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The Star
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Why toes are taking over: Fashion's growing obsession with feet-first style
Recently, when temperatures in New York City were soaring, Jalil Johnson had to put together an outfit for a business meeting and a lunch. Johnson, a writer in Manhattan, does not have a corporate job. But he still wanted to look presentable and stylish, so he went with a dark blazer, a blue button-up shirt – and flip-flops. 'I think they look fantastic with a suit,' Johnson, 25, said. He liked the visual contrast of wearing a blazer with beach sandals, he added, and was emboldened to dress up his flip-flops after seeing some on the runways at the recent menswear shows. Louis Vuitton showed leather flip-flops, and Prada had models walk the runway wearing rubber-soled thongs in shades of pale blue and pistachio green. Auralee's show featured male and female models wearing colourful two-tone flip-flops that resembled a US$690 (approximately RM2,930) pair by the Row. Toes also paraded down the runways at Dries Van Noten, Lemaire, Hermes and Kiko Kostadinov, where thong sandals were paired with toe socks. All of it was a sign that menswear was jumping feet first into a trend already permeating womenswear. From luxury flip-flops to mesh flats to five-toed sneakers, lots of footwear in favour with fashionable people emphasises the digits also known as little piggies. Read more: Menswear puts its best foot forward, as toe-baring styles step onto the runway Liana Satenstein, 35, a fashion writer in Brooklyn, has been following the industry's toe-forward trajectory for years. As have publications like British Vogue , which declared in a 2023 headline: 'Toes are the new legs'. The 'footaissance', as Satenstein called it in her Neverworns newsletter, has coincided with other sartorial trends – naked dressing, short shorts – that prescribe leaving little to the imagination. 'Nothing is titillating anymore,' she said. 'But there's something so sensual about feet, from toe cleavage to the curve of an ankle.' Unlike the curves achieved via deep-plane face-lifts and other cosmetic surgeries, those of feet and toes are usually natural – something the 63-year-old fashion designer Rick Owens recently alluded to, when he said he was starting an account for his feet on OnlyFans and described it as 'an interesting way of addressing ageing'. In her newsletter, Satenstein has written about thong heels Phoebe Philo introduced last summer (which Satenstein called a 'sickeningly sexy combination of filth and chaste'); the sneaker-like Vibram FiveFingers (a 'fashion girl' favourite, she wrote, and a source of 'perpetual phalangeal pleasure'); and Balenciaga's Zero shoe (a barely-there sandal that, as its name suggests, is not much of a shoe at all). Satenstein called a leather peep-toe heel by Khaite the 'freakiest' of them all. Some new thongs nod to earlier styles, like a spangly metallic heel reissued by Jimmy Choo in May. The shoe was introduced in 2000, when Carrie Bradshaw was running around New York in open-toe Manolo Blahniks on Sex And The City (open-toe Manolos are also a favourite of Anna Wintour). Havaianas flip-flops, another nostalgic thong, have been worn by personalities and with collections by labels like Kallmeyer, which featured them on models in its Spring 2024 lookbook. A pair of Yeezy heeled thongs that Kim Kardashian wore out in Los Angeles in 2018, which Satenstein wrote about for Vogue , were an early sign to her of the toe cleavage to come, she said. The next year, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen of the Row fueled interest in showing toe with the release of their label's nylon-mesh Sock shoe. Since then, shoes that have sustained the interest include the cloven-toe Maison Margiela Tabis, an insider favourite. As designers like Emme Parsons have incorporated embellishments for toes into their shoes – Parsons, who lives in Palm Beach, Florida, sells a sandal with a built-in ring – other brands have introduced jewellery to make them shine. Read more: What to know about the Prada 'sandal scandal' and India's Kolhapuri comeback One is Chan Luu, which hosted a 'pedi party' at a salon in Los Angeles last month to promote a new collection of toe rings. They include styles with hefty Swarovski crystals, which resemble a diamond ring Rihanna wore on her middle toe in 2023. 'Bigger is better,' said Tessa Tran, 37, CEO of Chan Luu. The fashion designer Yael Aflalo's new namesake label also sells a toe ring with a large diamond. It was designed by Leandra Medine Cohen, the fashion writer once known as the Man Repeller, whose own toe-forward footwear includes Havaianas, corded sandals and jelly flip-flops by Ancient Greek Sandals, which she recently wore with an Emilio Pucci swimsuit and nylon surf pants. In developing the new ring, Medine Cohen said, 'We thought about a cigar band, but then we decided that an engagement-style solitaire was the most digestible and humorous.' 'Like, are you really going to put a diamond on your toe?' Medine Cohen, 36, said. The 'contrast of a very casual shoe with the ring feels right', she added, echoing Johnson's sentiments about wearing flip-flops and a suit jacket. 'It's that same contrast, with a delicate piece of jewellery and a hairy toe.' – ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Hype Malaysia
18-07-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) Alibaba Founder Jack Ma Spotted Cycling In Hangzhou With RM10k Bicycle
