 11 a.m. Palace has also opened dedicated webstores for Canada and Australia, featuring local pricing, fast delivery and hassle-free returns. Designed for transitional weather, Palace's outerwear lineup spans sporty Rack 25 Shell jackets, versatile P-Work styles, the technical GORE-TEX 3L Palex jacket as well as richly insulated, padded pieces. From the lineup, the Frogger Reversible Fleece is the lead hero silhouette. Offered in black and blue colorways, the piece is emblazoned with oversized Frog graphics in vibrant hues. This silhouette was also among the first few looks Palace has teased ahead of its lookbook reveal. Another standout is the Muay Jacket, which channels varsity appeal through a bold chest embroidery patch rendered in Thai-inspired lettering, nodding to the aesthetics of Muay Thai fight gear. Palace's nature-inspired camo-print also returns in its latest rendering – Real Tree Excape – on the P-Work Jacket. Oscillating between athletic staples and alternative streetwear, the fall-ready sweatshirt lineup spans cozy loungewear essentials to bold statement pieces. It's anchored in classic Black, Grey Marl and Navy, punctuated by vivid pops of Berg, Purple, Skyline Blue, Posh Pink and Racey Green. Standouts include the Dragon Bones Tri Hood, where intertwining skeletal dragons coil through Palace's signature Tri-Ferg logo and the Wingspan Triple Stitch Hood, whose stark line-art skull – pierced by a dagger and flanked by demonic bat wings – channels pure rock 'n' roll energy. Palace's Fall 2025 knitwear lineup introduces three standout styles that blend modern detailing with seasonal warmth. The Arch Funnel Knit debuts in Navy, Stoney Grey and Truest Red, featuring a streamlined funnel collar and arched Palace logo in a two-tone look. The Hairy Heart Knit arrives in Black, Blue and Pink, its plush, brushed texture decked with an allover pattern featuring heart motifs. Out the release, the Tourist Knit channels global inspiration with kitschy appeal. Highlighting Italy, Turkey and the U.K., each variant spotlights a different city's iconic skyline set against its respective national flags. The shirt lineup presents four distinct silhouettes that balance signature branding with season-ready versatility. Coming in Black, Green and Navy, the Archy Shirt offer a refined button-down cut punctuated by a large, arched Palace Logo across the chest. The Ghost Zip Shirt, also available in Black, Green and Navy, exudes the impression of a flannel shirt jacket with added structure. Meanwhile, the Lucky P Shirt channels retro Americana in a short-sleeve button-up design: its Black iteration boasts constrasting detiails, while the Navy and Pink versions feature tonal horseshoe embroidery and cursive Palace lettering. Rounding out the range, the Palace Classic Oxford Shirt arrives in Navy, Olive, Stone and White, boasting a crisp weave, a structured collar and a discreet chest logo for a refined preppy-normcore aesthetic. As for tops, Palace prepared 7 silhouettes that bridge sporty heritage with streetwear flair. The Dog Rugby, available in Black, Navy and Racey Green, features crisp white collars and a bold '9' on the back, its long-sleeve fit channeling classic rugby vibes while a small embroidered dog motif and Palace logo adorn the chest. Echoing the Frogger Reversible Fleece, the Frogger Tech Jersey reinterprets the frog graphic in two distinct styles across four dynamic colorways. d no Palace drop is complete without a football jersey: the Palace Pro Team Jersey, stamped with the Palasonic crest, arrives in Black, Grey and Navy for three fresh takes on a Premier League–inspired essential. The Long-sleeve collection offers three distinct silhouettes that balance everyday wear with subtle technical touches. The Basically a Longsleeve arrives in six core hues – Black, Fox, Grey Marl, Navy, Racey Green and White – boasting a clean cut and minimalist Palace logo at the chest for easy layering. For a sportier edge, the Mesh Panel Longsleeve pairs solid panels with contrasting mesh inserts on the sleeves and sides, available in Navy, Racey Green and Black. Last but not least, the Wingspan Longsleeve features an oversized winged skull graphic across the chest, rendered in three fresh colorways: Grey Marl, Skyline Blue and Deep Green. Palace delivers a diverse T-shirt lineup spanning simple logos, retro illustrations and bold graphics. Highlights include the Ghoul T-shirt, featuring a sneak-peek of a ghostly creature paired with a chest-placed Palace logo; the Indica T-shirt, emblazoned with the cheeky 'STAY H.I. WITH AI.' slogan; and the Navigation T-shirt, which showcases an intricate astrological chart on the back and reimagines the Palace logo on the front using celestial motifs. As for Palace's Fall 2025 bottoms range, the London imprint reveals a myriad of styles that could complement its diverse lineup of tops and outerwear. The Athletic Joggers offer