Latest news with #Bridgerton-style
Nikkei Asia
5 days ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Sri Lanka tea plantations offer a lesson in power and persistence
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, Sri Lanka -- On a visit to Singapore in 2023, I enjoyed a Bridgerton-style afternoon tea offered by a hotel as part of a collaboration with Dilmah tea, a brand rooted in Sri Lanka. As I sipped a bespoke blend, redolent of that island's misty highlands, I found myself pondering the journey the leaves had made across the Indian Ocean to the edge of the South China Sea. Now, visiting Sri Lanka, I find myself at Ceylon Tea Trails, the world's first tea bungalow resort and a member of Relais & Chateaux, a France-based association of independent hotels. Owned by the Fernando family, the founders of the Colombo-based Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company, this collection of five heritage bungalows nestles near the Pekoe Trail, a newly established hiking path that winds through the heart of tea country in the Central Highlands region.
Buzz Feed
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 Nordstrom Dresses Perfect For A Busy Social Schedule
A bow-front dress that's cute and a little bit saucy at the same time. Lightweight, airy, and with pockets, this is going to be a great choice for your next Bridgerton-style promenade. Who knows, maybe someone special will come up to you after seeing how confident you are in this and ask you out. Promising review: "Got this for a cocktail store event and got so many compliments! Plan to wear it casually and maybe even get it in white for a picnic vibe!" —Kw401Price: $59.40+ (originally $99; available in sizes XS–XL and seven colors) A jersey material maxi dress, because if the social outing of week is a day-long affair, you should be extra comfortable. Covered in tiny flowers, this cute piece will keep you smiling all day long. Price: $79 (available in sizes 1X–3X) A pleated A-line dress to capture the eye of someone new at your second cousin's second wedding. The straps are adjustable, and it has a tie-waist, giving you a dress that will fit you like a glove. Price: $129 (available 14–24; available in two colors) A cotton midi dress with tie straps because it's all about the little details. No matter how hot it is outside, this cotton dress will help keep you from getting overheated. However, it can't save you when you get into a heated conversation with that one uncle (you already know who I'm talking about.) Price: $98 (available in sizes XS–XL) A tie dress that'll be great for going from work to cocktail hour with co-workers. This has some stunning ruching, and it might just give you the confidence to finally ask very attractive IT person for their Insta. Price: $128 (available 0X–5X and four colors) A square-neck dress with thicker straps, so you can easily hide your bra straps. Being social doesn't always mean you need to dress to the nines — this will get you just as many compliments as you would get in something more formal. Promising review: "I bought this dress for graduation and it's perfect! I was looking for something more professional, but still appropriate for my age. It fits like a glove! It's high quality as well!" —Madison WPrice: $138 (available in sizes 0–14 and in three colors) A floral print Reformation dress that'll be great for sipping and spilling the tea at brunch or your next baby shower. The pleating details by the hem give this a sophisticated edge, making you look extra ~fancy.~ Price: $298 (available in sizes 0–12) A black shirtdress because a summer BBQ is deffo on your busy social schedule this season. The center twist adds a fun touch to this look, making it a great conversation starter since you only know the one person at this BBQ. Price: $348 (available in sizes 00–14) Or a colorful and more retro-inspired shirtdress for you to wear next time you decide to have dinner with the in-laws or your partner's co-workers. Shirtdresses are one of the most versatile things you can own — make the look casual with your favorite sneakers or more formal with heels, depending on the restaurant. Promising review: "This dress was a perfect fit! And so well made with great quality fabric, the double cover on the buttons and beautiful color. It's a great dress for work ( modest and classy), outdoor parties in the summer. Hits below the knee. I absolutely love it!" —revsatyaPrice: $71.40 (originally $119; available in sizes XXS–XXL and four colors) A fit-and-flare cocktail dress that'll work some of your more formal events this summer. The most important feature of this dress is actually the fact that it has pockets, so you have extra storage when your tiny bag isn't enough. Promising review: "This dress will probably look good on anyone. It didn't look like much on the hanger but the material is sturdy, the plunging neckline give it drama, the skirt swishes nicely and it HAS POCKETS!!!" —floraandfauna2Price: $182 