Imagine cycling with friends one night when you randomly bump into one of the wealthiest men in the world. While out exercising in a park, a woman in China bumped into Alibaba founder, Jack Ma (马云), who casually cycled beside her. On 17th July 2025 (Thursday), a XiaoHongShu user uploaded a video, revealing that she ran into Jack Ma while at a park with friends. In the captions, the user shared, 'I came to West Lake (in Hangzhou with my friends and ran into Jack Ma! He was wearing sportswear!'. In the video shared, the woman was seen approaching the businessman on her bike before asking him if he was indeed Jack Ma. After the Alibaba founder confirmed his identity, the woman continued the chat, asking if he was also at the park to cycle. She was also heard saying, 'It's quite comfortable to feel the breeze at night'. During the short interaction, Jack Ma smiled and greeted her politely, replying to her comment, 'It's indeed very cool'. As the woman cycled away, the 60-year-old was reminding her to be careful. The short video garnered a lot of attention on social media, as it's one of the rare moments where Jack Ma is spotted in public. As such, netizens were pleased to see him in good shape and comfortably interacting with people. Funnily enough, the video also prompted some netizens to assess his cycling outfit and gear. Some eagle-eyed netizens also discovered that his bicycle is Brompton's C-Line folding bike, which costs 18,500 yuan (approximately RM10,930). Interestingly, some netizens also pointed out that biking at the West Lake was how Jack Ma's life changed for the better. In 1980, the then-16-year-old Jack was riding to the 'English Corner' at West Lake to practice his English with tourists when he met the Morley family from Australia. Jack's friendship with the family led to the businessman staying with them in Australia for 29 days, which he said changed the course of his life. It's nice to see that Jack is still looking great and active despite no longer being in the public eye. Perhaps this small interaction will bring more people to visit the humble West Lake in Hangzhou. Watch the clip below: Source: Oriental Daily, XiaoHongShu
India Today
09-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
New Zealand sees 34% rise in Indian student enrolments in just one year. Here's why
Indian students are increasingly choosing New Zealand as their study destination, as the country offers a combination of world-class education, post-study opportunities, and a high quality of to Education New Zealand (ENZ), student enrolments from India rose by 34% between January and August 2024, reaching 10,640, up from 7,930 in the full year of 2023. New Zealand, with its English-speaking environment and progressive policies, has rapidly emerged as a strong are the reasons why more Indian students are choosing New Zealand for overseas education:1. QUALITY EDUCATION AND GLOBAL RANKINGS New Zealand is home to eight universities, all of which are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026 Top these, the University of Auckland ranks #65, followed by other leading institutions such as the University of Otago (#197), Massey University (#230), and Victoria University of Wellington (#240).The country offers strong academic and research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines, including Data Science, Engineering, Fintech, Nursing, Business Analytics, Hospitality, and Education.2. SAFETY, WELL-BEING AND AFFORDABILITYNew Zealand ranks highly on international safety and quality-of-life indices. It placed #12 in Global Finance's 2025 Happiest Countries list, is #3 on the Global Peace Index, and topped Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 for the third year terms of cost, international students typically spend between NZD 20,000 to 40,000 annually on education, making it a more affordable choice than the US or UK, and comparable to Australia and Canada. According to Education New Zealand (ENZ), student enrolments from India rose by 34% between January and August 2024, reaching 10,640, up from 7,930 in the full year of 2023. 3. STRONG EMPHASIS ON PRACTICAL LEARNINGNew Zealand's education system is known for its practical, hands-on learning approach. Universities often collaborate closely with industries to ensure that course content is aligned with real-world skills and market Indian students seeking job-ready education and internships that lead directly to employment, this industry relevance is a major attraction.4. SIMPLIFIED DEPENDENT VISA OPTIONSFor Indian students who are married or have families, New Zealand offers a relatively student-friendly dependent visa policy. Spouses of postgraduate students can apply for open work visas, and children can access local holistic approach to international student life makes the transition easier for those who plan to move with their STRONG SUPPORT SERVICESNew Zealand universities offer robust international student support services—from dedicated advisors and academic counselling to mental health support and career high level of personalised attention makes Indian students feel supported throughout their journey, both inside and outside the classroom. New Zealand is home to eight universities, all of which are ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2026 Top 500. 6. EXPANDED POST-STUDY WORK RIGHTSOne of New Zealand's biggest draws is its flexible post-study work visa (PSW) policy. Students who complete at least 30 weeks of Master's or Doctoral-level study can stay and work in the country for up to three 2024, the policy was expanded to include stackable qualifications. This allows students to complete a 30-week Postgraduate Diploma (Level 8) and then pursue a shorter Master's, still qualifying for the full PSW of March 2025, the unemployment rate in New Zealand stands at 5.1%, adding to the appeal for graduates seeking job STRONG TIES WITH INDIAIndians now make up 11% of international university students in New Zealand, making them the second-largest international student group after the enrolment of Indian female students in New Zealand universities has doubled between 2023 and 2024, according to IDP Zealand has also been investing in educational partnerships with India. In 2024, Education New Zealand signed collaboration agreements with key Indian institutions including GIFT City, IIM Ahmedabad, and the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, aiming to strengthen academic and strategic Zealand has fast become a preferred destination for Indian students, offering world-class education, flexible work opportunities, and strong cultural growing enrolment, strategic partnerships, and supportive policies, it presents a safe, affordable, and rewarding pathway for Indian students seeking global academic and career success.- Ends