a tapered fit with elastic cuffs and contrast piping for a sleek, sporty look, while the Bossy Canvas Jeans boast a relaxed profile in durable cotton. To match the Muay Jackets and Hoodies, the Muay Shorts nod to ringwear in a breathable mesh, complete with bold graphics. Both the Palace Over Trouser and Ripstop Cargo Pants lean into nature-inspired utility — rendered in REALTREE MAX and Realtree EXCAPE camo prints. Headwear anchors Palace's Fall 2025 drop with an array of silhouettes – from dad caps and bucket hats to slouchy beanies – each blending utility with bold graphics. Minimalist staples arrive in tonal logo embroideries, while statement pieces repurpose this season's hero motifs. The Dendrobates Tech Beanie leaps to life with vibrant frog graphics, the Denim P 6-Panel cap plays on washed denim peppered with an all-over heart motif and the Evil Palace Trucker hat riffs on classic mesh-back styling with a large embroidered dagger-pierced, winged skull. For Fall 2025, Palace spotlights the Frogger Packable Bag — a lightweight, foldable tote printed with hyperrealistic, multi-colored tree frogs and a playful Y2K-inspired logo that swaps the 'L' for a frog motif. All graphics pop against a vivid cobalt-blue backdrop, marrying practicality with a whimsical twist. For accessories, Palace offers an eclectic lineup – from playful stickers, enamel pins and belts to rugged Nalgene water bottles and insulating koozies, plus lighters, ice cube trays and incense holders – capped off by a scarf that channels classic football–fan flair. Palace's new skate decks burst with vibrant, collage-style graphics in a spectrum of bold hues. A standout is the Dragon deck, which reintroduces the skeletal dragon motif from the apparel collection, now crisply framed by a chain-link border.
Black America Web
2 hours ago
- Black America Web
20 Black Celebs Who Bring the Heat in the Kitchen
20 Black Celebs Who Bring the Heat in the Kitchen From the red carpet to the cutting board, these stars know how to cook up more than just hits. Whether they're serving flavor on-screen or seasoning it up at home, these Black celebrities prove that culinary skills and stardom can go hand-in-hand. From soul food masters to health-conscious chefs and cookbook authors, here are 20 Black celebs who don't just eat good—they cook even better. RELATED: Black Business Month: Wally Amos And 10 Other Unsung Black Entrepreneurs RELATED: Black Friday, Black Business: Support These Black-Owned Beauty Brands 1. Snoop Dogg – Co-hosts Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party and released his cookbook From Crook to Cook. 2. Patti LaBelle – Her Patti's Good Life line (famous for the sweet potato pies) is sold in Walmart and flying off shelves. 3. Rick Ross – Co-owner of over 30 Wingstop franchises and the Checkers/Rally's chains. Also launched his own hemp rolling company called Hemp Hop. 4. Ludacris – Hosts Luda Can't Cook on Discovery+, diving into various cuisines while learning from world-class chefs. 5. Ayesha Curry Host of Homemade, cookbook author, and co-owner of several restaurants with Steph Curry. 6. Tabitha Brown – Social media phenom turned author and Food Network host. She launched Donna's Recipe (vegan haircare) and Tabitha Brown for Target (food, kitchenware & apparel). 7. Tia Mowry – Star of Tia Mowry at Home and author of Whole New You, blending motherhood, food, and wellness. 8. 2 Chainz Released a cookbook called #MEALTIME, which came with his B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time album. 9. Queen Latifah Co-produced The Queen Latifah Show with food segments and is a silent investor in healthy food initiatives. 10. E-40 – Launched a whole empire: E-40 Wines, Goon With The Spoon sausages & burritos, and Sluricane drinks. 11. Chef Roblé Ali Celebrity chef and star of Chef Roblé & Co., he's cooked for everyone from Beyoncé to Rihanna. 12. Trick Daddy – Co-hosts I Got My Pots, a YouTube cooking show blending southern dishes and hip-hop storytelling. 13. JJ Johnson – James Beard Award-winning chef, known for Fieldtrip in Harlem and national TV appearances. 14. Marcus Samuelsson Celebrity chef, restaurateur (Red Rooster Harlem), judge on Top Chef, and cookbook author. 15. Maya-Camille Broussard – Star of Bake Squad on Netflix and owner of Justice of the Pies in Chicago. 16. Gina Neely – Former co-host of Down Home with the Neelys on Food Network, and cookbook author. 17. Melba Wilson – NYC-based restaurateur (Melba's in Harlem) and Food Network guest judge. 18. Darius Cooks – Known for viral cooking videos and multiple restaurant ventures, despite some controversy. 19. Bryant Terry James Beard Award-winning vegan chef and author. Known for Afro-Vegan cuisine and cultural storytelling. 20. Meghan Markle Curated the charity cookbook Together: Our Community Cookbook in partnership with women from the Hubb Community Kitchen (following the Grenfell Tower fire).
