Latest news with #Icons
Time Out
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Stormé
Photograph: Courtesy My True Colors Project | Stormé Carolyn M. Brown biodrama, directed by Kevin Davis, looks at rebellious life of Stormé DeLarverie, the biracial butch dyke and drag king who helped ignite the Stonewall riots when she fought with the policemen who were arresting her in a bar raid. In the title role, Yanece Cotto leads a cast that includes eight other actors and musical director Nicholas Sienkiewicz on piano. The show alternates with T ennessee Williams: Portrait of a Gay Icon in the rep program Icons. Sun, Jun 15, 2025 By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. 🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed! Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Discover Time Out original video
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gogglebox star Pete Sandiford reveals his 'real age' leaving fans shocked as they confess he 'looks 18'
Gogglebox star Pete Sandiford has left Channel 4 viewers in awe after he revealed his real age. The TV star and his sister Sophie are an iconic duo on the hit series. However fans couldn't believe how old he was after he confessed he was turning 30, with many convinced he was just 18. In unearthed scenes from 2023, Pete and Sophie were filmed chatting about their personal lives and Pete revealed his girlfriend was pushing him to his limits over his daughter Eva's birthday. But as they discussed the age of his daughter, Sophie left her brother in awe when she revealed she was 27. Pete shared his surprise as he quipped: 'I'm glad you said it because I was about to say 25. You old cow.' But Sophie didn't take his comments lightly and reminded him that he was soon to hit a huge age milestone and turn 30. The TV star and his sister Sophie are an iconic duo on the hit series. However fans couldn't believe how old he was after he confessed he was turning 30 She snapped back: 'You're the big 30 this year. A dirty thirty.' The revelation left TV buffs in shock as they could not believe his age. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer penned: 'Can't believe Pete is nearly 30? He looks 18.' Another another wrote: 'Pete and Sophie from Gogglebox are absolute icons.' Later that year, Pete celebrated the big bash with his social media followers as he took to Instagram to share a video of a birthday cake. To mark the special occasion, Pete enjoyed a fun caterpillar cake that boasted 30 candles. Announcing the news, he wrote: 'Name me a better birthday cake. Or three. Happy 30th.' While not much is disclosed about his private life, Pete has been been happily married to his wife Paige since 2021 and welcomed their first child together later on in the same year. The Gogglebox's favourite couple announced in December 2022 they were expecting their second child, with Peter sharing the joyful news with fans officially during an episode. Their second child, a daughter, was born in June 2023, and Pete took the occasion to introduce him through the telly. While sweetly cradling the teeny tiny, he called out his sister Sophie who was in the other room and said: 'Sophie, did I tell you Eva's full name? She's going to be Eva Sylvie Sandiford.' And Sophie seemed to be just every inch of the happy auntie as she gushed: 'I love it!' Pete and Sophie have been Gogglebox regulars and long time favourites since they first appeared on the show in 2017.
Forbes
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Detroit College For Creative Studies Holds Student Fifth Annual Runway
The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit following past collaborations with luxury giants like Bottega Veneta and Gucci, this year's runway—titled 'Icons'—served as a bold statement on American-made craftsmanship and Detroit's cultural legacy. Marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch, the event highlighted the department's evolution and ambitious new direction in luxury fashion design. The College For Creative Studies Fashion Design Program is recognized as the largest and most equipped fashion accessory design department in the United States. Established precisely a decade ago under the leadership of renowned footwear designer and Linda Dresner Endowed Chair in Fashion Design, Aki Choklat, the accredited university recently showcased the latest generation of designers out of the Motor City. DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 21: Mary J. Blige, and stylist Jason Rembert watche a model walk the runway at the Bottega Veneta Salon 03 Collection Presentation at Michigan Theater on October 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo byfor Bottega Veneta) Previously hosting luxury brands Bottega Veneta and Gucci for runway experiences unique to the city of Detroit, Michigan, The 'Icons' Show by CCS is the statement and follow-up to the reinvigoration of American-made craft, and luxury aesthetics, a homage to the cultural movements and legacy of Detroit. The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit following past collaborations with luxury giants like Bottega Veneta and Gucci, this year's runway—titled 'Icons.' Marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch, the event highlighted the department's evolution and ambitious new direction in luxury fashion design. The College for Creative Studies (CCS) celebrated the fifth edition of its runway, The Show, on April 26, at the General Motors Design Dome. The Show featured over 100 looks from 26 students enrolled in CCS's Fashion Design Program, including seniors, juniors, sophomores, and a selection of freshmen. This year's runway presentation marked 10 years since the department's inception in 2015 and the new direction of the program in its expansion. The College for Creative Studies (CCS); Marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch, the event highlighted the department's evolution and ambitious new direction in luxury fashion design. Designed in 1956 as part of Eero Saarinen's mid-century modern campus, the GM Design Dome revolutionized the automotive industry by presenting cars as art installations. Today, it stands as a historic landmark representing architectural and automotive innovation, and the backdrop for The "Icons" Show, placing emerging designers in front of a global