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and 15 colors) A floral print tie-sleeve dress for prancing around any gardens or forests you might encounter this summer. Please don't yell at me when butterflies land on you because you look as pretty as a flower. Price: $109.50 (available in sizes 1X–3X) A sundress that would look amazing on you during your Euro-summer, aka your high school best friend had a destination wedding. This romantic dress with puff sleeves makes you feel like you're the main character as you stroll the streets. Reviewers say this runs small, so size up. Promising review: "I'm extremely pleased with the look and style of this dress! While it ran small, I couldn't have been happier with how I looked in it. I received lots of compliments!" —PrettyP71Price: $109 (available in sizes XS–XL) A red dress with a slit because it's a good reminder of how spicy you are. This will make you stand out, no matter what kind of event you're attending. Price: $99.99 (available in sizes 14–24 and two colors) A stunning belted dress that'll make you the center of attention at the family reunion and your friend's kid's birthday party. Soft and with side pockets, this dress is best paired with oversize sunnies. Price: $395 (available in sizes XS–XL and two colors) A pastel daydream of a dress because you deserve to show off the ethereal being you are. Romantic and stunning, this will help you get the meet-cute you've been manifesting. Promising review: "Absolutely beautiful! Bought this for my sisters garden wedding and received a ton of compliments. I felt very pretty. Can't wait to find another opportunity to wear again."—OlgaPrice: $109 (available in sizes XS–XL and four colors) A fun floral print dress that you'll slay in at your one and only garden party this summer. It's lined and super flowy, making it great for any twirling photos you want to take. Price: $165 (available in sizes 14–20) A strapless cotton dress that's stretchy and will have you mistaken for royalty. The straps on this bb are removable, so you can double the amount of times you plan on wearing this out. Promising review: "Absolutely love this dress. She's simple, chic and so comfortable. I already had it in black but bought the blue for a spring wedding. So many compliments! The fabric does wrinkle but still looked so pretty all day!" —evajayPrice: $88 (available in sizes XS–XL and six colors) A dress that'll look amazing for that one weekend you're ~actually~ spending in the Hamptons. If you're trying to trick people into thinking you're a celeb, add an oversized hat and sunnies — you can thank me later. Promising review: "This sundress is as stunning in person as it was on line. The material is high quality, and the tailoring is superb. I would highly recommend!" —Sal 10Price: $83.85+ (originally $129; available in sizes XXS–L and two colors) A pleated sundress because it will work for the millions of beach-themed weddings you're attending. This has beautiful movement and texture, making it great for capturing the attention of your friends' hot sibling. Promising review: "Very stylish and comfortable for a wedding. Easy to move in and not too heavy of a dress. A really cute and flowy dress, would get again in different prints." —Nancee NPrice: $119 (available in sizes XS–XXL and three colors) A sleeveless linen dress with button detailing to give you a polished look for that random gala you're attending (despite not understanding why you were invited in the first place). If you want to look expensive, this is the dress for you. Price: $128 (available in sizes 2–18) A tiered dress with ruffle detailing all over it if you want to stand out at your college friend's wedding. Fluttery and flowy, this is going to have you getting the numbers of just about everyone except the happily married couple. Price: $395 (available in sizes 0–14) An asymmetrical cutout dress if you have a night out scheduled with friends this month. Flirty and fun, this is going to be your new favorite going-out dress, even if going out just means espresso martinis at your local bar. Price: $298.80 (originally $498; available in sizes 0X–4X) A crinkled silk dress for your next meal out with friends or family. As great as it is to have formal dresses in your collection, it's equally as important to have casual pieces for more everyday social occasions. Price: $328 (available in sizes 1X–3X and two colors) A statement dress to make you look like this 💃 emoji because you fully intend to dance the night away. The asymmetrical ruffle hem adds drama to this dress, making you the center of the dance floor. Promising review: "ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS DRESS!! Fit like a glove! Going back to get the red one as well!!" —Donna DriggersPrice: $198 (available in sizes XS–XL and four colors) A tie-dye print dress with a cowl neck and slit because you aspire to be as lovely as Taylor Swift's Lover album cover. Could this lead you to a lover? Please report back and let me know. Price: $119.99 (available in sizes 14–18, 22–24) A polka-dot dress since your entire feed is full of people wearing that pattern. This bodycon design will have you looking retro-yet modern. You'll love leaving people wondering if you're actually a time traveler. Price: $59.99 (available in sizes XS–XL) A dusty blue cocktail dress with cutouts because everyone needs to understand your true form — a merperson. It's perfectly flowy, so when you stand at the edge of water where the wind hits you just right, people will know that you are, in fact, the main character. Price: $98 (available in sizes XS–XL)
