Latest news with #Kipper
West Australian
29-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Woodside takes reins of Australia's oldest gas producer
Woodside Energy has taken the reins of Bass Strait's ageing gas fields, paving the way for new development of east coast Australia's oldest energy producer. By assuming operating control from ExxonMobil, Woodside takes responsibility for the Bass Strait gas production assets, Victoria's Longford gas plant and the Long Island gas liquids processing facility and associated infrastructure. The company's equity shares in Bass Strait remain unchanged, but Woodside said the change of operator would hasten the potential development of four new wells that could supply another 200 petajoules of gas to the east coast gas market. Bass Strait has been an energy mainstay since oil and gas was first produced in the late 1960s. Oil production was discontinued last year, but it still produces up to 700 terajoules a day, or 40 per cent of east coast gas demand, through the Longford and Long Island plants. Woodside, which picked up the Bass Strait interests in its acquisition of BHP Petroleum in 2021, said the change 'creates flexibility' to solo develop opportunities that meet its investment targets. BHP and ExxonMobil have equal shares in Bass Strait's Gippsland joint venture and respective 32.5 per cent and 67.5 per cent stakes in the Kipper gas project. The companies still share responsibility for decommissioning the Bass Strait infrastructure.
Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The mother-daughter duo who define Cotswolds style
If you are one of those people who is obsessed with the Cotswolds – its wisteria, its stone, its famous inhabitants – then a visit to Tetbury will only fan the flames. Were you to play Cotswolds Bingo, you'd rapidly score a full house; a sandstone one, with neat window-boxes and a sage-green door. On the pretty high-street, there's a butcher, a baker and a cult jacket-maker, the latter of whom, Caroline Smiley, is being photographed with her daughter, Sarah Corbett-Winder, when I pull up from Kemble station in my Uber (yes, they have Ubers in the Cotswolds). Caroline owns Moloh, a Tetbury boutique that's also a Cotswolds institution, while Sarah is an influencer who followed in her mother's footsteps by launching her own tailoring label, Kipper, in 2023. The rain is pouring down, but Caroline and Sarah are redoubtably cheerful, as is the Cotswolds way. Like most successful brands, Moloh (named to rhyme with the name of their family dog, Rolo) was born from a desire to create something its owner couldn't buy. Being the Cotswolds, this wasn't the perfect summer dress, but the perfect pair of overalls. 'You'd take the dog for a walk, pouring with rain, but you're going to do something later,' explains Caroline once we've settled in her office, which is above the shop. 'You put your Molohs over what you're wearing, come home, take them off, and out you go again. I'd wear them for decorating, gardening, mucking out horses, cleaning the shed. Dirty jobs. They were fun. That's what the ethos of Moloh is. It's adding fun to your life.' 'Fun' is a word that comes up frequently. After friends started wanting to buy the overalls, Caroline and her business partner, Butts Dancer (a fun name if ever there was one) thought it would be wise to branch out into making skirts, jackets and jumpers. Moloh was officially launched in 2003, with the Tetbury store opening some five years later. 'The clothing was introduced organically over the years,' says Caroline. 'We listened to our customers and what they really liked.' Their hero piece is the best-selling military jacket, which comes in a plethora of tweeds, checks and suedes (there's a Prussian Blue one in store now for £675). 'Any age can wear it. It buttons three ways,' says Caroline. 'My father was in the army and my husband was a second lieutenant in the Grenadier Guards. I think the military bit came from that. The jacket is actually based on a traditional hunting jacket, then we put the military twist in, and made it double-breasted.' 'You saw that everyone was wearing their Barbour, and thought you could make this more fun,' adds Sarah. 'And chic. You saw that gap.' Most of Moloh's customers are Cotswolds locals, but many are from London and Wales. 'We're very much a destination store. People will come to spend a couple of hours here. Age-wise, it could be a very lucky 19-year-old girl whose grandmother has bought her a jacket. We get lots of 18ths, girls who've been borrowing their mother's jacket and eventually the mother wants hers back. Then we've got lovely Anne, our eldest customer. She's 85, and buys a new military jacket every season.' They're fiercely proud of Moloh's low carbon footprint. Everything is manufactured in factories in north London ('You can go to Portugal or Spain, but you genuinely don't get the quality'), while 90 per cent of their cloth is sourced from mills in Scotland and Yorkshire ('if you traced the journey of some fabrics, it really is 100 miles'). Everything is made in short runs of 30 to 40, and once an item's gone, it won't be repeated. 