Latest news with #Mary-Jane
Los Angeles Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Mary Pickford speaks from another age
'Just let me go tell her you're here.' Former Matinee idol Buddy Rogers bounded by the winding staircase to the third floor of his Beverly Hills mansion and called to his wife of 37 years: 'Mary, darling. You have a visitor, pet.' There were murmurs upstairs. Then Rogers walked slowly down the white steps to his visitor beneath the portrait of Mary Pickford in the spacious living room. He shrugged and shook his head. 'Mrs. Rogers would like to see you, darling, but she's in the shower, dear.' The scene is usually the same whenever anyone calls on the admired queen of the silent films. She is either sleeping or in the shower, always 'unavailable.' Hundreds have been party guests of Buddy Rogers at fabled Pickfair in the last decade, but none has ever seen Miss Pickford. Even her stepson, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., doesn't see her when he spends an occasional week in the guest cottage. One of her last interviews was in 1965—to an English silent film historian who has tried many times to see or phone her. But she is unavailable. Mary Pickford, who will be 80 in April, is upstairs in her bedroom in a self-imposed seclusion that has lasted nearly two decades. She was the first real movie star, a pioneer of the movie colony, coming to Hollywood when it was no more than a country village. She was America's Sweetheart of the early 20th century—famous for her golden Mary-Jane curls, dimpled chin and simple charm. They called her Goldilocks. Rogers—tanned, athletic and manicured at 68—shook his head affectionately. 'She just doesn't go out. But she's doing great, darling. I took her out for a drive last week, but she said it made her nervous and she wanted to go home.' Pickfair, 1974, is a museum—once called the 'White House of Hollywood'—where U.S. Presidents, foreign heads of state, financiers and famous authors paid court to Miss Pickford. Contemporary accounts of those gleaming parties come so vividly to mind while in the mansion that one can almost hear music and laughter, faint and incessant, from the garden and the cars going up and down the heart-shaped drive. In the old days, guests at Pickfair could ride horses through the mountains to the Pacific Ocean and pass only one house along the way. But time and progress have taken their toll on Pickfair. Only five of the original 15 acres remain. Five $150,000 homes were built on what used to be her vegetable garden. A china set that Napoleon gave Josephine in 1807 is locked inside a glass cabinet. The mansion property and artistic contents are valued at $2 million. The big rooms and high hallways are full of Frederic Remington paintings, early 18th-century antiques from Europe, Chippendale chairs and mirrors and Victorian tables. A sterling silver urn, given to Miss Pickford by the queen of Siam, is also in a glass case. Film awards—including the first Oscar for the best performance by an actress in sound—are scattered around. In almost every room as portraits of Miss Pickford staring down from the walls—at stages of her life from 18 to 59. Rogers points out every detail eagerly. 'Look here, darling.' He leads the visitor into the small 'Rodin Room,' named after Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), father of modern sculpture. There are his rare sketches of nude dancing women, which Miss Pickford bought almost half a century ago. Ultimately, Rogers confided, the visitor would get her audience with Miss Pickford after all —after a fashion. He dialed his wife on a house phone on a small table. 'Yes, darling, she's here,' he said. 'She's a young one, dear.' He handed over the phone. 'Mrs. Rogers wants to talk to you, sweet. She's so happy you're hear, darling.' Gusty Santa Ana winds slapped hard against Pickfair, howling loudly, rattling closed windows. 'Boy! If I were outside right now I'd feel like hen caught in a tornado,' Miss Pickford laughed. It was fresh and spontaneous laughter. It was the kind of voice that the ear follows up and down as if each syllable were an arrangement of notes that would never be played again. Her voice was sad and lovely and grandmotherly, but with bright things in it. 'I just hopped out of the tub,' Miss Pickford said. 'I'd come down and chat with you but my hair isn't fixed. I'm afraid I'd have to get all dressed up for you.' She said she enjoys the privacy and rest long denied her after all the busy years in the public eye as one of the world's wealthiest and most beautiful women. 'Yes, I miss my career, certainly,' Miss Pickford said. 'But I feel I've earned this rest. I used to work from 6 in the morning until midnight—the actress by day, the producer by night! Ut was a struggle. I never had time to myself. 