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National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
Queen Victoria loved this UK island—and so will you
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Package all that's wonderful — and quite frankly quirky — about England, set it adrift in the English Channel, and you'll end up with the Isle of Wight. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it's the UK's largest island and a microcosm of its heritage — all thatched cottages, centuries-old pubs and undulating landscapes. Some of the Victorian era's most influential figures came here to relax and be inspired, and while remnants of their time here remain, the island is hardly preserved in aspic. Today, award-winning distilleries, cool hotels and Michelin-recommended restaurants abound, along with a thriving festival scene. The only way there is by boat, so you're forced to slow down immediately, setting your watch to 'island time'. Make the most of its sunny disposition in summer or come during shoulder season for the walking festivals in May and October, when the beaches are quieter, too. Actors frequently appear in role at the Osborne House, so you may well spot Victoria or Albert gliding down a quiet corridor. Photograph by Alamy Images, Chris Howes Where are the best places to discover the island's quirks? Known to the ancient Romans as 'Vectis', the island appears in the 11th-century Domesday Book as the 'Isle of Wit' — a splendid moniker for a place Queen Victoria would later make her home. Her royal residence, Osborne House, was built in the style of an Italianate palazzo, and is full of 19th-century whimsy. Pay a visit to the Indian-style Durbar Room, an extravagant banqueting hall decorated with intricate plasterwork and pendant lamps. Actors frequently appear in role here, so you may well spot Victoria or Albert gliding down a quiet corridor. You might also spot a member of the island's thriving red squirrel population in the groves leading to Osborne's private beach. To improve your chances, spend a few hours at Parkhurst Forest, an ancient wildlife haven near Newport. Further west lie Yarmouth and the neighbouring village of Freshwater, where Alfred Lord Tennyson once said the air was worth 'sixpence a pint'. The poet laureate (1853-1892) spent many years at nearby Farringford House, a gothic manor surrounded by ornamental gardens. A keen walker, he was known for cutting a dash in his distinctive black cloak over the westerly downs, where you'll find hiking trails and a grand monument named in his honour. Otherwise, explore the historical and contemporary exhibitions on show at Dimbola Museum and Galleries — once home to pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron. Along with Tennyson and Lewis Carroll, she was a member of 'The Freshwater Circle', a group of bohemian artists and writers who gathered in this coastal corner to discuss their work. A selection of homemade chutneys and sauces stand on display at The Garlic Farm, where you can pick up groceries or try unusual dishes like chocolate and black garlic ice cream. Photograph by Alamy Images, Steven Hawkins Photography The Isle of Wight is home to around 3,000 red squirrels. Where should I stay on the island? West Wight, with its postcard-perfect Needles — a series of three soaring chalk stacks — is ideal for nature-lovers. Overlooking the pebble beach at Freshwater Bay, the newly renovated Albion Hotel has elegant rooms with sage-green interiors and Victorian-style furnishings. Call in for drinks at the nearby Travelling Tavern, a repurposed double-decker bus known for attracting a local crowd. Otherwise, stay in one of the three cosy rooms at family-run Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast, popping down for their fabulous full English come morning. What about local produce? The Isle of Wight has a balmy microclimate with more hours of sunshine than the UK average, perfect for the island's growers. At The Garlic Farm, you can pick up deli items and try unusual dishes like chocolate and black garlic ice cream (it isn't as pungent as it sounds), watching as red squirrels nibble hazelnuts from feeder boxes. And on the outskirts of Ryde, there's the award-winning Mermaid Gin distillery, the product of which can be sampled at the adjoining Mermaid Bar. The distillery gets its citrus zest from Ventnor Botanic Garden, whose sunny location on the Undercliff allows fruits, flowers and herbs from across the globe to grow outdoors. Trains from London Waterloo run to Lymington in Hampshire, where you can catch the Wightlink ferry to Yarmouth. The rest of the island is easily accessed via Newport bus station. Alternatively, ferries depart from Portsmouth and Southampton to other ports. Stay at the Albion Hotel from £160 or The Bay Boutique Bed and Breakfast from £130, both B&B. This story was created with the help of Visit Isle of Wight and Wightlink. Published in the June 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
The dress Shakira wore to Met Gala sparks online debate: ‘Does she know the theme?'
News The dress Shakira wore to Met Gala sparks online debate: 'Does she know the theme?' 5/6/2025 - Shakira at the 2025 Costume Institute Benefit Gala celebrating the opening of the exhibition Superfine, Tailoring Black Style. Held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Credit: Doug Peters/EMPICS (Photo by Doug Peters/PA Images/Alamy Images/Sipa USA) Doug Peters/PA Images/Alamy Images/Sipa USA Maybe Shakira didn't read or see 'The Devil Wears Prada.' If she did, she would have known you never want to get on Anna Wintour's bad side. The famously persnickety Vogue editor, reportedly the inspiration for the terrifying 'fictional' character Miranda Priestley, hosts the Met Gala every year, overseeing the so-called Super Bowl of fashion with an iron fist. Though the British perfectionist reportedly doesn't approve or deny looks, you better believe she's watching your every move. In other words, guests who shell out $75K a pop to go to this thing are better off safe than sorry. Especially if you ever want a spread in the magazine down the line, or to get an invite back. The gala's theme this year was 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' spotlighting Black designers, the art of tailoring, as well as dandyism, a 19th century term used for impeccably dressed gentlemen. The sartorially minded co-chairs: Pharrell, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton and actor Colman Domingo. Many of the female stars showed up in structured, masculine looks, like Zendaya in a shiny tuxedo; Sabrina Carpenter in a maroon blazer meets onesie; Zoe Saldana in a black and white boxy frock with collar; and Whoopi Goldberg in a suit and tie. Shakira? Welp. Let's just say the princess-pink gown, albeit lovely, strayed slightly off the path. A few ladies wore Hollywood glam gowns, like Diana Ross and Gigi Hadid. But the color palate was mainly black, white and darker colors. Shakira's candy-colored Prabal Gurung creation with a massive train definitely stood out. Even if no snarky text came from Wintour on Tuesday, the fashion police of the Internet let the 'Waka Waka' singer know they thought she didn't understand the assignment. On X, one social media user with the handle @bbeyfobic attached a video of the pop star struggling to walk with the voluminous fabric behind her. The poofy train reportedly required three attendants. 'Shakira came dressed as if it was her quinceañera,' said the post, with a crying emoji. Underneath, other critics agreed. 'Does she know the theme?' 'What was she thinking?' Actually, we know what Shakira was thinking. On the red carpet, the Colombian superstar told 'Good Morning America' what inspired her outfit — tailors. 'I spend so many hours with tailors! Preparing the clothes, the wardrobe,' said the Miami Beach resident who is currently on a world tour. 'I change 13 times during my show, so I imagine [they're] a very important part of my world right now.' So, Anna, is she redeemed? READ MORE: Shakira bonds with son at Miami Heat game Madeleine Marr Miami Herald Go to X Email this person Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper's daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.