Powys County Times
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
UK, Israel and Ukraine perform in Eurovision final
The UK, Israel and Ukraine have performed in the Eurovision Song Contest final as they compete with other countries to win the competition in Basel, Switzerland. Friends Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, the first girl group act from the UK since 1999, performed the genre-shifting What The Hell Just Happened? inspired by their friendship that began at a school in Hampshire. Dressed in colourful Bridgerton-style outfits, they danced around the stage and kept their harmonies in sync. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, an October 7 survivor, sang the heartfelt New Day Will Rise, while colourful Ukrainian band Ziferblat burst on to the stage to perform Bird Of Pray. BBC Eurovision Song Contest commentator Graham Norton said there was a 'mixed response' in the arena to Raphael, 24, who he said attracted cheers and boos. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said her act also saw a crew member hit with paint, after two people tried to rush on stage through the barrier after Raphael's performance. 'They were stopped,' a spokesman said. 'One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. 'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.' A spokesman for Basel police said: 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.' Ukraine has made it through to every final since they began competing in 2003, while if Israel triumph they will join Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom on five wins. Also taking to the stage before Remember Monday was Norway's Kyle Alessandro, the youngest Eurovision act this year at 19 years old who has an exam on Monday morning and is taking part on the date of his country's National Constitution Day, with the fiery Lighter. Luxembourg's Laura Thorn sang the zany La Poupee Monte Le Son while Estonia's Tommy Cash entertained with his spaghetti-dancing filled Espresso Macchiato, a parody on Italian stereotypes. Back to back were two favourites, the Dutch singer Claude Kiambe, and Finland's Erika Vikman, who had contrasting performances. Congolese-born Kiambe, 21, sang the heartfelt C'est La Vie, inspired by his mother's advice of understanding that there are good and bad moments in life, while surrounded by violins, and finished breaking down in tears. Opting for a different tack was black leather-clad Vikman with the risque Ich Komme – a German-Finnish entry that finished with her taking off on a giant microphone with sparks flying. Also garnering cheers were Maltese singer Miriana Conte with Serving, which was changed from Kant because of its similarity to a swearword, and Switzerland's Zoe Me with the powerful Voyage. As the final neared its end, performers included Sweden's Kaj – who if the sauna advocates win will break the Eurovision record for the country with eight wins – French singer Louane Emera and San Marino's Gabry Ponte with upbeat Tutta L'Italia. Earlier, 2024 Swiss winner Nemo returned to the Eurovision stage to do a rendition of The Code in a full-length white dress, following an opening sketch which saw a Mission Impossible-style segment to find the trophy, before it was delivered to the hosts. The winner will be determined by viewer votes in the participating 26 countries, which have already begun, and juries made up of the music industry. The rest of the world also had a poll, which will count the same as a country, and the verdict of TV viewers will be added to the combination of points from national juries. The UK's national jury votes are set to be announced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor after Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa pulled out of being the British Eurovision spokesperson due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Earlier, there were pro-Palestinian protests near a free concert in the centre of Basel to demonstrate against Israel's inclusion, with a small group nearby also protesting with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from Eurovision moved across Basel, where they were met by a significant police presence, and tear gas was seen being used. On Saturday, the Basel government said more than half a million people have visited the city so far this week after the competition came home to Switzerland, which first hosted it in 1956 in Lugano.