Refinery29
2 hours ago
- Refinery29
I Just Got Back From Marbella — A Black & Unbothered Guide To A Euro Summer
You may have already heard it declared to all and sundry: it's a Euro Summer! The recurring summer TikTok trend is geared towards luxury travel-hopping across Europe. Think al fresco dinners in Rome. Yachting around the Amalfi Coast. Picnicking at the Champ-De-Mars in France. And Kourtney Kardashian's claim to the 'Dolce Vita' lifestyle. I've been scrolling through various aesthetic videos taken across the continent that feel both romantic, cultured, and wealthy, and it got me thinking: my 'Euro summers' looked a lot different in my 20s. They were budget, boozy, and a bit feral. What new luxury experiences could I look forward to as a sophisticated (ish) Black woman in her 30s? I recently kickstarted my Euro Summer in Marbella, a city in southern Spain on the Costa del Sol. There's much that Marbella's known for, maybe you've heard of them: parties with an all-white dress code, designer stores, celebrity sightings, and, for the acquainted, the city goes by 'Marbs' (but let's forget about that whole 'no carbs' thing). In Spain, the city has carved a global reputation for wealth, yachts owned by billionaires, privileged youth dancing all night, and exclusivity. It's a trip I wouldn't have imagined having 10 years ago at the beginning of my journalism career, and I was told to prepare to see a different side to Marbella. A Euro Summer Through A Black British Lens Living in the UK means I have been able to travel to many countries across Europe, mostly on the cheap via budget airlines. My experiences have been widely varied; from all-inclusive family resorts and cruises around the Mediterranean, to last-minute city breaks and along popular party strips in my teenage partying days. In Black travel communities, there's a lot said about travelling while Black and the nuanced experiences that can come with it (to put it delicately) — especially in places where we are even more of a minority than in major UK cities. On social media, Black women from the US and beyond planning their European summers have asked, Where are the countries I'll feel most comfortable? Where will I be welcomed? These are common fears for Black women — but as we say at Unbothered all the time, there are Black people everywhere. I estimate that I've travelled to at least nine countries and 20 cities across Europe in my life, and while I have been mostly embraced (Lisbon is undefeated for how welcoming it is), unfortunately, I experienced some of the worst racism of my life in Pisa, Central Italy, and will most likely never travel to Croatia again for the same reason. But there have always been vastly more good experiences, and I found that there's an appreciation for culture that works both ways. Travelling across Europe will always be varied (Dear American friends — when you say Europe, do you mean Santorini or Skegness?), and learning not to let fear of the unknown quell my wanderlust is part of the journey. Where I Stayed: Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella After a quick two-hour flight from Manchester to Malaga's airport and using my choppy duo-lingo'd Spanish during a private taxi ride, I arrived at the Kimpton Los Monteros in Marbella, IHG Hotels' latest addition to its hotel portfolio in Spain. The building has an Old Hollywood cinematic feel; it's more intimate than sprawling, with bright Barcelona-inspired interiors, multiple pools and chic spots to enjoy a cocktail or two. I was struck by the hotel's warmth — it is luxurious, yes, but also airy, inviting, and friendly. It's situated a stone's throw from Marbella's beaches, but also well catered to inside. We made use of the gym, padel courts, rooftop infinity pool and were pampered lavishly in the Spa by Maison CODAGE, yet I quickly learned that where there is peace, there is also a party in Marbella. As soon as I arrived, the hotel's truly gorgeous (respectfully) staff told me to prepare for the annual Kimpton Festival and gestured to a champagne tower balanced precariously in the courtyard. I was urged to dress in a 70s theme, and mark my words, I was already prepared. This party was both grown and boujie. Guests of the hotel lounged around the pool, mingling, laughing, and dancing. As my travel group danced the night away, I found myself vibing with many Spanish revellers — even though they didn't speak English and I definitely can't speak Spanish (typical Brit), we connected purely on vibes and the overflowing champagne. The evening managed to be both romantic and sexy, as 70s classics played as the sun set and turned the skies pink. Partiers hitched up their dresses and rolled up their trousers to dance barefoot in the pool. I walked back to my hotel room with my shoes in my hand and thought to myself, It seems like my Euro summers never really changed! Combine Revelry With Discovery During Your Euro Summer There's