audience. The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch, the event highlighted the department's evolution and ambitious new direction in luxury fashion design. The Show 2025 featured collections from Bridget Weiss, Morgan Novetsky, Jackie Kramer, Nicholas Alberto Madruga, Justin Hilberer, Emma Wilson, and Meka Johnson, the senior class of presenters. Robert Robinson was the featured freshman, while sophomores and juniors included, Santino Giglio, Luka Galle-Callahan, Sophia Jensen, Avery Mangum, Sarah Nofar, Bryce Truby, Aidan Richards, Bryn Hazen, Athan Hillman, Imani Stowers, Quade Feller, Kaiden McArthur, Maxwell Honeycutt, Veronica Wardowski, Isabella Abohasira, Marwa Bissada, Falina Jimerson, and Griffin Mesner. The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch, the event highlighted the department's evolution and ambitious new direction in luxury fashion design. The event welcomed over 400 guests from fashion's echelon of brands, including, Martine Rose, Louis Vuitton, and Carhartt, as well as artists like beloved Detroit natives, Tiff Massey, and eyewear designer Ali Evans of GODNII. Athan Hillman: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch, the event highlighted the department's evolution and ambitious new direction in luxury fashion design. Themes from seniors showcasing collections The 'Icons' Show varied and saw a vast display of inspiration. Justin Hilberer's collection Preservation examined evolution and animal adaptability with a brutalist-inspired approach, while Meka Johnson and her collection Ambrose displayed the seven deadly sins in couture bridal wear. Senior Jackie Kramer and her Courage is a Virtue collection presenting the theme of sacred geometry in academia, balancing leather and wood to represent the 'golden mean.' Justin Hilberer: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. Bridget Weiss' collection Seal the River at its Mouth, Take the Water Prisoner, explored technology's domination over nature, blending aquatic and automotive influences through wood, leather, and 3D-printed aluminum. Emma Wilson's Gaia Carnis critiques the exploitation of women and nature, using leather, lambskin, fur, and worms that contort traditional perceptions of beauty. Jackie Kramer: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. Seniors Nicholas Madruga and Morgan Novetsky displayed illustrious interpretations of ready-to-wear on the runway. BIONICK by Madruga is a homage to his childhood and nature, highlighting modern streetwear silhouettes into distinct manifestations of high-end functionality made from upcycled materials, paired with custom 3D-printed shoes. Meka Johnson: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. "I'm always surprised when I see the final presentations from students," Choklat admitted, referring to Nicholas Madruga's work. "He was sneaky! He didn't show us some finished pieces during jury reviews. Those neon green 3D-printed shoes were amazing. The styling was incredible." He emphasized the runway's transformative power stating, "It's always interesting to see how things work in a show versus in the studio." Bridget Weiss: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. Novetsky's EMET-met collection took a humbled approach from the student's vernacular, peering into the anxieties of building a legacy through fashion. Her accessories collection reveals the raw process of shoemaking. Raw-edged stitching, flailing hides, and materials revealed underneath symbolize the uncertainty of a career in fashion post-graduation. Emma Wilson: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. What allows this program to shine is its faculty members who foster each of the dozens of students within the Fashion Design Program. CCS enlisted Antwerp designer Rey Padoras as associate professor, leading the Apparel Design department, and the contributions of career veterans into the next generation. Morgan Novetsky: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. Choklat explained, "You can't do one part of fashion without the others. We added apparel, then realized we needed the business side, too. Now, we have all three pillars." The department has expanded from Accessories design, to include Apparel Design, making it a robust program competitive in today's job market. Nicholas Alberto Madruga: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. Students also benefit from industry connections through the Fashion Design Advisory Council, featuring representatives from Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Tapestry, Hermès, Caleres, Carhartt, and the CFDA. These partnerships provide students with sponsored projects and biannual jury evaluations, preparing them for the job market. CCS has recently announced plans for a Fashion Business Management Program, set for 2026 accreditation. Nicholas Alberto Madruga: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) held its fifth edition of The Show on April 26 at the GM Design Dome, featuring over 100 looks from 26 students across its Fashion Design Program. "We started with maybe four or five models years ago, and now it's a major production," Choklat noted, stressing the need to compete with top U.S. fashion schools. "My dream is for CCS to have the same respect as everyone else—and I think we're reaching that." Aidan Richards: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. SEEN Magazine, the hyper-local lifestyle publication celebrating metro Detroit's culture, featured the story of CCS and its student body. CCS is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offering Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Located in midtown Detroit, Michigan, CCS prepares students for careers in art and design, fostering creativity, ethics, and leadership. Griffin Mesner: The College for Creative Studies (CCS) elevated Detroit, this year's runway titled 'Icons' marking a decade since the program's 2015 launch. "Our department is full of love. We want to share that with the world." Choklat's pride in CCS's growth as a niche program to a creative hub in the industry, pedestalizing Detroit's creative resurgence. As an institution fostering the next generation of artists and designers through its experiential learning model, CCS aims to contribute to Detroit's creative economy with its annual runway presentation.
