Latest news with #Paloma
Metro
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Len Wiseman: 'John Wick Ballerina isn't intentionally a feminist movie'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Len Wiseman, the director of From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, has revealed why this movie isn't deliberately feminist. It was announced in 2019 that a female-led spin-off of John Wick had been commissioned, with Keanu Reeves set to be an executive producer on the film. With Ana de Armas at the helm as the lead, Eve Macarro, the movie picks up chronologically during the third John Wick film and further explores the Ruska Roma, the Russian group that trains children to be assassins. The story follows Eve's training as an assassin and her journey of personal revenge as she seeks out the group who murdered her father in front of her as a child. In a hotel in London, Metro sits down with Wiseman for a wide-ranging interview about the film, straight off the bat we discuss whether he considers the film 'feminist'. 'It's an action movie with a really powerful and strong lead, and I wouldn't say so much…,' he reflects and tries to find the right way to express his sentiment. 'I've been doing female-driven characters in action really from the beginning of my career,' he says, referencing his action horror series Underworld that starred his ex-wife Kate Beckinsale. 'I really don't put too much of a weight on it, I just think women are strong regardless. 'So I'll sayit's not intentionally, to me it is an action movie with a really kick ass lead that is a female character.' He emphasises that lines such as 'fight like a girl' – a phrase that recurs in the film and is even the title of the song as the credits roll – are not an attempt to pander to being a movie making a statement. 'To put a flip on [fight like a girl] and make that a very powerful thing, rather than a teasing phrase or what have you, that's absolutely intentional. But, I didn't want it to ever feel pandering to that. Just be real to it.' The director's undiluted enthusiasm about the film is evident, and he's eager for more female-led action movies, but not ones that are originally written as male characters. Ana, who played the character Paloma in the James Bond series, previously explained why she felt 007 shouldn't be played by a woman: 'Why don't we have more movies about Paloma? Let James be James and John Wick be John Wick. We'll do our thing,' she told The Independent. Wiseman nods and says he 'totally agrees,' with her sentiment. 'If they turned into like Jane Bond. I'll just go, 'What are you doing?' No. 'I would love to see more original, female-driven action movies, and I'm always glad when there's one that really works.' He adds that when it comes to women's roles in these movies, he also doesn't believe women-led action films should only be directed by women. 'It's if you were to ask, if a male-led action movie should only be directed by a man. I don't think that either,' adding that James Cameron and Catherine Bigelow are both fantastic directors who are capable of directing incredible action movies, regardless of gender. 'I think it's the best person for the job, is really what it should be. That's kind of my thought on it.' He added that he has pet peeves about when these characters are made sometimes indestructible , though. 'Often, I'll see that the female character is like indestructible in a way that is almost overtly kind of sexy and powerful and it just leans in too much into the sexiness of it.' He added that the really great action characters are not the ones who pose after a fight scene, but the ones who look knackered. 'Keanu will go through this amazing sequence, and after he's done, he's just f*****g tired,' he said, Comparing Reeves to Harrison Ford, and Mel Gibson's Martin Riggs he adds: 'Instead of landing like a Marvel character, they just eat it on the ground and then get up and keep fighting.' During the production of the film, there were rumours that John Wick director Chad Stahelski had to 'reshoot' the film. Stahlski rubbished the rumours at the time, and while chatting to Metro, Wiseman cleared up the story. 'Here's the truth of it, which is a personal thing, I ended up having a health crisis, and I had to go to the hospital for a little bit, and it was a really scary time. But everything is good and great. 'And thank God Chad was there. And we were always planning on splitting up the schedule in terms of some of the additional stuff that we were shooting to just try to get everything possible for the audience.' More Trending He said that at most, the rumours were 'annoying', but he was grateful things worked out the way they did, as they were able to make an incredible film. 'So it's annoying. I guess if anything, like you hear reshoots and you go, 'Oh, that's bad.' There were additional shoots, and then I had to go to the hospital for a little bit. So thank God it worked out the way it did.' 'The important thing is, the movie is incredible. I had a great time, Chad and I worked, you know, in partnership with it. And it is a movie I think people are gonna absolutely love.' Ballerina is in cinemas on June 6. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Robert De Niro, 81, has 'possibly' realised how good he is at acting MORE: Arnold Schwarzenegger tried to rewrite one of the most famous lines in movie history MORE: Blake Lively makes unexpected move and drops major claims against Justin Baldoni
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Paloma Faith 'bullied at school' as Natalie Cassidy says star 'tormented her'