'This is the first time in my life without constantly being interrupted.' She did not specify what has intruded on her solitude for the last decade or more, but said she now goes nowhere—not to movies, nor to shows, nor out to dinner, nor even shopping. 'I've chosen this way of life for myself,' she said. 'I like my privacy.' She said she reads mysteries and newspapers, dictates, looks out of her bedroom windows at Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, listens to records and watches television. 'I'm reading all about the devil,' Miss Pickford confessed. 'I think all this exorcism business is a hoax. Buddy says the movie is scary and I don't like to be scared.' Rogers sat slumped in a nearby armchair watching, amused. Miss Pickford is aware she is different from other silent stars who have kept busy and still earn honors on stage and screen despite their ages. (Lilliam Gish, a close friend of 75, often appears in comedies as a little old lady. Gloria Swanson, the same age, is on Broadway and TV. Marlene Dietrich still does her famous songs at nightclubs and theaters at 74. (Mae West, 83, likes to stay public and recently judged a UCLA kissing contest. And Helen Hayes is starring in a new, prime-time TV series called Snoop Sisters. She's 73). It's been so long since I met the public,' she said. 'People are so nervous these days. I don't think people would have the patience to listen to me… 'I played little girls, you know. Actresses can't go on and on forever doing that type of role. I can't imagine Jack Benny being 80, can you? And yet he's kicking around all the time on TV. Women can't get away with that like men can. 'Although I often dream I am before the cameras again. The other night, I imagined myself in a long shot and wondered if I should not redo my hair for it…' She paused, then said musingly, 'I have several pretty house dresses. I could throw one on and come down and talk to you… but I'm too lazy.' Damn… Some who have not seen Miss Pickford for years guess that time has not been kind to her. But her business manager, Matty Kemp, 64, describes her as having the 'beautiful skin of a baby.' She's 5-foot-1 and very slim. 'She keeps her hair blonde and has that same winsome smile that everyone remembers,' Kemp said. 'You can't detect a wrinkle on her face.' Two favorite friends of Miss Pickford are Miss Gish and Mildred Loew (producer Adolph Zukor's daughter). They visit Miss Pickford once a year when they are in town. Miss Pickford has not viewed her films for 25 years. They have been shown only twice in the United States since they were locked up in vaults at Bekins and Producers Film Center in Hollywood in 1933. There they have sat, deteriorating with time. Miss Pickford wanted it that way. She is one of the few stars who owns and controls her films. Just recently she was persuaded not to order her films burned at her death. She had not wanted to be compared with today's actresses. 'I always thought of myself as an entertainer for my own generation,' she explained. 'That was all that counted. It was Lillian Gish who convinced me that the films belong to the public and that I had no right to destroy them.' So the Mary Pickford Foundation, run by Kemp, has spent about $260,000 to preserve and restore the films. (Some foreign countries have copies of her movies and show them at special screenings). Some will be shown this month at film festivals honoring Miss Pickford throughout Europe. Her managers want to test the reaction of other countries before they consider showing them in the United States. She wants to attend the Paris tribute. 'I'm longing to see Paris again. I got my warmest reception there long ago. I wonder if their reactions to me would be the same. Did you know that I can speak straight French for a half an hour?' If she goes, it will be her first public appearance since 1965, when she visited Europe. In the early 1970s, England and France had film tributes for Miss Pickford. There were parades in London and Paris and thousands of people lined the streets to get a glimpse of her. They shouted for her autograph and locks of her hair. But Miss Pickford was not there. At the last minute, she stayed at Pickfair. Rogers went alone and waved to the crowds for her. She still misses producer D.W. Griffith. 'No one came close to him,' she said. 'He mastered the close-up, the fade-out. No one ever called him David because everyone had the greatest respect for him. He was always Mr. Griffith.' Miss Pickford also spoke fo Douglas Fairbanks Sr., her second husband. They were considered the world's most romantic couple. In films, Fairbanks was the dashing hero who could dispose of 20 adversaries in a running fight. According to Miss Pickford, he was exuberant and often did handstands or leapt over sofas to amuse friends. 