'We can't afford to do it any other way,' says Caroline. 'It's probably not cost-effective, but we'd rather have more styles than see people going around in the same thing.' What do they think constitutes modern country style? 'I think it's become quite eccentric and fun,' says Sarah. 'People are more adventurous. They want to look unique and different, cool and chic, but also practical.' 'They don't want to look frumpy country,' adds Caroline. 'They'll wear trousers, jeans, a polo neck, a great jacket and a wonderful scarf. It's not so much the article of clothing as the way you wear it. We're much colder down here than London, so we're more into layers. When I go up to London, I'm always taking layers off, particularly in the winter, when you go into people's overheated offices and shops. In London, you're always on a mission.' 'The country gives you more freedom to be fun than London does,' says Sarah. 'The Cotswolds is quite accepting. They like you to be quirky.' Grooming is low-key and natural. 'It's not overly made-up,' says Caroline. 'You know, the false eyelashes, the thick make-up, the fake nails. That doesn't really fit here. Keep it simple.' 'People want to age, and embrace that,' adds Sarah. 'We can't pretend we're 18 if we're not.' 'It's so easy to be older today, compared to our parents or our grandparents, who wore headscarves with a knot under the chin,' says Caroline. 'What's that quote? Ageing – just crack on with it.' How would they spot a townie? By looking at their feet. 'Our boots are muddy because we walk the dogs round the fields,' says Butts. 'They're not box fresh.' 'It's confidence, too,' says Sarah. 'With a townie, you can feel they're not comfortable. They're slightly overdone. Whereas a proper country look is to throw on the coat and scarf, and just get on with it. Even in white jeans. If they get dirty, you put them in the washing machine.' Ellen DeGeneres famously moved to the Cotswolds last year: is it vexatious when random celebrities rock up and invade their turf? 'I think they've really tried to blend in, and are becoming more accepted as time goes on,' says Butts, with some diplomacy. 'We try to share,' smiles Caroline. 'We'll share the grass. They bring in their ways that are different to our ways. But sometimes, it has a benefit. Variety is good. So long as they support the community, and respect they're coming into one.' They were very happy to share the grass with the cast of Rivals last year. 'Some of it was filmed right outside the shop, which was fun,' smiles Caroline. 'We had Aiden Turner sitting out there for quite a few mornings. He was charming.' As well as a second season of Rivals, a rumoured 'Real Housewives'-style reality TV show seems destined to shine yet another spotlight on England's fabled 'golden triangle', whether its inhabitants like it or not. Can they spill the tea? 'Caroline's in it!' shouts Butts. 'I'm joking.' We bat around potential names, including the author Plum Sykes and designers Savannah Miller and Jade Holland Cooper. 'I've heard she's doing it,' says Sarah. 'I wouldn't be surprised.' 'We know Jade very well,' confirms Caroline. 'She could do it. I thought Victoria Beckham could be in it, because they live in the Cotswolds. Jilly Cooper could be in it. And Lisa Hogan. But I've got no inside information. They'd probably love to have Carole Bamford. She has the most incredible taste. She's the top end of the Cotswolds. But she wouldn't do it, I don't think.' Lady B, as she's known in these parts, is something of an icon to the Cotswolds set, on account of her sprawling Daylesford empire of farm shops, to which she's recently added four pubs, a string of holiday cottages, a hotel and a spa. 'It just grows and grows every time you go there,' says Caroline. 'So inspiring. Oh, the other thing, of course, that we've got in the Cotswolds is the King. He lives down the road.' 'Do you think that's one of the reasons people are so fascinated by the Cotswolds? Because of the royal connection?' muses Sarah. 'Kate comes into the shop,' says Caroline, one of the few British subjects with genuine cause to be on first-name terms with the Princess of Wales. 'Which shows how relaxed and calm our community is. William and Harry used to come into the bicycle shop in Tetbury when they were little. Sadly, it's not there any more.' Have they met them? For the first time in our interview, they look guarded. 'Yes, in the past,' says Caroline. 'I used to go out with Harry's best friend,' says Sarah, declining to name him. 'This was in my late teens. We used to go to the local pubs together, and he [Harry] was so wonderful to all the locals. There was no 'oh, look at me'.' 'People actually ignored them,' says Caroline. They're fiercely proud of the area, its bucolic pace and camaraderie. 'We've just done Chelsea Flower Show,' says Butts. 'Every morning I'd walk to work. No one talks to you. I'd look at them and say, 'Good morning!' It's like I was the village idiot. Everyone says 'good morning' here. Even if they're putting a ticket on your car.' 'We're very fortunate here,' smiles Caroline. We love to travel. But god, we love to come home.' Five of the best country-chic picks