A claim by Paloma Faith saying she was bullied at school has resurfaced after she was accused of bullying EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy at Islington Green School Paloma Faith has said she too was bullied at school as EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy claimed the musician picked on her. The pair both attended Islington Green School, with the songstress a year above the actress. Recently, Natalie claimed Paloma had tormented her at school, but revealed she is now gutted about the interaction. The soap star recently spoke on her podcast Life With Nat about growing up with Paloma. She claimed: "Paloma Faith, she bullied me at school. She went to Islington Green and was in the year above me. We've spoken about it and she has said sorry about that. Gutted." Now, a previous post on Twitter /X by Paloma has resurfaced, which shows the Only Love Can Hurt Like This singer saying she too was targeted at the London school. The upload from 2012 read: "Yes I got bullied at school. I had braces and before that, wonky teeth." Speaking of her school experience, Paloma previously told The Standard how her teachers helped her in her career growing up. "They were very encouraging to me. I was put in the Hackney Gazette because it was a failing school and I got all As at GCSE." She went on to say she didn't receive any formal musical training despite her school days inspiring her creative nature. "I did it all myself," she claimed at the time. "I had no famous parents, no stage school, no BRIT School." Now, Paloma admits that despite her huge success, she has no fears of being cancelled. In March, she explained that she believes her upbringing has placed her 'on the right side of ethics and morals' and that she can navigate 'cancel culture' with ease. The star believes her frank views and wild tales won't land her in trouble. She explained to The Sun in March how she avoids scandal, declaring: "I'm not worried about being cancelled at all. "I am pretty cocky about my morals and my ethics. I feel like my politics and everything I've done is OK. "I was raised by a socialist in a multicultural environment, with gay, straight, trans, drag queens, everyone, all around me." She continued: "Most people getting called out are straight white men, isn't it? They deserve it. "You can't just go around grabbing people's bums and dropping drugs in women's drinks or f***ing shouting homophobic abuse at people and then not expect it to come back on you."
Metro
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Paloma Faith was 'bullied at school' as Natalie Cassidy reveals childhood feud
Natalie Cassidy recently claimed that Paloma Faith bullied her in school,and unearthed tweets from Paloma suggest she too was bullied. On her podcast Life With Nat, the EastEnders actress was discussing the upcoming cast of Celebrity Traitors and how it was 'such a good line-up.' The conversation turned to Paloma, 43, who is set to appear in the series, which is when Natalie, 42, revealed that she was once bullied by the popstar when they attended school together. 'Paloma Faith, she bullied me at school. 'She went to Islington Green and was in the year above me,' she said. She then revealed that the pair had cleared the air since leaving school: 'We've spoken about it and she has said sorry about that.' The conversation then quickly moved on as Natalie and her guests discussed some of the other guests, including Clare Balding. The celebrities both attended the same secondary school, now called the City of London Academy Islington, and Natalie grew up in Islington while Paloma was raised in Stoke Newington. Paloma has yet to speak about the bullying allegation, but an unearthed tweet from the singer has now revealed that her school years weren't exactly easy. In 2012, she tweeted: 'Yes I got bullied at school. I had braces and before that, wonky teeth.' Yes I got bullied at school. I had braces and before that, wonky teeth#askpaloma — Paloma Faith (@Palomafaith) May 31, 2012 Paloma has also previously spoken about having a fantastic time at the Islington secondary school, despite it being 'very rough'. 'I had an amazing education there. It's funny because at the time I did my exams it had one of the worst reputations in the country. 'But I have to say the teachers were incredible,' she said in 2010 to the Tribune. She also added that she was in the school's production of Little Shop of Horrors: 'I was never one of the leads. I was always one of the dancers because at that time I was really into dance.' In 2012, Paloma also told The Evening Standard that she was 'encouraged' at school and did very well in her GCSE exams. She said the school was 'very, very rough,' adding: 'The police were there every day; there was a lot of violence. But the teachers were incredible. My tutor sold the Socialist Worker every Sunday in Hackney Central. 'They were very encouraging to me. I was put in the Hackney Gazette because it was a failing school and I got all As at GCSE.' Paloma has previously revealed that her place in the spotlight has brought with it a huge amount of criticism, revealing in recent years she has even faced death threats. More Trending 'Being in the public eye, lots of people are quick to shame me,' she told The I Paper, after she said she would raise her daughter gender-neutral. 'Lots of people started giving me death threats and saying that I was an abusive mother and my kids should be taken away from me. I was like, 'I don't understand what you're talking about. I'm just talking about children being who they are and not judging them for it.'' Metro has reached out to Paloma Faith's representatives for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The Celebrity Traitors line-up is a game-changing moment in television
