Latest news with #JaneBirkin
Vogue Arabia
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Arabia
The 8 Must-Have Bags For Effortless Summer Style In 2025
Your choice of summer bag says a lot – that is, almost everything and nothing – about you. For example: are you an aspirant Jane Birkin, cycling around the south of France with several hair brushes and bottles of wine stowed in a woven basket? Are you a Dua Lipa-type, braving the intense, polluted heat of New York with just about everything you own on full display in a mesh Alaïa carryall? Or are you an Amalita Amalfi – surely the most glamorous of the Sex and The City -ers – padding the starboard side of a yacht with a raffia Valentino shoulder bag embroidered with all sorts of kitsch florals? These bags are serotonin, portable personalities, on-ramps to whatever [insert-#girl-summer-here] you are gearing up towards – and there is no shortage of moods to explore. Photo: Jane Birkin, 1973. David Thorpe (Getty Images) Here, eight of this season's trending styles to carry you through the summer months in style. Canvas totes First up on the list is the classic canvas bag, which, despite being a year-round wardrobe essential for glamorous commuters – an oxymoron if there ever was one – really comes into its own when the days turn long and warm and bright. Whether you're strolling along the beach on holiday or running errands in a supermarket, this versatile piece adds a dose of laid-back sophistication to any outfit. Photo: Miu Miu via FarFetch Miu Miu Ivy canvas tote bag, AED9,000 Straw bags The essence of sun-kissed beaches, picnics, and Slack-free days in nature, no summer is complete without a straw bag. Close your eyes and you can almost hear the Whispering Angels singing from inside them. The options, of course, are endless: from oversized maxis (perfect for a day lounging poolside) to diminutive babies (ideal for an aperitif as the sun melts into the horizon). Photo: Jacquemus via FarFetch Jacquemus Le Petit Soli Basket bag, AED1,275 Raffia bags For the past few years, Prada's raffia tote bag has been a cult purchase, with the likes of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Gigi Hadid, Dua Lipa and Hailey Bieber all photographed clutching the summery style both at home and on holiday. Just about every brand has, of course, caught wind since – and with good reason: they're light, durable and worn always with a casual ease. Prada Crochet tote bag, AED7,800 Basket bags There is a bohemian charm to the humble basket bag. They're rustic, nonchalant and a little bit French – evoking the image of a 1970s Jane Birkin, and a collective yearning for the simpler days of yore. It's about mixing fashion with down-to-earth practicality, all breezy sundresses, denim and floppy hats. Photo: Chloé via Luisaviaroma Chloé Small Woody bucket top handle bag, AED2,019 Woven bags If you are looking for an alternative to nostalgic summer accessories, let us suggest the woven, or intrecciato, bag. It's a little more of an all-rounder than the seasonal basket bag, a little more inconspicuous, but the lightness of the weaving makes it perfect for hot and heavy days. STELLA MCCARTNEY Ryder woven tote, AED7,160 Colour-pop bags Summer is the season when nature's colour palette bursts into bloom, and so it perhaps makes perfect sense that our wardrobes follow suit. From pastel hues to vibrant tropical prints, a zingy bag is a clarion call to shake off the lingering gloom of the colder months. Photo: MM6 Maison Margiela MM6 Maison Margiela Classic Japanese mesh handbag, AED1,177 Farm-to-table bags A floral-printed, fruit-speckled bag is an obvious, mood-boosting choice for the summer season. Call it farm-to-table fashion. Photo: Valentino Garavani Transparent bags Brave is the individual willing to reveal the true contents of their bag at any given moment. But isn't that what summer's all about? Living carefree, spontaneous, unencumbered? Letting it all… hang out? Alaïa Medium mesh tote bag, AED5,027 Article originally published on Vogue Italy
NHK
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NHK
Jane Birkin's legacy in Japan