'Because he had never outgrown a small boy's penchant for showing off, he was rarely referred to as Douglas or Mr. Fairbanks,' she said. 'It was always Doug.' She sighed and her voice became sad. 'I got word that my beloved cameraman Charles Rosher died in Portugal. He was a master, too.' Another pause. 'He once said, 'I'm not going to shoot this film because there's a shadow on Miss Pickford's face.' I said, 'Charlie, what does it matter?' But he insisted. He was so loyal. I don't know where to send word to his wife.'Miss Pickford said she was appalled by Watergate. 'I can't see any individuals destroying this country,' she said, vehemently. 'The United States is supposed to be the leader of the world and some punks are letting it go to the ashcan. We obviously need some housecleaning.' (She was a big contributor to President Nixon's reelection campaign, according to Kemp. During World War I, she also sold $48 million worth of Liberty Bonds for the United States. (The government wanted her to make war propaganda films then, but she would make only humorous ones. One showed her riding a horse down San Fancisco's Market St., her golden curls flying in the breeze, leading the 143rd Field Artillery shipward to France.) Of today's stars, Miss Pickford said she is most impressed with Katherine Hepburn and Liza Minelli. But her favorite remains Shirley Temple. 'Oh, she was the cutest baby,' she said. 'She had more talent than anyone. Too bad she had to retire, but she left us with a lot of beautiful memories.' She added that there were no actors she was particularly fond of. 'Nope. None since Gable,' she said. There was another deep sigh. Rogers seized on the silence to draw the conversation to a close. 'She's doing great, darling, but I don't want to tire her out,' he said. Miss Pickford's voice started to trail away. 'It was nice talking to you,' she said. 'Maybe I'll see you someday…'
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
‘Sneakerinas' are the latest divisive shoe trend after Bella Hadid was spotted in £100 pair
The latest controversial shoe trend to come out of 2025 is 'sneakerinas', a hybrid pair of shoes combining elements of both trainers and ballerina flats, and they've already got A-list fans Over the past few years, we've had plenty of divisive shoe trends, from UGG's Mary-Jane shearling shoes to Maison Margiela's iconic Tabis and mesh ballet flats. And now 2025 presents the latest 'ugly' shoe trend - the 'sneakerina'. As you can probably guess from the hybrid name, the sneakerina combines trainers (or sneakers as Americans call them) and ballerina flats. This sounds pretty harmless, considering the two shoes are already popular and not exactly conterversial. However, the result is something many people have mixed opinions about. A-List celebs have, of course, already adopted this trend from Phoebe Dynevor to Bella Hadid, who was spotted wearing a reasonably affordable £119 pair from Vivaia. £100 is on the pricier side, but considering where the trend started at the likes of Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton, Vivaia's Cristina Satin Sneakerinas are a bit more wallet-friendly. Not only is Bella a huge fan of Vivaia's pair, but so is Charli XCX, who was seen sporting two different pairs in the Coachella desert. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The Vivaia shoes have been crafted a smooth satin fabric like classic ballet shoes, but sit upon on a rubber sole like a trainer. The result? A sporty-looking ballet flat that perfectly combines feminine and athletic fashion. As with all trends that start off on high fashion runways, they trickle down into the high street, and we've found a few more sneakerina styles you shop for less. Cece Satin Ruched Bow Sneakers, Charles & Keith, available for £75 here Not only are the sneakerinas a huge trend, but so are metallic shoes, so these silver satin sneakers from Charles & Keith combine both trends in one. If the silver isn't really your style, they are also available in a classic black colourway. Speedcat Suede Ballet Shoes Women, Puma, available for £79.99 here Dua Lipa posted an Instagram carousel sporting the Puma Speedcat Ballet Shoes, showing that she's given this controversial trend her seal of approval. Dua's exact metallic silver ones are currently out of stock, but we've found some suede pink ones from Puma that still perfectly fit into the trend. Flavia Ballerina Sneakers, J W Pei, available for £100 here Considering how popular the 'balletcore' aesthetic was last year, it's no surprise realyl to see this trainer trend take off. These baby pink ones from JW Pei add more a feminine touch to the sporty look, and we love them.
Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Orthopaedic sandals are now sexy (yes, really)
Arch support and bunion relief aren't exactly synonymous with the terms ' sexy ' and 'stylish'. And yet, in the spirit of the current 1970s boho revival, one of the buzziest trends for spring and summer 2025 is orthopaedic footwear. You read that right: the wooden sandals your mother used to buy at the chemist, the ones the hippies made free love in, are now bang-on trend. Perhaps the most famous model from this era is the Pescura, designed in 1956 by podiatrist-founded brand Scholl and still available today on the company's website from £117. With its ergonomic beechwood soles and supple leather strap, the toes are forced to grip onto the shoe – which, in a series of vintage advertisements, the company claimed would 'shape, tone and firm your legs with every step you take.' The likes of Jean Shrimpton and a young Martha Stewart were on board, and more recently, Sarah Jessica Parker in both the original Sex and the City series and its reboot – rare occasions in which Carrie released her feet from their Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik vice grips. Fast forward, and the now-115-year-old Scholl is dipping its (muscled) toes into the world of high fashion in efforts to continue expanding its reach beyond the podiatrist's office. Last summer, it teamed up with Milanese label Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini on a collection of surprisingly elegant Mary-Jane clogs, and this month, launched a collaboration with Spanish fashion house Balenciaga, a label more known for its controversy-courting campaigns and avant-garde designs than its comfort credentials. The result is a six-piece collection of so-called 'ugly-chic' shoes, including a glossy leather mule with a comfortably wide footbed and a breathable mesh-and-wood clog – though far and away the standout is their high-heeled take on the famous Pescura, available for a cool £625. But before planet fashion flew the flag for wood block-based comfort, the Pescura style was deeply unfashionable. 'Growing up, my German mum had a pair of cream-coloured Pescura Scholls,' recalls fashion editor and ceramicist Deborah Brett. 'Even as a child, I understood they were uncool. There's a German word: öko. It translates to 'eco', and basically means that you're a bit crusty.' Fifty years later, however, Brett has changed her tune. She's still wearing that exact same pair of her mum's, and they're so sturdy she's never had to get them resoled. But how to wear the orthopaedic look in current climes without looking, well, öko? 'I love Scholls with capri pants. You see a little bit of an ankle and they look really cool,' enthuses Brett. 'Same with an A-line skirt – the shoes give you a bit of height, which you need with that silhouette. You can also pair them with a white linen suit in the summer, elevating your look from classically elegant to fashion-forward elegant.' Whether you're of the bunion, plantar fasciitis or just plain want-to-be-comfy camp, you're spoilt for choice this season: other popular styles in the orthopaedically-chic canon at the moment include FitFlop's Shuv clogs, Crocs' Dylan platform and Miu Miu's studded wooden slides. To provide the final word on how foot-friendly these trending shoes are, we've called on the expertise of Ron McCulloch, consultant principal podiatric surgeon and director of the London Podiatry Centre, who puts all walks of footwear through its paces at his cutting-edge gait analysis lab. Mother might always be right, but does the professional endorse her love of the wooden shoe? A podiatrist weighs in on the trending ugly-chic styles Pescura mules, Scholl £117 Turns out, the original 'exercise sandal' might not be as good for your toes as originally thought. McCulloch explains: 'Any shoe that has no