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Emily Atack-approved Boden dress flatters bigger busts and is ideal for holidays
Emily Atack has found the answer for those who struggle to find a dress that is flattery and supportive for bigger busts. Summer can be a complex time to choose what to wear. While the weather in the UK is expected to change unexpectedly, women with a fuller figure or larger busts also have the issue of trying to find clothing that is supportive but not too clingy. Thankfully, ASOS has a range of clothes that cater to those that are part of the fuller-breast crowd, including bras, bikinis, tops and dresses designed to flatter. Pour Moi also has a collection of dresses and tops that will become must-have staples for the warmer months. However, actress Emily Atack has also given a helping hand to women blessed with bigger busts as she has revealed her top pick for summer this year. The star has gushed over Boden's Paloma Jersey Maxi Dress that is priced at £98. Featuring a chic smocked waist, snug jersey material and gorgeous neckline, this Boden maxi dress is perfect for a summer holiday, reports OK! For those with a full bust, the fit-and-flare silhouette is highly complimentary. What makes this dress even better is that it has pockets, meaning shoppers can easily carry around their essential items for day to day life. The dress is also made for all shapes and sizes, as Boden website shows that customers can pick between petite, regular and long fits, as well as a range of sizes. While Emily showcased the dress in the gorgeous blue/white Grecian motif, Boden has plenty of options available to fit each shopper's personal style. This includes classic black, vibrant emerald green, and a geometric pink/purple. Paloma Jersey Maxi Dress £98 Boden Buy Now Another lovely deal available on Boden is the Eloise Tiered Jersey Dress. Available in six designs, including gallery blue, foxglove purple and French navy and ivory Stripes, these dresses are priced between £76 and £80. Alternatively, for those looking for a shorter style dress, Pour Moi is selling the Bella Fuller Bust Slinky Stretch Tie Sleeve Tea Dress for £45. With nine different designs available, shoppers will be left spoilt for choice. Back to Emily Atack's top pick, many shoppers have been gushing over the Paloma dress for its impeccable cut and handy pockets. One shopper said: "I'm 5'5" and a size 14 and I bought the 14R. I absolutely love this dress; the print is joyous and the style is very flattering." With another customer praising: "Unlike some Boden dresses it's not too low at the front and joy of joys the arm hole is not too big and gives decent coverage for those of us with bits we'd like to disguise. The regular length is just above my ankles. Would love this in a leopard print!". However, one customer had a minor gripe, stating: "This is a really pretty, simple dress. It fit true to size. I'm 5'6", 130lbs. I liked the length and the material. The waist is a bit high, but I find that with most Boden dresses." Fashion deal of the week In need of new trainers, but don't want to pay Skechers prices. Then these STQ Women's Slip-On Trainers are said to be "much better" than the famed brand. Even better, they are currently priced from just £30.99 on Amazon. With their slip-on style design and ultra-breathable mesh material, these trainers are said to be a fuss-free option for anyone who spends long periods of time on their feet, alongside anyone who suffers from foot pain issues such as plantar fasciitis. The flexible knitted material features an elastic cuff, making them easy to pop on and take off, while the wide fit fabric has been designed to make it feel like you are wearing nothing on your feet. Crafted with over 1,000 ventilation holes, they ensure that feet don't get to sweaty during wear, while the memory foam insole provides good arch support, making it feel "like walking on air". Available to buy in sizes three through to eight, shoppers can select from eight colours including black, grey and pink. However, it's worth noting that the £30.99 price-tag is available on the black colourway. With the STQ Trainers posing the cheapest price-tag, shoppers might be happy to hear that they have earned a 4.4 rating based on over 5,000 Amazon reviews that suggest they are "light as a feather" and "really comfortable". One delighted shopper said: "Super lightweight, comfortable and a fab colour pink. Much better all round than the Skechers I bought at four times the price! Your feet will love these." Purchase the STQ Women's Slip On Trainers from £30.99 on Amazon here. Despite this, another fan of the dress chimed in: "Love this dress! I'm 5'3" and bought 14 petite: it's a perfect fit. The length is just above my ankles and the cut is perfect. "Great to have pockets. Feels so comfortable yet stylish. Bought for the South of France and can't wait to wear it! Do not hesitate in purchasing this dress. Highly recommend! Another five-star reviewer also said: "Absolutely adore this dress! I ordered a 10P in blue floral and at 5'2 it fits perfectly and the length is spot on. "Material is a little creased but not too worried, the dress is super floaty and ultra comfortable. Can't wait to wear this on my holidays in a few weeks! Tempted to order another..." To buy the Paloma Jersey Maxi Dress, click HERE. 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.