a theme to my Marbella trip: revelry. In Marbella, my name, L'Oréal, became 'Lorena' in coffee shops, and I adopted a personality and persona that suited it; a glamorous and mysterious traveller. It's a character I like to adopt when travelling to places where I know I'll be one of the few people who look like me because, well... standing out isn't a choice, it's just a fact. And it provides me with an armour that allows me to walk into any room confidently. We made multiple trips to La Cabane, an exclusive beach club hosted by Dolce & Gabbana and also the oldest beach club in Marbella. I was told that La Cabane has boasted many celebrity visitors over the years, including names such as Michael Jackson (who actually sheltered from the paparazzi at Los Monteros itself, during his BAD tour in 1988!), Elton John and more. As you'd expect, the club is fabulous, decadent, and a little ostentatious with bold blue and white Dolce and Gabbana print covering every surface of the room. Guests come dressed in designer beach attire to dine on Mediterranean cuisine by a Michelin-starred chef. Now this is Marbella, I expected, I thought at the time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA CABANE (@lacabanemarbella) I was told that La Cabane has been trying to do more than just put on famous house DJs and share more of Spanish culture with its guests. One evening, famous flamenco singer Diego El Cigala performed at a private gathering I attended. I felt honoured to witness what felt like an intimate, special moment for those who grew up watching him sing. As tables of friends and families sang along, I felt like I was watching a family film; this was the best flamenco voice of their lifetime, they told me, and I immediately understood — this is a voice that transcends language barriers. On previous trips around Spain, there were parts where I mainly saw Brits in British pubs — which of course is more than fine at home, but not quite what I think of when I am picturing a trip to the country (a whole other conversation for a different day). For a long time, I didn't think I truly knew Spain, though I visited frequently. This would change when we learned about the history of espadrilles with the help of a family-owned espadrilles workshop, HANDMADE. They shared how espadrilles were imagined by impoverished workers who used plants to make the shoes and how, later, they were reimagined by Coco Chanel, who added a heel to the shoes and sold them to the masses. There was something special about threading the ribbon of the espadrilles by hand — I felt much more connected to its history and appreciated learning about its roots. I personally loved seeing some of Spain's true face and connecting with its soul. And of course, there is much more to learn and piques my interest as a Black traveller in Spain — and I made a note to dive into the history of Afro-Spaniards and generational African influences that are sometimes not associated with the country. Make Eating An Important Part Of The Itinerary If, like me, you eat most things that swim in the sea (sorry), you'll love the dishes on offer in Marbella. When I travel, I love to have a night that is revolved around one special dining experience — because food, for me, is an integral part of any cultural immersion. One privileged moment on this trip was eating a meal by José Carlos Garcia, the only Michelin-starred chef in Malaga (he also designed the delicious menu at the Kimpton Los Monteros). Truthfully, I have been intimidated by Michelin meals in the past, but the grandness of this experience was thankfully met with the encouragement to try new foods and reimagine flavour. I don't think I've ever used the word 'gastronomic' before, but it was. Each dish told of story of Garcia's heritage and his culinary training, and I was happy to come home with one of his cookbooks. Take To The Sea & Walk Around The Old Town It wouldn't be Marbella without setting off to sea. As we sailed around the Med, dolphins playfully surrounded us and launched into the air, as if dancing. My camera roll is now 90 per cent dolphin photos. These are the moments that will be cherished all summer long. I also ventured into Marbella's Old Town, across a strip of all white buildings and designer stores. At times, I found myself walking alone (something I always encourage people to do — safely!), getting a little lost, and I stumbled across the San Bernabé Fair, where there were multiple flamenco shows and lots of food, and once again was thrown into the magic of the culture. I was told that Marbella became a hotspot for remote workers during the pandemic, with gorgeous weather most of the year. The city is expensive — sitting at the higher end for Spanish tourist destinations — and its long rumoured exclusivity felt true to its reputation in parts of this trip. But of course, that is part of its appeal for many people looking to have a Euro summer, many dream about.