Japanese people who once connected with British-French actor, model and singer Jane Birkin say they continue to rely on the strength and compassion she offered in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Birkin toured some of the affected areas as they were being rebuilt, forging deep connections with locals with whom she maintained contact until she passed away in 2023, aged 76. At a cafe in Japan's northeast, her impact lingers. Proprietor Chiba Shinichi opened the business in his hometown of Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, in 2007. It enjoys ocean views and is designed to delight tourists and locals. Chiba Shinichi's cafe in Matsushima, Miyagi But in March 2011, the cafe was damaged when a massive earthquake and aftershocks devastated the Tohoku region and left more than 20,000 people dead or missing. Chiba was left with emotional wounds. Chiba's cafe after the Great East Japan Earthquake "Honestly, I couldn't consider creating a beautiful space again under the circumstances," he recalls. That was before Birkin came along. In March 2013, Birkin visited Matsushima on a tour of impacted areas and performed a concert attended by Chiba and his family. Chiba's wife Ayako recalls Birkin's visit: "She reminded us to look further ahead into the future, and to laugh. Until that moment, I couldn't smile much. People had been telling us that we had to overcome the situation and work hard. But Jane brought her own smile and warm spirit." Chiba Shinichi (left), Jane Birkin, Chiba Ayako and the Chibas' son Yonosuke in 2013 Two years later, Chiba reopened his cafe. Every spring, it looks over a magnificent view of cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms as seen from Chiba's cafe in April 2024 "The view of the ocean through the cherry blossoms is a rare sight, but when Jane visited, the flowers were yet to open. I always wanted to show her this view," Chiba reflects. "Every year, I'm happy to see that the blossoms are back, and more than the cherry blossoms themselves, I enjoy watching the people who come to see them." Chiba Shinichi Jane Birkin's influence remains strong inside Chiba's cafe. Chiba says Birkin inspired him to support local artists. Dancer Onuma Aika, age 26, has worked at his confectionery shop for more than six years when she is not performing. She also teaches dance to local children. Onuma Aika (right) has worked at Chiba's confectionery shop for more than six years. "I want the children to shine so that they can live happily, just like me," she says. "Matsushima is where I've always been, so it's a natural, relaxing and comfortable place where I don't have to be on guard. "People are quiet at night, the moon is beautiful, and only the sound of the sea can be heard. It's a place where I feel at ease." Sano Misato, a 38-year-old sculptor, also has a job at Chiba's shop. "Chiba has always observed my artistic endeavors and been a supportive presence, watching my growth. I feel that working at his shop, while experiencing the seasons and nature in Matsushima, is exactly what suits me now, which is why I continue doing it," Sano explains. Sano Misato Japanese people living overseas also cherish Birkin's memory. Until her passing, Birkin lived in Paris, where hairstylist Nishimura Shuhei worked for the style icon for about three years. "When I first came to work at a beauty salon back in 2011, on my very first day, Jane Birkin came in. I thought, 'Wow, this is amazing!'" recalls Nishimura. Nishimura Shuhei and Jane Birkin He remembers Birkin's concern for his native country as aftershocks and other quakes continued in the wake of the 2011 disaster. "Every time there was an earthquake in Japan, Jane would ask if my family was okay and whether everyone was doing well," he says. Nishimura Shuhei "I treasure the time I spent with her. She truly cared about Japan, and I feel that she was a special person to us, as Japanese." Nishimura Shuhei In May 2024, NHK World JAPAN aired a documentary that depicted the emotional exchange between Jane Birkin and the people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Watch here:
What's On
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
There's a cool new Formula One-inspired mocktail in Abu Dhabi
Your love for sport and mixology, shaken and stirred… This race day-inspired mocktail is simply called Grand Prix , and it's part of La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi's cool new beverage menu, Déjà vu, that was unveiled last night on World Cocktail Day. With elderflower and pear taking pole position, the beverage, priced at Dhs52 (yes, LPM can be surprisingly affordable) celebrates one of the world's favourite races, the Monaco Grand Prix, known for taking place on a unique 'street-circuit' layout. Its cocktail counterpart is called, you guessed it, Monaco. Which should tell you how cleverly the new menu's been designed. It also packs in 9 other creatively conceptualised mocktails, including the Jane (Dhs118), with cantaloupe