Tatler Asia
26-05-2025
- Health
- Tatler Asia
The Southeast Asian skincare renaissance? How Koh Li Tim's Paloma is redefining luxury beauty through heritage
In the saturated world of skincare, this Malaysian entrepreneur is crafting a narrative that transcends beauty and merges cultural heritage, scientific innovation, and a deep connection to Southeast Asia's botanical treasures Koh Li Tim looks deep in thought. Ask him about his skincare routine and you won't get a superficial answer. He breaks it down, narrowing in on the ingredients that suit his needs and his overall wellbeing goals. A brief chat with the 35-year-old Malaysian entrepreneur tells me he takes wellness seriously, and he's not averse to putting in the time, research and hard work to create an amazing product. 'I'm actually really into wellness,' he says. 'This brand story has played into what I genuinely believe in. I love TCM (traditional Chinese medicine). I love a little bit of Ayurveda.' His daily regimen includes collagen peptides—'not just about healthy skin, hair and nails. It's joints and overall well-being,'—and a two-step hydration process combining hyaluronic acid products followed by oil-based products to combat dry skin. Paloma, the Southeast Asian skincare brand co-founded by Koh along with Sheryl Oon and Howie Lee is a thrilling new venture for the entrepreneur, and quite a departure from his other passions—automotive design, hotel aesthetics, and cultural exploration. Not merely another beauty venture; Paloma is where Southeast Asian biodiversity meets scientific precision, where centuries-old healing traditions merge with contemporary skincare science. Read more: Koh Li Tim Talks Lockdown, TikTok And His Favourite London Haunts Above Paloma is where Southeast Asian biodiversity meets scientific precision, where centuries-old healing traditions merge with contemporary skincare science (Photo: Paloma) Paloma boasts a considerable scientific advantage: an in-house medical scientist with a PhD and over three decades of cosmetic research expertise. This formulator, a family friend of co-founder Howie Lee, now divides his time between cancer research and developing Paloma's sophisticated formulations. "This doctor is actually a family friend of Howie,'s' Koh reveals. "He's seasoned and he focuses on cancer research. He actually researches Southeast Asian herbs... and that's what he's doing now as well as formulating for us." This scientific backbone gives Paloma the authority to bridge traditional wisdom with contemporary efficacy—a balance many brands aspire to but few achieve authentically. See more: Investment banker-turned-skincare CEO Kimberley Ho doesn't take no for an answer 'We started during the Covid-19 pandemic,' he says. The pandemic-era inception meant the brand development stretched over three years, with numerous reformulations and strategic pivots. Initially, the team experimented with Korean manufacturing, believing it would position them advantageously in the market. "We started making products in Korea because we thought that's where it's at. It was a lot of back and forth in those early stages, but the products were not as good as what our doctor was working on.' This willingness to abandon established paths when they don't serve the greater vision underscores Koh's commitment to authenticity over expediency where Paloma is concerned. Even the brand's original name, 'Slate,' was discarded when they realised their vision had evolved. Koh's background in automotive design might seem worlds apart from beauty entrepreneurship, but he sees clear parallels in the creative process. 'Coming from a creative background and a creative family, I think we seek to innovate, and that's what we do in hotel design, for instance,' he reflects. 'In school, I studied automotive design, and that was really the way you were taught. It's a constant thought process to innovate, so doing things run of the mill doesn't really work for me.' This design-thinking approach has shaped Paloma's development, from formulation to branding. The very name 'Paloma'—chosen for its quiet ambiguity: 'It could be a person, it could be a place,'—allowing the brand to transcend geographic limitations while remaining rooted in Southeast Asian heritage. 'Having lived abroad for a time, I absorb the places and cities I see,' Koh shares. 'I love seeing what people like and do and eat. Asian skincare has obviously taken the world by storm. Whether it's Japanese and Korean skincare—these things are so celebrated today.' It's in this rapidly exploding space that he sees Paloma growing considerably beyond even Asia: 'Of course, there's no brand that is quintessentially Southeast Asian—there's no such thing.' This observation became Paloma's North Star—to be the definitive Southeast Asian luxury skincare brand on global shelves, standing alongside established brands like Glow Recipe, Topicals, and Ranavat. Don't miss: Eleena Jamil on sustainable design rooted in Asian context I'm a tough and discerning consumer myself, and frankly, I only want the best. Not the most expensive or the most elite, but the best in function, craftsmanship, innovation, design, uniqueness, and money's worth. - Koh Li Tim - At just eight months old, Paloma has already established distribution in Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. 'The dream for Paloma is to capture the US market,' Koh confides. This global aspiration doesn't mean abandoning Southeast Asian roots—quite the opposite. Paloma aims to expand its botanical portfolio, with upcoming products featuring Moringa Oleifera, Ginger Root, Centella Asiatica (Pegaga), and Piper Betle. In an industry where speed-to-market often trumps thoughtful development, Paloma's patient, heritage-centered approach might just be its most valuable aspect. And for Southeast Asian beauty traditions that have waited millennia for their global moment, a few extra years of thoughtful formulation seems a worthy investment indeed.