North Wales Chronicle
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Anxious wait for Eurovision 2025 winner begins
The winner will be determined by viewer votes, which has stopped and the hosts have confirmed it has been validated, and juries made up of music industry professionals across European countries, who cast their votes based on rehearsals. British group Remember Monday, made up of friends Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, were dressed in colourful Bridgerton-style outfits, as they kept their harmonies in sync for the genre-shifting What The Hell Just Happened?. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, an October 7 survivor, sang the heartfelt New Day Will Rise, while colourful Ukrainian band Ziferblat burst onto the stage to perform Bird Of Pray. BBC Eurovision Song Contest commentator Graham Norton said there was a 'mixed response' in the arena to Raphael, 24, who he said attracted cheers and boos. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said her act also saw a crew member hit with paint, after two pro-Palestinian protesters tried to rush through the barrier and onto the stage after Raphael's performance. 'They were stopped,' a spokesman said. 'One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. 'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.' Israeli broadcaster Kan issued a statement, saying that the protesters 'were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset', and the delegation 'needed to move location for 15 minutes'. A spokesman for Basel police said: 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.' Ukraine has made it through to every final since they began competing in 2003, while if Israel triumph they will join Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom on five wins. Also taking to the stage before Remember Monday was Norway's Kyle Alessandro, the youngest Eurovision act this year at 19 years old who has an exam on Monday morning and is taking part on the date of his country's National Constitution Day, with the fiery Lighter. Luxembourg's Laura Thorn sang the zany La Poupee Monte Le Son while Estonia's Tommy Cash entertained with his spaghetti-dancing filled Espresso Macchiato, a parody on Italian stereotypes. Back to back were two favourites, the Dutch singer Claude Kiambe, and Finland's Erika Vikman, who had contrasting performances. Congolese-born Kiambe, 21, sang the heartfelt C'est La Vie, inspired by his mother's advice of understanding that there are good and bad moments in life, while surrounded by violins, and finished breaking down in tears. He later said on Instagram that 'it was amazing, I was so nervous that I mixed up two words, and was so mad at myself, but yeah it's real C'est La Vie'. Opting for a different tack was black leather-clad Vikman with the risque Ich Komme – a German-Finnish entry that finished with her taking off on a giant microphone with sparks flying. Also garnering cheers were Maltese singer Miriana Conte with Serving, which was changed from Kant because of its similarity to a swearword, and Switzerland's Zoe Me with the powerful Voyage. Prior to the finishing of the acts was Sweden's Kaj, who if the sauna advocates win will break the Eurovision record for the country with eight wins, French singer Louane Emera, and San Marino's upbeat Tutta L'Italia. Earlier, 2024 Swiss winner Nemo returned to the Eurovision stage to do a rendition of The Code in a full-length white dress, following an opening sketch which saw a Mission Impossible-style segment to find the trophy, before it was delivered to the hosts. The rest of the world also had a poll, which will count the same as a country, and the verdict of TV viewers will be added to the combination of points from national juries. The UK's national jury votes are set to be announced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor after Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa pulled out of being the British Eurovision spokesperson due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Earlier, there were pro-Palestinian protests near a free concert in the centre of Basel to demonstrate against Israel's inclusion, with a small group nearby also protesting with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from Eurovision moved across Basel, where they were met by a significant police presence, and tear gas was seen being used. On Saturday, the Basel government said more than half a million people have visited the city so far this week after the competition came home to Switzerland, which first hosted it in 1956 in Lugano. TV coverage for the final is provided by 'King of Eurovision' Norton on BBC One from 8pm on Saturday while British audiences can also listen to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds for live coverage with presenters Rylan Clark and Scott Mills.