and tonic water (named after Jane Birkin). It's cocktail counterpart? The Birkin (also Dhs118) – served complete with a silk scarf. Talk about finesse. See a pattern? Déjà vu is cool, smart and clever – a mocktail list of 10 beverages, and a cocktail list serving 10 of its own – placed next to each other, the creations complement each other – all celebrating the Golden Age of the French Riviera. Media: Instagram, What's On archive Other interesting creations that grabbed our attention include the BB Sour/Tropezienne Sour , with lemon, honey and citrus olive oil, the Soleil/Solaris with pink grapefruit, cucumber and lemon, and of course, the Garden of Eden with salted pink apple and lavender soda. While we had to conclude things there since this was a Tuesday night, Déjà vu is an extensive, creative 'carte de boissons' of meticulous masterpieces designed and presented as a print magazine, rolling back the years to 1975. We'll go as far as to say this has the potential to follow in the footsteps of the Le Monde d'Hermès collectors' edition catalogues. French actress, singer, and model Brigitte Bardot makes the cover, before you flip through a whole new world of signature LPM hospitality. And if you're a traditionalist… …you can have a real déjà vu and order the evergreen Tomatini/Tomatino, or Lettre à Coco (inspired by Coco Chanel and Jean Cocteau's friendship). See more here. La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, noon to 1am. @lpmabudhabi > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
This pop-up in Dubai is selling super rare Birkins this week
SEVEN Wellness Club knows how to lure the Dubai ladies – with Birkin bags… You get a Birkin, and you get a Birkin, and you get a Birkin in Dubai…that's how it probably is right now at SEVEN Wellness Club – head over to this limited-time pop-up and cop yourself a rare variety of one of the most iconic handbags in the world of high fashion – the Birkin. The wellness destination is hosting an exclusive three-day pop-up in collaboration with Trend Sourcing Dubai, the luxury personal shopping company known for sourcing the world's most sough-after fashion treasures – this time, it's the Brikins. Alongside the specially curated collection of elusive and iconic Birkin models, guests will also be able to shop an exclusive edit ofedit of designer handbags, accessories, and ready-to-wear. Fashion and wellness never looked so good. This is a first of it's kind collaboration in Dubai, with SEVEN being the very first wellness club to have Birkins on sale, which means you need to make sure you don't miss this chance. The pop-up will be on for three days only – until May 14. The namesake of French actress and fashion icon Jane Birkin, the Birkin tote was introduced in 1984 by French luxury label Hermès. These bags are considered some of the rarest bags in the world, with the exponential pricing and the long waiting lists. A Birkin is a symbol of wealth, handmade from leather resold frequently. One fine day in 1983, Hermès chief executive Jean-Louis Dumas was seated next to Jane Birkin on a flight from Paris to London. She dropped her straw basket bag, the contents spilling all over the floor, and complained how she couldn't find a leather weekend bag that she liked. And hence, the Birkin was born, designed especially for the actress. More like this… For more exciting happenings this May, we've got your covered with our comprehensive guides. For all good things in the world of art of culture, consult our guide here and for all things foodie goodness, check out our list here – you're sorted for this month. SEVEN Wellness Club, Al Manara, Dubai, until May 14, Mon to Fri, 5am to 11pm,, Tel: (0) 4 232 3737, @sevenwellness Images: Socials/Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
CNN
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNN
34 luxury Mother's Day gifts to spoil your mom with in 2025
