Latest news with #Nocturne
Time Business News
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
How Hellstar Clothing in the Dark Side Dominates Streetwear
Streetwear isn't just about clothes—it's a declaration of defiance. And right now, no brand screams rebellion louder than Hellstar, the shadow-drenched label rewriting fashion's rulebook. With its gothic undertones, futuristic edge, and a fanbase that treats every drop like a cultural event, Hellstar isn't just trending—it's taking over. But what's the secret behind Hellstar Clothing's chokehold on streetwear? It's a mix of A-list endorsements, next-level fabric innovation, and styling that flips conventions on their head. This isn't just a brand—it's a revolution stitched in black. Celebrities aren't just wearing Hellstar—they're weaponizing it. In 2025, the brand exploded into the mainstream with jaw-dropping moments that blurred the line between fashion and performance art. Billie Eilish turned the VMAs into a Hellstar showcase, strutting in a custom liquid-black trench coat with glow-in-the-dark circuitry patterns. The internet lost it. Then came Travis Scott, who wore the brand's 'Nocturne' cargo pants during his Circus Maximus tour, pairing them with a modified Hellstar bulletproof vest (yes, it was functional). But the real surprise? Zoë Kravitz's Met Gala afterparty look—a sheer Hellstar mesh top under a vintage Chanel blazer, proving even high fashion can't resist the brand's dark allure. And let's not forget Lil Uzi Vert, who debuted an unreleased Hellstar puffer jacket during Paris Fashion Week, sparking instant sell-outs. This isn't just celebrity co-signs—it's a full-blown cultural coup. Hellstar doesn't just look different—it feels different. The brand's obsession with material science has birthed some of the most advanced streetwear fabrics ever seen. Take Nightsilk, their signature fabric—a recycled polyester hybrid coated in hydrophobic nanocells. Water slides right off, but the weave stays breathable, making it perfect for everything from rainy city streets to late-night raves. Then there's Blackout Denim, infused with carbon fiber for insane durability without sacrificing movement. But the real game-changer? Phantom Fleece. Unlike traditional fleece, it uses thermo-regulating fibers that adapt to body heat—no more sweating through a concert or freezing in winter. And for those who crave extra edge, their Razorweave Knits feature Kevlar-reinforced stitching, making them nearly impossible to tear. This isn't just clothing—it's wearable tech for the post-apocalypse. Hellstar thrives on breaking rules, and the best looks come from unexpected combos. Forget basic streetwear formulas—here's how the pros are styling it in 2025: Gothic Glam: Layer the Eclipse Hoodie under a tailored blazer. Sounds wrong? That's why it works. Wall Street bros and fashion rebels alike are stealing this move. Layer the under a tailored blazer. Sounds wrong? That's why it works. Wall Street bros and fashion rebels alike are stealing this move. Post-Punk Princess: Pair the Razor-Cut Vest with a lace slip dress and combat boots. Soft meets savage. Pair the with a lace slip dress and combat boots. Soft meets savage. Techwear Twist: Cuff Hellstar's Void Cargos with strappy heels or sleek loafers. Instant dystopian boardroom vibes. Cuff Hellstar's with strappy heels or sleek loafers. Instant dystopian boardroom vibes. 90s Throwback: Throw their Asphalt Bomber Jacket over a vintage band tee and baggy jeans. Retro, but with a sinister upgrade. The key? Hellstar Clothing pieces demand contrast. The more you clash textures and moods, the harder the fit hits. Data doesn't lie—Hellstar isn't just hot, it's reshaping fashion. Here's the proof: Google Trends shows a 37% spike in 'Hellstar outfit inspo' searches since 2024. shows a in 'Hellstar outfit inspo' searches since 2024. TikTok's #HellstarAlter hashtag has 500K+ videos , with fans customizing thrifted finds to mimic the brand's aesthetic. hashtag has , with fans customizing thrifted finds to mimic the brand's aesthetic. According to Vogue Business , 22% of Gen Z now call Hellstar their top choice for statement pieces. , now call Hellstar their top choice for statement pieces. Resale platforms report 300% markups on sold-out Hellstar drops, especially anything worn by Travis Scott or Billie Eilish. This isn't just a brand—it's a movement with staying power. What started as an underground label for the fashion-obsessed has become a global force. Hellstar's success lies in its refusal to play safe—every collection feels like a middle finger to the ordinary. And with rumors of a collab with a major sportswear brand (yes, that one) dropping in late 2025, the hype is far from over. Whether you're here for the celebrity buzz, the tech-driven fabrics, or the sheer audacity of the designs, one thing's clear: Hellstar owns the future of streetwear. If you're still on the sidelines, now's the time to move. Explore Hellstar's legacy—before the next drop sells out in seconds. Or decode the Hellstar Clothing phenomenon—and find out why the fashion world can't look away. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Guardian