NBC News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
BTW, there are a ton of Lego flower sets on sale at Amazon right now
Every time I revisit Lego's lineup of colorful sets, I'm always amazed by how detailed they are. While they're made from hundreds of small pieces, it's easy to bring them together to make something super life-like. Right now, Lego's bestselling Botanicals, Icons, Creator 3-in-1 and other sets are on sale for up to 20% off. Whether you're in the market to add to your own collection or looking for a gift to give someone special (Mother's Day is May 11 by the way), consider one of the sets below while the deals last. 4.9-star average rating from 2,015 reviews on Amazon NBC Select associate reporter Ashley Morris, who is our resident plant aficionado, loves this particular set because of how it looks alongside real shrubbery. 'I love displaying my Lego set by the window on my shelf with my other, real plants — it looks gorgeous even beside actual flowers, and adds a fun and playful touch to my plant collection,' she says. It has only 327 pieces so it's on the easier side to build, she says. Lego Icons Bonsai Tree Building Set 4.9-star average rating from 22,873 reviews on Amazon Inspired by Japanese cherry blossom and bonsai trees, this small set is customizable (you can keep the green foliage or replace it with the pink cherry blossoms). It's only about seven inches tall and has 878 pieces so it shouldn't take you too long to complete. Lego Botanicals Orchid Set 4.9-star average rating from 19,387 reviews on Amazon One of Lego's most popular Botanicals sets, the orchid has 608 pieces and you can even customize the finished product by moving certain parts around, according to the brand. Since it has a flat base that resembles a flower pot, you can set it on a coffee table, desk or bedside table for display. Lego Botanicals Tiny Plants Set 4.9-star average rating from 4,111 reviews on Amazon Rather than one large connected set, this option has all the pieces you need to make several small, individual sets of potted plants. The set includes a cactus, Venus Flytrap, shamrock, prickly pear and jade plant for a total of 758 pieces. Display them all together as a set or in separate areas like a desk, beside or entryway table. More Lego sets on sale on Amazon The majority of the sets below are at least 20% off on Amazon and have a 4-star average rating from 500 reviews or more on Amazon 20% off Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses 20% off Lego Botanicals Lucky Bamboo Building Set 47% off Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box 20% off 20% Lego Creator 3-in-1 Playful Cat Toy Why trust NBC Select? I'm a commerce editor at NBC Select where I cover deals and sale events, including ones from Lego and other toy sets and entertainment brands.
Khaleej Times
11-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
A shirt for almost Dh100,000? Sports fans are ready to spend fortune over memorabilia
When it comes to sport, fans will dig deep into their pockets for a piece of their favourite stars. Sports memorabilia, from signed jerseys to trading cards, is a big business and can fetch a small fortune. But there's a growing problem of fakes. Estimates suggest that up to 70 per cent are counterfeit, and these fakes are proving harder to spot. 'The percentage of counterfeit signed sports memorabilia in the market is actually quite scary,' says Samer El Kadi, founder of YourSportsCollector, a brand that started in the UAE. 'Without reliable authentication, there's a real risk of being misled into buying items that hold no real value.' Dan Jamieson is the CEO of Icons, one of the world's biggest sports memorabilia firms, which has an exclusive worldwide deal with Leo Messi. It recently sold one of his shirts for around £20,000 (Dh95,000). Talking about fake memorabilia, he said: 'Honestly, it's the Wild West out there. We don't know whether something is fake ourselves. We only source our items from closed, professional, contracted signings with the players, which we can authenticate ourselves.' When Icons does deal with third parties, it uses partners like Upper Deck and Fanatics Authentic, who, Jamieson says, have stringent authentication processes. 'Every listing on our site showcases who created the product in the first place, we don't hide it.' To protect yourself, experts recommend only using reputable sports memorabilia agencies and authenticators. There are a number of well-known sports memorabilia agencies, such as Fanatics, Icons, and YourSportsCollector. Looking at the reviews on their websites gives a good indication of their reputations. And they tend to have a very tight circle of authenticators they work with. The most trusted authenticators are Beckett, Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA), and James Spence Authentication (JSA). Honestly, it's the Wild West out there. We don't know whether something is fake ourselves. We only source our items from closed, professional, contracted signings with the players, which we can authenticate ourselves" Dan Jamieson, Ceo Of Icons Some companies provide both a physical Certificate of Authenticity (COA) along with a hologram sticker, while others have transitioned to digital verification, offering a scannable QR code. You can take the unique hologram code provided with your item and verify it on the authenticator's website. Being able to differentiate between genuine and fake hologram stickers and understanding the fine print on the COA are vital skills for ensuring the authenticity of your memorabilia. Spotting fakes As Icon's Jamieson explains, anyone can create their own site, fake a hologram, and a certificate, grab a shirt and pen and pretend to be authentic and trade on market places. So what are the tell-tale signs that help you spot these fakes? Price is a key factor. As the old adage goes: if it's too good to be true, then it probably isn't. Cheap selling prices for valuable items are always a red flag. Your defence? Check the source, the contract, the longevity of the agency, its history, the humans behind the company, and also Trustpilot for reviews. 