Luxury Mother's Day gifts quick picks So she can skip the long line at the coffee shop: De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine Her new go-to handbag: Cuyana Concertina Shoulder Bag For at-home movie nights: BenQ HT2060 Home Projector Elevated hot chocolate: Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Starter Kit Whether you're looking to gift your mom new luggage or a coffee maker with all the bells and whistles, springing for a luxury gift this Mother's Day is a fantastic way to treat her to something nice, especially if she's not the type to spend a lot of money on herself. To help you find a Mother's Day gift that she'll talk about for years to come, we've rounded up some of the fanciest, sure-to-impress gifts to surprise her with. While some of these gifts might be a bit of a splurge, investing in a quality item will ensure it lasts longer. Plus, she's worth it! Cuyana Concertina Shoulder Bag If Mom needs a new everyday handbag, she'll love this timeless leather version from Cuyana. It has five interior compartments to help organize her belongings and a snap closure to keep things from spilling out. Our newsletter editor Lindsey Smith bought this shoulder bag for herself and loves that it can hold everything she needs without getting bulky. Naadam Luxe Cashmere Duster Cardigan Made from ultra-soft Mongolian cashmere, this relaxed-fit cardigan will quickly become the most-worn item in her wardrobe. We love that it can be paired with slacks and a nice blouse for the office or styled more casually with jeans, sandals and a white T-shirt for the weekend. Lost Pattern Large Silk Square Scarf A mulberry silk scarf is an easy way for Mom to add a bit of flair to her outfits, whether she uses it as a chic hair accessory or ties it to her handbag for a carefree Jane Birkin look (minus the Birkin price tag). This square scarf from Lost Pattern features a beautiful floral pattern that's perfect for spring. Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Card Case A slim leather card case is a worthy alternative to a bulkier traditional wallet, especially when it looks as nice as Bottega Veneta's. In addition to six slots to stash her ID and credit cards, it also has a center slot to hold loose bills. Lunya Washable Silk Long-Sleeve Pants Set Lunya's washable silk PJs are loved by several CNN Underscored staffers, including senior lifestyle editor Tamara Kraus, who has the brand's Washable Silk Tee Set. This breathable pants set is perfect for year-round wear and is so chic that it might convince her to ditch her old sleep shirts for good. Brilliant Earth Hydrangea Bouquet Pendant Jewelry for Mother's Day is always a safe option, especially if Mom never leaves the house without throwing on a pair of earrings or a bracelet. We love the look of Brilliant Earth's stunning Hydrangea Bouquet Pendant, which features a London Blue topaz, sapphire, aquamarine and diamond cluster. FitFlop F-Mode Jewel-Deluxe Metallic-Leather Flatform Toe-Post Sandals With a chic flatform shape and clusters of crystals cut to catch the light, these sandals can go from a luxe Mother's Day brunch to evenings at the beach. Thanks to their foot-health-focused FitFlop design, they're perfect for moms who want style and comfort. NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit The FDA-cleared NuFace Trinity+ Smart Advanced Facial Toning Device uses microcurrents to firm and sculpt the face, making it an ideal gift for any mom looking to minimize the appearance of wrinkles right at home. As part of the starter kit, she'll also receive a charging cradle and power adapter, the brand's Aqua Gel Activator and its Silk Crème Activator. Read our review Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Makeup Secrets Kit This four-piece makeup kit from Charlotte Tilbury includes an eye shadow palette, lipstick, lip liner and blush in the brand's iconic Pillow Talk hue, so your mom can create glamorous makeup looks for special occasions (like that upcoming wedding) or her next date night, or just on the daily. Dyson Supersonic r The Dyson Supersonic r may come with a hefty price tag, but it's worth the money if Mom needs a lightweight hair dryer that still packs a punch. Beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw loves that it has an ergonomic design that makes it easy to use. She also appreciates that she's able to hear her podcasts while using the our review UrbanStems Flower Delivery Subscription Nothing brightens up a space like a cheery floral arrangement. If your mom loves having fresh flowers around the home, she's sure to appreciate a monthly delivery of them from UrbanStems, which you can pay for as you go or as a one-time gift. Read our review De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine Mom deserves a coffee maker that can produce top-notch brews every time. The De'Longhi La Specialista Opera Espresso Machine is the best we've tested and is a great option for the more experienced at-home barista. Our testers praised its ability to quickly heat up and make smooth, rich brews with ease. Read our review Parachute Brushed Cotton Venice Set Sound sleep is nonnegotiable, and luxe bedding is a thoughtful way to help Mom