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
44th Move: Anthem review – veers admirably from the beaten path
In the London jazz scene of the past decade, pianist and producer Alfa Mist has carved out a niche of melodically intricate improvisations that play through hip-hop swing and soulful harmony. It's a fusion best expressed across his five albums since 2015's debut EP Nocturne, while his collaborations with other artists delve into related influences, such as lo-fi UK rap on 2016's 2nd Exit with MC Lester Duval, and downtempo R&B on 2020's Epoch with singer Emmavie. Mist's latest project, 44th Move, is a duo with drummer Richard Spaven that explores rhythm. Harnessing Spaven's astounding capacity to play time-shifting yet metronomically perfect grooves, the duo's debut album, Anthem, is a mighty showcase of beats and keys. Tracks such as the title number and 2nd September channel the classic Mist sound, featuring reverb-laden Rhodes chords and a laidback groove over an earworming motif, yet it's when Anthem departs from the formula that it becomes most engaging. Free Hit finds Spaven playing through warped breakbeats as Mist artfully accompanies. Second Wave touches on moody drum'n'bass, while Barrage moves into dub territory with a hypnotic, echo-laden groove. It's a riveting interplay, showcasing two musicians at the top of their game.
Express Tribune
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Light, dark, and all in between
KARACHI: In 2017, a video game adaptation introduced us to the adventures of an unlikely trio - the sole survivor of a defamed clan, a prodigious sorceress, and the son of Dracula. What began as a death-dealing series of quests soon developed into a world of Gothic horror that was equal parts captivating as it was gruesome. After the animated series Castlevania established its four-season legacy with Trevor, Sypha, and Alucard's journey, Castlevania: Nocturne braved the risky possibility of expanding the world. Any spin-off series is burdened by high expectations, and Nocturne is no stranger to that. But after traversing a rocky start, the series has won a place in the hearts of longtime fans with its second season. The art of staying focused With most sequels, the appeal of the continuation lies where the story previously left off. For the first season, it was the ending of the original series; the Belmont name was restored to greatness with the possibility of a magical bloodline ahead. Season One of Castlevania: Nocturne delivered in that aspect, spotlighting the weapon-wielding mage, Richter Belmont, as a promising protagonist. In a similar vein, the second season had many possible subplots to untangle. With darkness looming large and the return of a familiar face being the only source of hope for the heroes, Season Two kicks off with a wealth of stakes to confront. The fast pacing works because it is justified by narrative demands - our heroes don't have a second to waste. For some, this shift in pacing might be overwhelming. However, Castlevania: Nocturne treads this line carefully by keeping the surprises to a minimum. Season Two refamiliarises the audience with the same cast of characters, though with the exception of Alucard - who may be new to Nocturne yet is already a treasured character for old fans. Nocturne plays it smart and safe by keeping its audience's focus trained. Richter, Annette, Maria, and crew have grievous losses to deal with - there's a sturdy foundation for the narrative. Now, the show had to build a robust plot to ensure that the story wouldn't rush to a botched conclusion. And it did so by paying attention where attention was due, on the characters we already knew. While some might critique the lack of new character introductions as a flaw, it isn't difficult to view it as the contrary. A vampiric aristocracy is threatening the fabric of society and natural order; it would be unwise to wait around for more saviours to join the cause. And our heroes are more proactive than that. Character arcs for the books A prominent critique for Season One was that the characters felt more like caricatures of what they were meant to be. They were mere tools to spell out a point that the screenplay failed to incorporate with subtlety. However, this season is all about the individuality that its predecessor may have sidelined. Annette is undoubtedly the soul of the story this time around. Season One watchers are familiar with her physical prowess, and if there's one spoiler-free update you must know, it's that she takes it to a whole different level in Season Two. From battling night creatures to opposing the season's deadliest antagonist, Annette's journey is nothing short of transformative. Another character who steals the limelight this season is Maria. The optimistic, headstrong kid from last season is no longer a child to be trifled with. Season Two makes sure you know that to