fastening at the back is always going to have some negative effects. The wearer claws their toes to keep them on, creating a greater risk of developing toe deformities.' According to McCulloch, this 'clawing' can also increase the risk of developing certain conditions like plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. Now for the positives. McCulloch notes that because of the rigid sole, the toes won't be able to flex as much as usual: 'if the patient has any arthritis in the toe joints, or any forefoot pain, it might help.' Overall, he's a fan of the style, adding that 'it's certainly not one of the worst I've seen, I quite like it. I think it would be comfortable for most people.' Scholl x Balenciaga heeled sandal £625 Balenciaga's former creative director Demna endeavoured to design 'the most comfortable heels ever made,' and thus, the stiletto Pescura was born. In its granola-meets-Jessica-Rabbit form, it's neither fully orthopaedic nor glamorous: 'This is by far the worst of the shoes here. The height and narrowness of the heel are major issues,' McCulloch says, explaining that because of the spindly heel and thin strap, you're more likely to curl your toes to keep them from slipping off. 'The forefoot pressure becomes extremely high, predisposing you to all sorts of potential injury.' That said, he is a fan of the cork footbed: 'This material conforms to your foot over time, like a comfy old armchair.' The line also features a lower-heeled version of the Pescura, which McCulloch likes for its cork footbed ('this material conforms to your foot over time, like a comfy old armchair') and reasons that it's much better than the heeled version. Scholl x Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini clogs £600 An offshoot line of ultra-luxe Italian label Alberta Feretti, Philosophy is celebrated for its romantic designs – and its collaboration with Scholl yielded these charming Mary Jane-clog hybrids, which even McCulloch's wife is a fan of. 'She's also a podiatrist,' he explains. 'I showed her the styles in this article, and she loves this shoe.' He points to the 'rocker' sole as a positive feature, meaning that the front is slightly lifted, preventing the wearer from feeling like they're lugging around two wooden bricks as they walk. 'It should be quite a comfortable clog.' Crocs Dylan platform clog £65 Ah yes, the ever-polarising Crocs. Love them or hate them, they are fashion's most notorious ugly-chic shoe. This sleek-ified version of the original perforated design feels elevated, yet it doesn't quite get McCulloch's stamp of approval: 'It does have a rocker effect, which is good, but a shoe like this doesn't allow for normal foot function. The sole is extremely thick, meaning it won't allow for proper bending of the toes, and we'd expect to see some shortening of the stride as a result. They should be worn sparingly because of these limitations.' FitFlop Shuv leather clogs £130 Having recently collaborated with contemporary label Roksanda to boost its coolness credentials, FitFlop is firmly back on the fashionista's radar this summer. 'FitFlop was a brand I regarded, somewhat unfairly, as a relic of the Noughties-moms-at-Zumba era,' writes Joy Montgomery, commerce editor in her recent article singing the praises of the label's new Shuv style. 'As a sneaker-ambivalent individual and long-standing sufferer of uncomfortable-but-pretty shoes, this addition to my collection has made my feet very happy indeed'. On the podiatry front, McCulloch is a fan of the brand: 'I generally recommend FitFlop's Lulu style, and am less inclined to recommend the Shuv because it has no back strap which will cause toe clawing. However, because it's a clog and the upper is fairly high, it will keep the foot more stable. Generally, this would be a shoe that I'd be happy for my clinic patients to wear in moderation.'