recharge. The Brushed Cotton Venice Set comes in four sizes — full, queen, king and California king — and includes pillowcases, a fitted sheet and a duvet cover so she can make over her bed in one swoop. If she prefers the more relaxed look of linen bedding, the brand's linen sheets would make a great alternative. Caraway Half Bakeware Set Whether she's a self-proclaimed Martha Stewart or only finds herself in the kitchen on holidays, she'll appreciate having quality bakeware on hand. This set from Caraway includes two baking sheets, a muffin pan and a rectangular pan, plus a cabinet organizer to prevent an avalanche. The brand also sells a Mini Bakeware Set or an 11-piece Bakeware Set if those fit her needs better. Vitruvi Stone Ceramic Diffuser The Vitruvi Stone Ceramic Diffuser is perfect for the mom who wants to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy but isn't sure where to start. We love that it has an LED light for ambient lighting, a safety shut-off feature to prevent accidents, two timer settings and an eight-hour run time. Social director Stephanie Griffin uses her diffuser as part of her bedtime routine and appreciates that it helps her fall asleep faster. The best part? It doubles as decor. Le Creuset 5.5-Quart Round Dutch Oven Le Creuset's 5.5-quart enameled Dutch oven soared to the top of our testing pool because of its durability and how well it retains and distributes heat. We love that the heirloom-worthy piece of cookware is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Read our review Hatch Restore 3 If Mom has talked about adopting better sleep habits, the Hatch Restore 3 has her name all over it. The brand recently released the device in a limited-edition shade called Rosy, a dreamy rose gold, but it also comes in other relaxing colors like Putty, Greige and Cocoa. Since last year, I've been using an older version of the Hatch (the Restore 2) practically every night. Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle An electric kettle is essential for the big tea or pour-over coffee drinker. This one from Fellow has a gooseneck spout for precise pours and a high-resolution display that easily lets you adjust its settings. With this handy gadget, Mom will be a pro barista in no time. The Bartesian Cocktail Maker If your mom looks forward to her weekend espresso martinis but is still honing her mixology skills, look no further than Bartesian's premium cocktail maker. Our associate testing writer Carolina Gazal found it easy to assemble, use and clean during testing. She also liked that she could make mocktails or customize the strength of her our review Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Starter Kit For the mom who loves an indulgent treat, the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Starter Kit is sure to satisfy her sweet tooth. I have the hot chocolate maker in Copper and love how beautiful it looks on my countertop. Plus, it's easy and quick to use. The brand's starter kit includes two dishwasher-safe ceramic mugs, four boxes of chocolate flakes and the Velvetiser in your choice of color: Charcoal, Copper or Platinum. Jo Malone Lilac Lavender and Lovage Townhouse Candle The Jo Malone Lilac Lavender and Lovage Townhouse Candle smells just as divine as it looks. With a burn time of up to 70 hours, it will surely get plenty of use. Once the candle is burned, she can reuse the vessel as storage or as a piece of decor. Briggs & Riley 26-Inch Medium Expandable Suitcase A reliable, easy-to-handle suitcase is a must, especially if booking more trips is on her agenda this year. Travel editor Kyle Olsen loves the Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Suitcase for its durability and its expansion-compression technology, which allows you to pack more in the main compartment. Read our review Away The Bigger Carry-On Away is behind some of our favorite luggage, including its Bigger Carry-On, which senior deals editor Rikka Altland loves for its thoughtfully designed interior and lightweight design. The carry-on features a durable hard shell that can withstand rough handling, 360-degree wheels that make it easy to maneuver through the airport and a TSA-approved combination lock. Read our review Bearaby Cotton Knitted Weighted Blanket We wouldn't be surprised if Bearaby's weighted blanket quickly becomes your mom's go-to for naps. A favorite of editorial director Chelsea Stone, the cotton throw features a breathable open-loop knit design and comes in four weights — 10, 15, 20 and 25 pounds. If Mom is looking for a way to destress at