South Wales Guardian
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Anxious wait for Eurovision 2025 winner begins
The winner will be determined by viewer votes, which has stopped and the hosts have confirmed it has been validated, and juries made up of music industry professionals across European countries, who cast their votes based on rehearsals. British group Remember Monday, made up of friends Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, were dressed in colourful Bridgerton-style outfits, as they kept their harmonies in sync for the genre-shifting What The Hell Just Happened?. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, an October 7 survivor, sang the heartfelt New Day Will Rise, while colourful Ukrainian band Ziferblat burst onto the stage to perform Bird Of Pray. BBC Eurovision Song Contest commentator Graham Norton said there was a 'mixed response' in the arena to Raphael, 24, who he said attracted cheers and boos. Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said her act also saw a crew member hit with paint, after two pro-Palestinian protesters tried to rush through the barrier and onto the stage after Raphael's performance. 'They were stopped,' a spokesman said. 'One of the two agitators threw paint and a crew member was hit. 'The crew member is fine and nobody was injured. The man and the woman were taken out of the venue and handed over to the police.' Israeli broadcaster Kan issued a statement, saying that the protesters 'were blocked by security officials, but Raphael was shaken and upset', and the delegation 'needed to move location for 15 minutes'. A spokesman for Basel police said: 'The organiser handed the two people over to the police. The police checked the two people and then released them. It is now up to the organiser to decide whether to press charges.' Ukraine has made it through to every final since they began competing in 2003, while if Israel triumph they will join Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom on five wins. Also taking to the stage before Remember Monday was Norway's Kyle Alessandro, the youngest Eurovision act this year at 19 years old who has an exam on Monday morning and is taking part on the date of his country's National Constitution Day, with the fiery Lighter. Luxembourg's Laura Thorn sang the zany La Poupee Monte Le Son while Estonia's Tommy Cash entertained with his spaghetti-dancing filled Espresso Macchiato, a parody on Italian stereotypes. Back to back were two favourites, the Dutch singer Claude Kiambe, and Finland's Erika Vikman, who had contrasting performances. Congolese-born Kiambe, 21, sang the heartfelt C'est La Vie, inspired by his mother's advice of understanding that there are good and bad moments in life, while surrounded by violins, and finished breaking down in tears. He later said on Instagram that 'it was amazing, I was so nervous that I mixed up two words, and was so mad at myself, but yeah it's real C'est La Vie'. Opting for a different tack was black leather-clad Vikman with the risque Ich Komme – a German-Finnish entry that finished with her taking off on a giant microphone with sparks flying. Also garnering cheers were Maltese singer Miriana Conte with Serving, which was changed from Kant because of its similarity to a swearword, and Switzerland's Zoe Me with the powerful Voyage. Prior to the finishing of the acts was Sweden's Kaj, who if the sauna advocates win will break the Eurovision record for the country with eight wins, French singer Louane Emera, and San Marino's upbeat Tutta L'Italia. Earlier, 2024 Swiss winner Nemo returned to the Eurovision stage to do a rendition of The Code in a full-length white dress, following an opening sketch which saw a Mission Impossible-style segment to find the trophy, before it was delivered to the hosts. The rest of the world also had a poll, which will count the same as a country, and the verdict of TV viewers will be added to the combination of points from national juries. The UK's national jury votes are set to be announced by singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor after Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa pulled out of being the British Eurovision spokesperson due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Earlier, there were pro-Palestinian protests near a free concert in the centre of Basel to demonstrate against Israel's inclusion, with a small group nearby also protesting with Israeli flags. Later the group advocating for Israel to be removed from Eurovision moved across Basel, where they were met by a significant police presence, and tear gas was seen being used. On Saturday, the Basel government said more than half a million people have visited the city so far this week after the competition came home to Switzerland, which first hosted it in 1956 in Lugano. TV coverage for the final is provided by 'King of Eurovision' Norton on BBC One from 8pm on Saturday while British audiences can also listen to BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds for live coverage with presenters Rylan Clark and Scott Mills.