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
L.A.'s Oldest Toy Store Sees Struggles Ahead Due to Tariffs
President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports have been reduced from 145% to 30% in recent weeks, but businesses are still feeling the effects, and it's not just big retail outlets or online shopping portals. The tariffs are on track to threaten the livelihood of mom & pop shops across the nation. Here in Los Angeles, the city's oldest toy shop, Kip's Toyland at the Farmer's Market on Fairfax, has been ringing the alarm bells. Owner Don Kipper recently told CNN that he's received letters from suppliers about price increases and the need for bulk ordering. More than 80% of toys sold in the United States are made in China, and while Trump has been consistent about his views that it won't be a big deal for consumers, and that girls will 'maybe have two dolls instead of 30,' the impact on merchants could be massive, whether they hike up prices to set off costs or keep price tags the same and take in smaller profits. The US imported about $13.4 billion in toys from China last year, according to the US Commerce Department, and while many think of Chinese products as low quality, that's not always the case. Kipper's inventory, which comes mostly from China, includes a whimsical array of vintage style metal toys, colorful educational toys and kid-coveted top brands like Lego, Wham-O, Slinky, View-master and Kipper tells CNN that small businesses like his can't afford to stock up and even if he could, his store doesn't have room for large amounts of adds some of his suppliers are halting their production lines altogether which will definitely affect the holiday season to come in terms of quantity and selection. Indeed, Christmas may not be so merry this year— for stores or moms and dads trying fulfill their kids' wishlists and letters to Santa. LA mag reached out to Kipper by email to see if the recently announced tariff reductions might help matters, but hadn't heard back at the time of this more about the deep history of Kip's, a family owned and operated business since 1945, in this informative "LA in a Minute" report, below. View the to see embedded media.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Tariff hike puts pressure on LA's Kip's Toyland
Listen to article Kip's Toyland, the oldest toy shop in Los Angeles, may be forced to raise prices or reduce stock as it faces tariffs of up to 145% on Chinese imports — a major blow for the nearly 80-year-old family-run store. Around 80% of toys sold in the United States are manufactured in China. Owner Don Kipper says the store has been receiving letters from suppliers warning of sharp price hikes due to upcoming trade penalties. 'We've been getting letters and other communication from our suppliers that say, 'Fasten your seat belts, this is on the way,'' Kipper told. Some suppliers urged bulk orders before tariff pricing begins, while others warned of halted production ahead of the holiday season. The development highlights renewed pressure on the US toy industry amid President Donald Trump's ongoing trade dispute with China. In 2023, the US imported \$13.4 billion worth of toys from China, according to Commerce Department data. Kip's Toyland sources most of its inventory from China. Kipper said he cannot afford to buy in bulk or store large quantities, unlike bigger retailers. 'It's a hostage situation. If we have to, we have to,' Kipper said of potentially paying higher prices. Founded in 1945 by Irvin 'Kip' Kipper, a former World War II pilot and prisoner of war, Kip's Toyland began as a small shop selling flags and dolls. Today, it remains a nostalgic haven of unplugged, classic toys. While most items on its shelves are now made in China, a few — like the American-made Slinky — are still sourced domestically. Toy analyst Chris Byrne said rebuilding US-based toy manufacturing would take at least five years and still lead to higher consumer prices due to domestic labour and regulatory costs. Parents visiting the shop said higher prices may force them to cut back. 'It's a real treasure,' said Aeri Schwartz, who visits with her toddler. 'Not being able to come here and buy something would be pretty unfortunate.' Chelsea Kwoka, another parent, said she would likely shift spending to local experiences or buy second-hand toys if prices soar. Kipper said he hopes loyal customers will still come in for birthdays or special gifts — but said he would have to 'buy smart' to keep the shop going.