home, this is a helpful (and chic) way to help soothe her. Read our review Tempo Move Gym If she prefers to work out at home but looking for more personalized coaching, the Tempo Move Gym is a great way for her to hit her fitness goals. The fitness system includes two dumbbells with colored-coated plates of varying weights, a 5-millimeter workout mat and a compact storage cabinet. With the accompanying app, she'll be able to access Tempo's large library of fitness content and receive real-time feedback on her workouts, thanks to its tracking our review Therabody Theragun Mini 2.0 Whether you slept badly or just wrapped up an intense workout, no one likes dealing with achy muscles, which is why Therabody's Theragun Mini would make such a thoughtful Mother's Day gift. Just ask home and gifts editor Amina Lake Patel, who bought this compact device for her mom one year. The Bluetooth-compatible massage gun comes with three different foam attachments she can switch out depending on her needs. Read our review Oura Ring 4 If you're looking to gift your mom a fitness tracker, the Oura Ring 4 is a chic alternative to other fitness trackers. With a longer battery life and a slimmer design than the Oura Ring 3, it's a fuss-free way for her to keep tabs on her health, especially if she's looking to monitor her sleep patterns. Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine For moms who enjoy low-impact, full-body workouts, we recommend springing for The Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine. Our tester, who's an avid rower, likened the experience of using it to the real deal, which makes it a great option when Mom can't get out to the our review Aura Carver Mat 10-Inch Digital Picture Frame If she's the sentimental type, there's a good chance she'll love the Aura Carver Digital Picture Frame. Griffin gifted her mom one because she thought it would be a sweet way to display the photos from her family group chat. The accompanying app lets you upload pictures and videos from your phone, so you can easily share snapshots from a recent trip or photos of you and Mom. To make setup even more seamless for her, you can preset the Wi-Fi network and preload the frame with images and a personal message. Read our review Courant Catch:3 Wireless Charging Station Crafted from premium Italian leather or Belgian linen, Courant's wireless charging station doubles as a chic catchall, giving Mom the perfect place to stash her keys and any loose change. Apple MacBook Air M4 If her current computer is on its last legs, it's probably time for an upgrade. Enter our current top laptop pick, Apple's MacBook Air M4. According to electronics writer Henry T. Casey, this laptop is easy to tote around, comfortable to use and the one he personally recommends to all his family and friends. Read our review BenQ HT2060 Home Projector A high-quality at-home projector is the perfect way for movie lovers to bring the cinema experience home. With the BenQ HT2060, one of our favorite home projectors, Mom will be able to watch her favorite shows and movies from the comfort of her our review Apple AirPods Max With USB-C These stylish over-ear headphones are the perfect way for her to listen to music or podcasts during long road trips or her morning commutes into the office — or to tune everyone out at home. Read our review Goldbelly Chef of the Month Subscription If Mom's on the Resy wait list for every new restaurant hotspot in town, we can't think of a more-appropriate (or tastier!) gift than Goldbelly's Chef of the Month subscription. Every month, she'll receive a curated meal box from award-winning chefs like David Chang and José Andrés that'll bring their coveted cuisine straight to her kitchen. We know you get tired of seeing the same gift ideas year after year, which is why Underscored editors carefully curate each gift guide to include a selection of products tailored to the person, hobby or event you're shopping for (though, if you're seeing some repeat products in our coverage, it probably just means we really love them). To make sure each gift you give is a hit, we include products hand-tested by our team, foolproof presents we've given to someone (or have been given), the newest products from our favorite brands and other trending items taking over our social feeds. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis scoured the internet in search of the best luxury mother's day gifts, taking into account products our editors have tested, things we've gifted to someone already and other products from brands we love.