NDTV
08-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
More Indian Students Choosing New Zealand For Overseas Education. Here's Why
As Indian students look overseas for academic and career advancement, New Zealand is emerging as a key destination of choice. While countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia have traditionally dominated the study-abroad landscape, changing global education policies and student priorities are prompting a shift toward newer, stable destinations. Among them, New Zealand is gaining traction for its quality education, post-study work oppoutnities, and high living standards. Surge in Indian Enrolments According to Education New Zealand (ENZ), enrolments from India rose by 34% between January and August 2024 - from 7,930 in 2023 to 10,640 in 2024. Indian students now make up 11% of all international university enrolments in the country, ranking second after Chinese students. Notably, data from IDP Education shows that the number of Indian female students in New Zealand universities doubled between 2023 and 2024, highlighting a growing preference among students seeking safe and supportive academic environments. High-Quality Education Across Disciplines New Zealand's eight universities are globally ranked, with all listed in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Leading institutions include the University of Auckland (ranked 65), University of Otago (197), and Massey University (230). These universities offer strong programmes in various fields such as Data Science, Engineering, Fintech, Business Analytics, Nursing, Hospitality, and Education. Affordable Education and Living Costs The cost of studying in New Zealand ranges between NZD 20,000 (Rs 10,26,953) to 40,000 (Rs 20,53,906) annually for international students, which remains competitive compared to the US and UK, and on par with Australia and Canada. With manageable living expenses and access to part-time work rights during study, the country offers a cost-effective option for Indian students. Flexible Post-Study Work Options One of New Zealand's key draws is its flexible post-study work (PSW) policy. International students completing at least 30 weeks of a Master's or Doctoral programme are eligible for a three-year PSW visa. In late 2024, Immigration New Zealand extended these benefits to students pursuing shorter, stackable postgraduate qualifications - allowing those completing a Postgraduate Diploma followed by a Master's to access full work rights. As of March 2025, the country's unemployment rate stood at 5.1%, offering a favourable outlook for graduates entering the job market. Focus on Bilateral Educational Ties New Zealand is also strengthening institutional ties with India. In 2024, Education New Zealand signed partnership agreements with Indian institutions and state agencies including IIM Ahmedabad, GIFT City, and the Karnataka State Higher Education Council. These collaborations aim to foster research, student exchange, and academic cooperation. Quality of Life and Community Support Beyond academics, New Zealand ranks high on global indices of peace, happiness, and work-life balance. It placed 12th on Global Finance's 2025 Happiness Index and has been ranked third on the Global Peace Index. The country also topped Remote's Global Life-Work Balance Index for the third consecutive year. With over 270,000 people of Indian origin living in New Zealand, students benefit from a culturally familiar environment and supportive diaspora networks.
Borneo Post
20-06-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu just short of RM50,000 for life-saving second liver transplant in China
Gonzalez and Viviana are seen at UMMC in Kuala Lumpur while waiting for sufficient funds for the critical liver transplant. SIBU (June 20): A fundraising campaign to enable Bintulu toddler Gonzalez Yiu to undergo a critical second liver transplant in China needs less than RM50,000 more to achieve its target of RM231,930. His mother Viviana Thomas said as of yesterday, the campaign had collected RM183,287.25 to support the surgery and treatment at Renji Hospital in Shanghai. Gonzalez is battling Type II autoimmune hepatitis and end-stage liver disease. Viviana appealed for help to raise the remaining RM48,642.75 for her son —who has been battling the illness since he was six months old — to receive the life-saving treatment. 'Every passing day is critical for Gonzalez. We truly appreciate every donation and prayer from the public,' she said when contacted today. She also shared the family's heartfelt gratitude for the support and compassion shown by the public throughout the campaign. The total amount includes a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine worth RM6,930 to help Gonzalez, who is one year and 11 months old, breathe steadily before and after the surgery in China. For now, Gonzalez remains under monitoring at the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) in Kuala Lumpur, while waiting for sufficient funds and assistance from the Biliary Atresia Malaysia Association (BAMA) to manage documentation and obtain Ethical Approval. Those wishing to help ease the family's burden can channel donations through Yayasan Nanyang Press (OCBC Bank 701-120679-6) with the reference Gonzalez Yiu. Donors who require tax exemption receipts can complete the online form and upload proof of payment via: On May 22, Viviana told Utusan Borneo the family was left with no choice but to appeal to the public for help as their savings had been exhausted on essential needs, treatments, and repeated hospital trips. The youngest of two siblings, Gonzalez underwent his first liver transplant in March last year, but suffered serious complications when the new liver —donated by his mother — began to fail. For the second transplant, Gonzalez's father Yiu Kuok Ling will donate part of his liver. For further information, contact Viviana on 010-7661816. Related report: Gonzalez Yiu lead liver transplant Renji Hospital Viviana Thomas