Daily Record
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
M&S' 'quirky' £39.50 shoes for spring shoppers call a 'great alternative to heels'
The retailer's ballet pumps are said to "fit like a glove" and be "instantly comfortable." Ballet pumps are a wardrobe staple you can reach for time and time again. Like many footwear trends this year, they are also incredibly comfortable. One such pair that shoppers can't stop reaching for are M&S' Studded Buckle Flat Ballet Pumps. Costing just £39.50, they have been a hit with fashion fans for their "on trend" and "quirky" design that can be worn with anything. These regular-fit Mary-Jane's feature all the hallmarks of a standout shoe that will attract attention. With their all-over studded design, they will add an edge to any outfit, whether that be denim jeans and a top or your favourite midi dress. Despite being flats, they are comfortable to walk in thanks to the retailer's Insolia Flex Technology that ensures the correct placement of your foot when walking. In fact, they are said to be so comfy that they fit "like a glove", according to shoppers. Finished with a secure buckle fastening and a low heel, these ballet pumps will be perfect for all your daytime and evening events. They can be bought in both black and white colourways, with sizes from a UK three to eight on offer. While all of the sizes are still available online, it is worth mentioning that the M&S website describes these pumps as "in demand". Considering many of the retailer's spring edit has fast sold out in the past few weeks, we'd advise snapping them up soon. To mark their popularity, the Studded Buckle Flat Ballet Pumps have earned a 4.7 rating based on over 100 reviews from shoppers who have called say they are "instantly comfortable" and a "great alternative to heels" when on nights out. One shopper said of the shoes: " On trend Mary Janes with the added quirky touch of the studs. Great alternative to heels in a night out. Very comfortable. I did get a few compliments! I also love that they're vegan!" Fashion deal of the week If you're looking for some comfy new footwear, then we have found a deal for you. It's on the GO WALK Flex - Alani from Skechers. Originally worth £65, these trainers have since been reduced to just £47.99, saving just over £17 off the RRP. Available in a neutral black colour you can wear with anything, the discount covers a selection of sizes from a two through to seven, with half-sizes also included Crafted from a breathable mesh material, these Skechers are said to be great for any form of physical exercise thanks to the use of the firm's comfort technologies that makes them stand apart from other brands on the market. There's a breathable Goga Mat removable insole that has been designed to provide the wearer with high-rebound cushioning with each step. Meanwhile, both Soft Stride Cushioning and Ultra Go Cushioning make them "perfect for all-day wear." Complete with stretch laces, the Go Walk Flex Alani Trainers are multi-surface stabilized and use a flexible traction with rubber panels that make them ideal for cross training activities. Averaging an impressive 4.6 rating based on almost 50 reviews, Skechers' GO WALK Flex - Alani Trainers have been earning glowing reviews from shoppers who say they are "super comfortable" and "like walking on air." One five-star review read: "Got these for walking and daily wear. Very comfortable, with no break-in time needed." Someone else wrote: "Like walking on a cloud. They are super comfortable, and I walk/hike on a lot for gravel paths." A second review read: "Super-stylish, super-comfy, go-anywhere flats. Look much more expensive than they are. Strong recommend." A third shopper added: "These are just the cutest shoes! I totally love them. Not only do they look good with everything but they're so comfortable too. Wore them all day for a shopping trip and had no issues at all. Sizing is perfect, I'm a 4 with slightly wide feet & these fit like a glove." Someone else remarked: " Love these shoes - have been my party shoes of the season. They go with everything and are instantly comfortable! Had endless compliments from women of all ages. Going to get a red pair!" Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. One shopper did criticise the design in a two-star review that read: "Love the way these look but they squash my toes as the toe box is very flat. If I were to wear them I would end up with sore toes and protruding lumps at the end of the shoes. A bit more space for toes please. M&S' popular Studded Buckle Flat Ballet Pumps can be bought for £39.50 here. With ballet pumps coming back into fashion for spring and summer 2025, there are a few other alternatives on the high street. For example, H&M's own pair boast a very similar design and cost just £37.99. If you're not keen on the studded design, and might prefer something a little more casual, then Next's Black Standard/Wide Fit Forever Comfort Round Toe Mary Jane Shoe s are worth checking out for just £32.