'Memorabilia is a very considered, and expensive purchase, so choose wisely and do your research,' he adds. What if you saw two different-looking signatures from LeBron James? Would one of them be fake? Not always. Athletes' signatures can vary from the start of a signing session to the end. Blame it on fatigue. In fact, the more consistent and perfect the signature is, the more suspicious you should be, say experts. 'It's the imperfections that tell you it's from a human,' says Jamieson. 'We are competing with companies who use robots to perfectly replicate all manner of signatures and then pass them off as real by burying the fact it was done by a robot in the terms and conditions in paragraph 14.' Getting harder Spotting real from fake autographed sports memorabilia is getting more challenging, as counterfeiters continue to improve the quality of their fakes. 'I've seen cases where the signature looked perfect, but the colour and shade of the hologram and COA were noticeably off. This is something that an average buyer might not even be aware of,' says El Kadi. 'While some fakes can be spotted with a trained eye, many high quality replicas can easily slip through the cracks.' Counterfeit signatures are prevalent with high-profile athletes. The biggest names in sports tend to have the highest percentage of counterfeit signatures, including legends like Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Pele, Muhammad Ali, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Tom Brady. As these athletes are in high demand, their autographs are frequently targeted by counterfeiters in the sports memorabilia market. False advertising, flashy scripts, and well-decorated platforms are everywhere. Ultimately, it's the authenticity and condition of the item that determine its value, nothing else. Authentication is key, so always prioritise it" Samer El Kadi, Founder Of Yoursportscollector Tricks Bad actors can use several tricks to deceive buyers. One tactic is false advertising through paid ads, where they may have an athlete endorse their page through platforms like Cameo, even though the athlete has no knowledge of the product. Another common trick involves framing jerseys in a way that hides the front, allowing them to pass off custom jerseys as authentic. Sellers may also inflate descriptions, claiming an item is 'rare' or 'one-of-a-kind' when it isn't, in order to increase its perceived value. Additionally, they might label an item as 'limited edition', despite it being neither numbered nor authenticated, making such claims misleading. 'False advertising, flashy scripts, and well-decorated platforms are everywhere. Ultimately, it's the authenticity and condition of the item that determine its value, nothing else. Authentication is key, so always prioritise it,' advises El Kadi. New moves The world of sports memorabilia is evolving and in-person events with athletes are becoming hugely popular, and are massively expanding the inventory of signed items. Fanatics, a global digital sports platform, recently signed a five-year strategic partnership with Qatar that includes a sponsorship agreement around Fanatics Fest NYC. The festival is the world's largest arena for sports and collectibles. Sheikh Jassim bin Mansour Al-Thani, director of Qatar's Government Communications Office, said, 'We hope to one day bring Fanatics Fest to Qatar where our passionate sports community can participate.' And Icons is tapping into the dedicated sports memorabilia collector community with a VIP Club that offers a tailored experience. VIP customers are managed by a specialist team who take care of their requests for signed memorabilia, such as curating unique one-of-a-kind items, arranging personalised shirt opportunities and locating specific match-worn pieces. While some fans buy items simply to get closer to their sporting stars, others see it as an investment opportunity, looking for rising stars whose value may soar in years to come. Experts say there are several factors to consider. First, look at the player's age, potential for stardom, fan-following, and the significance of jerseys worn during key milestones or achievements. 'It's also important to consider whether the item is numbered or a limited edition, how often the player signs, and who they sign for,' says El Kadi. A signed LeBron James jersey from 20 years ago might have cost around $3,000, but today it could easily be worth $12,000. So what are some of the weirdest things players have been asked to sign? NBA stars Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks has signed a frying pan and Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors autographed a toaster during a live press conference. 'The most surprising part, though, was the players' reactions when they were handed those items to sign,' jokes El Kadi.