Telegraph
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Why a £6 white tank is all you need to inject spring into your wardrobe
The humble basic with a rich fashion history is making a comeback – and it's the easiest styling hack to update your look. Amidst the ongoing cycles of fashion weeks and awards show red carpets, some heartening news for those who just crave a simple outfit refresher. There's one item that can make everything else in your wardrobe feel positively spring-like: a simple white tank top. The white tank is having something of a revival, evoking long-forgotten images of off-duty Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani and Angelina Jolie. Spotted on Sienna Miller for her recent (and very sexy) advertising campaign with Frame; on modern day supermodels such as Bella Hadid, who is a fan, and once again on Moss, who revived the tank for a strut down Bottega Veneta's SS23 catwalk, styled with baggy jeans and a checked shirt. The reason? 'It is such an easy styling hack,' says stylist Serena Crawley. 'A fresh white tank top or t-shirt is an absolute must for every wardrobe.' Sarah Corbett-Winder, a stylist and the founder of women's tailoring brand Kipper agrees, adding that for those suffering from dull winter skin, 'the splash of white near the face instantly lifts and brightens the complexion'. The tank has a long history. One origin story dates back to the 1860s, when Parisian dockworkers cut the arms off their wool jumpers to allow for more movement. In the 1950s, an innovative bonnet maker from France's Loire valley called Marcel Eisenberg began mass producing white tank tops – called the Marcel vest (a moniker still used today) – worn by the working people from labourers to soldiers, which spread across Europe and the United States. In 1951, the humble staple was given a shot of star status when actor Marlon Brando wore it in A Streetcar Named Desire. Then, James Dean donned one throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Over the coming decades, the piece came to symbolise androgynous toughness for actors such as Sylvester Stallone (in Over the Top), Bruce Willis (Die Hard) and Sigourney Weaver (Alien). Freddie Mercury sporting one on stage at the 1985 Live Aid concert was a neat segue into the piece's ubiquity in the modern music scene; from Bruce Springsteen to Axl Rose in Guns 'N' Roses – before being adopted by pretty much the entire grunge scene in the 1990s (often coupled with a plaid shirt tied around the waist). Not long afterwards, fashion got in on the mood thanks to designer Helmut Lang, who showed white tanks as part of his spring-summer 1999 collection. Fast forward to 2022 and Italian fashion house Prada sent ribbed white tanks emblazoned with their logo down the catwalk and even onto red carpets, a decision which generated such a level of attention that British Vogue deemed the £720 piece the item of the year. From functional workwear to high fashion, does the simple vest then transcend class? It certainly comes loaded with connotations of it, having symbolised everything from proletarian workwear (think of unwashed TV character Rab C. Nesbitt in his string vest, or the pejorative synonym of 'wife beater') to a high cost aspirational item. But then, fashion likes to play games like that. True to its roots, there are a vast array of good options on the high street that will leave you change from a tenner, but plenty more mid-range that feel weighty and worth a slight investment. Fit is personal – and depends on what you want to highlight or perhaps cover. For Pip Durrell, founder of shirting brand With Nothing Underneath (and a former fashion editor), a form fitting shape works best, with 'the most important part being the neckline. A classic wide curve is a fail-safe, but I also love a higher neck to give a racer feel.' Gap currently has a nineties-style scooped neck version on sale for £6, while Reformation has an excellent higher neck version, made from organically grown cotton and cut to flatter the fleshy section under armpits (£48; Danielle Windsor, founder of luxury clothing and accessories brand Yaitte, is also a fan of a scooped neck, allowing 'a hint of skin'. She adds, though, that while there are cheap options available, 'the quality and cut are really important; I think it's often worth spending a little bit more, especially as I reach for a tank on almost a daily basis.' Sunspel's classic vest is a solid choice, made in its Derbyshire factory from the same cotton the brand makes its excellent t-shirts (£70; David Telfer, creative director of Sunspel says that a 'fine rib is key to achieving the perfect fit, adding both texture to the fabric and giving a flattering shape.' The beauty of the white tank is that it can be styled with anything to make it look instantly cooler (tailoring) or up to date (denim). Here you can take inspiration from the catwalks and celebrities: Prada styled their tank with an embellished maxi skirt, Tom Ford paired one with a sequin skirt for their spring 25 collection, Loewe's campaign imagery paired a white tank with a heavy wool blazer, and the house sent models down catwalks in loose, but tailored trousers. Windsor agrees that a white tank 'paired with tailoring gives a modern twist on office attire - it can really change the tone of functional dressing.' For a looser fit, Hush has a cotton slub tank that will skim curves (£25; Durrell loves wearing her tanks under a shirt (which can be a midlife style saviour – allowing for temperature changes). Corbett-Winder adds a tank can be personalised by adding chunky chains and neck scarves. Windsor suggests the vest with 'stovepipe jeans for an off-duty feel' – a good reference point being actor Yara Shahidi in the latest Gucci campaign who showed how a tight white tank and wide-fitting denim trousers (complete with brown double G belt) is a masterclass in cool. And as the weather starts to warm, Windsor says the item 'is a must-have in the summer for beach-to-bar style with a sarong or linen skirt'. Just one styling tip to keep in mind, Crawley says, 'a fresh tank is imperative. Once they go a little bit grey, it's time for a refresh.'