a harrowing extent, which unravels as gloriously as Maria's hair does once she is exposed to evils much greater than herself. The choice to keep Richter's personal development to a bare minimum was a calculated one, and appropriately so. It serves the purpose it intends to: building up anticipation for a future showdown with a certain lifelong foe. Who doesn't love a good slow burn, even outside the realms of romance? Monstrosity never forgotten It wouldn't be fair to discuss the protagonists and not bring up the force that empowers their purpose to the plot. The greatest thing about the Castlevania universe has always been its commitment to eldritch horror. From crafting ghastly night creature designs to effusing a sinister atmosphere, the animators' creative liberties are worth lauding. If you think Erzsebet's design last season couldn't get any more intimidating, you're in for a treat. Or nightmares. As with Annette, this villainess too undergoes a journey of transformation, in every sense of the word. Season Two offers key insights to the past that got her here, though never in a way that is difficult to digest. The season does the same for her second-in-command Drolta, who remained an adamant threat in the previous season. As is apparent in Season Two, there is much more complexity to the ancient vampire that meets the eye. But Castlevania: Nocturne doesn't employ complexity as an excuse to justify the villains' actions. Yes, there is depth to everything they do, as heinous as their actions may be. But instead of making them misunderstood anti-heroes, the show makes them the instigators that stubbornly misunderstand their place in the world. And that's exactly what makes them so powerful and memorable. They are deliberate agents in the wars they incite. An animated triumph Now, let's broach the subject that no fan of animated media can resist. Are the fight scenes any good? Short answer: yes. Long answer: Nocturne serves a platter of sorcery and combat that tributes its predecessor in the best way possible. One might think that a series with predictable levels of gore would have run out of ideas long ago, but the world of Castlevania maintains its creativity in this domain as well. The scattered battles are only a precursor to the marvellous final showdown that allows each character to shine, before dropping the curtains on a solid conclusion. The finesse of the animators alone is proof that Castlevania: Nocturne still has many surprises in store. And with the show teasing more formidable threats for the future, it is safe to say that the journey is far from over.
The Guardian
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
LSO/Pappano review – salty breezes and a balmy Mediterranean sunset
'Behold, the sea itself,' declares Vaughan Williams's A Sea Symphony, but it could equally apply to any of the works in this carefully crafted concert of British music. The latest instalment in Antonio Pappano's ongoing odyssey opened with Elizabeth Maconchy, a gifted yet neglected contemporary of Shostakovich and Tippett, whose impressionistic Nocturne owed more of a debt to Holst and Debussy. A cinematic soundscape, complete with moody undertow and opulent climaxes, hinted at moon, clouds and waves in a spellbinding musical watercolour. William Walton's Cello Concerto sings of warmer waters, especially the shimmering finale, which seems to end in a balmy Mediterranean sunset. The spirit of Prokofiev hovered over the ticking opening, Pappano and orchestra relishing the smouldering harmonies flecked with vibraphone, harp and celesta. LSO principal cello Rebecca Gilliver, a natural team player, was at her finest in the third movement where double stopping and extended trills were rendered with pinpoint accuracy. Elsewhere, she took a more self-effacing approach, a touch smudgy in the spiky scherzo, though always warm of tone. Walt Whitman's metaphysical maritime poetry was the catalyst for Vaughan Williams's most operatic of symphonies. No surprise then that Pappano's 21 years helming the Royal Opera paid dividends in a thrilling performance of the composer's first symphony, his breakthrough work. As bracing fanfares issued a crisp call to arms and tempi broadened to accommodate impassioned choral entries you could feel the ocean's heaving breast and taste the salty breezes. American baritone Will Liverman radiated an ardent sense of pride and purpose. The top of the voice could have used a little more amplitude, but his commitment to the poetry was never in doubt. South African soprano Masabane Cecilia Rangwanasha sang with creamy tone, enviable diction and a commanding confidence as she hurled forth a battery of gleaming top notes. The London Symphony Chorus, singing with laser-focused discipline and an impressive homogeneity of sound, never put a foot wrong, from the briny tang of the scherzo through a series of goosebump-inducing a cappella sections. As Pappano guided ship and crew towards the distant horizon and its visionary conclusion, you could have heard a pin drop.
