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Refinery29
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Model Mia Regan's H&M Collab Is An Ibiza-Inspired 'Dream Summer Wardrobe'
If your summer plans include beach days, hiking, music festivals, dancing, and dining al fresco, then H&M's new collaboration launching July 17 needs to be on your radar — and in your shopping cart ASAP. British model, content creator, and long-time friend of the retailer Mia Regan has co-designed her 'dream summer wardrobe,' she tells Refinery29. And it's the versatile, travel-ready capsule of our dreams, too. While Regan's Instagram is full of editorials and fashion events, it also highlights her travel adventures and film photography. Often spotted in staple headscarves and hiking shoes on her escapades, Regan's lifestyle and style are reflected in the collection. As she explains, 'I wanted to design it so you could wear it to a festival or on a hike, or out to dinner or drinks with your girls.' From utilitarian capris, which came easily to her, to breezy pieces like a sarong detailed with her hand-drawn illustrations, Regan was hands-on throughout, submitting sketches and collaborating with the Stockholm team. 'I take my film camera everywhere,' she says. 'One of the illustrations is actually from a picture I took on an H&M trip in Portugal — it's me and my friend lying down, and I drew that.'
Refinery29
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Why Tanning Feels So Complicated For South Asian Women Like Me
Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29's global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there's no such thing as safe sun. Six weeks of summer break now feel like a distant memory. Blink and suddenly your free time is rationed out in annual leave days. Back then, summer followed a familiar pattern: in between playing Snake on my mum's brick phone and reading my latest library book, I'd wait patiently for the first kid on our quiet street to knock on my door with the simple question: 'Do you want to play out? ' This usually meant transforming our empty driveways into makeshift cricket pitches, with green wheelie bins expertly placed as wickets, before taking turns to whack a tennis ball as far as we could. Hours in the sun inevitably left me with a tan, the mark of an enjoyable summer. But not everybody saw my tan as a badge of honour like I did. One day, I walked back into my house after a fun-filled afternoon, ready to relay tales of my (largely fabricated) sporting triumphs. Instead, my aunt led the conversation. She was in total shock — actually, disgust — at my darker skin tone, and scolded my mum for allowing me to play in the sun all summer. 'You look dark just like that Bipasha,' she said with disapproval. She was referring to Bipasha Basu, a prominent Bollywood actress, who was heavily criticised throughout her career thanks to her darker skin. Basu was relentlessly picked apart for not being 'fair and lovely' — a beauty standard thrust on South Asian women. As such, even her acting talent was called into question. The message from then on was clear: dark skin was not pretty. Why is tanned skin still taboo among South Asians? For South Asians, this is a deeply entrenched belief. Historically, darker skin has been associated with lower status, especially among outdoor labourers who spent significant time in the sun. Meanwhile, lighter skin was often considered the ultimate mark of privilege, wealth and a higher social standing. But fast forward to 2025, and this deep-rooted stigma is still pervasive among darker-skinned South Asians today. Being teased and likened to Basu was a regular occurrence during my childhood, and it was confusing. After all, Basu was beautiful; she was a Bollywood star for goodness' sake. So why were our similar skin tones such a bad thing? And why was it acknowledged with so much overt distaste? While it felt conflicting, I saw no appeal in hiding away from the sun just to stay fair. I didn't recognise it then, but I'd later realise that this was colourism rearing its ugly head. I'm certainly not the only one who's been side-eyed — or openly shamed — for enjoying some sun. In fact, this tension is commonplace in South Asian families. Bhavi*, who was 25 at the time, recalls returning from a beach holiday feeling herself. She'd attained a 'nice glow', but her family didn't take the same view. They were worried she would look 'too dark' for an upcoming wedding and Bhavi tells me that she was strongly encouraged to use tan remover to ensure she looked good in her sari. After this incident, not to mention a string of similar experiences that followed, tanning now has a derogatory connotation for Bhavi. Even if somebody genuinely compliments her tan, it still feels like a criticism: 'I automatically take it as a negative thing,' she says. ' I think it's time to let go of the myth that melanin is some type of super shield — or worse, something to fear or be ashamed of. ' Why are so many South Asians reluctant to wear sunscreen? South Asian beauty standards have long dictated the 'right' skin tone, among other ideals such as clear skin and thinness. This has inevitably shaped our complex relationships with tanning — and inadvertently sun protection, too. Colourism and outdated beauty ideals also shape how — and if — South Asian women use sun protection. Sunscreen is rarely used for skin health, but rather to appease internalised fears of becoming 'too dark'. In some cases, sunscreen is avoided altogether — and there is evidence to support this. According to a 2024 study in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, one-third of South Asian American respondents reported being more concerned about the prevention of tanning over skin cancer. This makes sense, given that sun protection advice for South Asians tends to be limited to: 'Don't get too dark, otherwise nobody will marry you.' In a similar vein, a 2025 study showed that 41% of surveyed South Asian adults said they skip sunscreen due to 'low perceived risk' of sun damage. This goes to show just how little the benefits of wearing sunscreen are discussed in South Asian households, let alone taken seriously. It is unsurprising, then, that many South Asian women tell me they began their SPF journeys much later in life. Riya*, who is 43 next month, admits that she only started using sunscreen three years ago. It wasn't a dermatologist or a skincare influencer that got through to her, but her 13-year-old daughter, who Riya says is 'constantly schooling' her on the topic: 'I genuinely never knew how much of a concern [sun damage] was,' she says, grateful to her daughter for pushing the subject. This is particularly heartening because, speaking from experience, getting a South Asian to change their viewpoint is no small feat. As a community, we are undeniably stuck in our ways, so Riya's story is a reminder that the next generation of South Asians can be better informed and break the cycle. Similarly, Meena*, 47, rarely used sun protection growing up, but began to take it more seriously in the last ten years. This became even more pressing after a recent health scare. Meena had a basal cell carcinoma — the most common type of skin cancer, usually caused by sun exposure — removed earlier this year. 'I never thought I could get skin cancer,' Meena tells me. She was surprised to learn from her doctor that it was not down to new sun exposure, but rather the result of several years of UV exposure over time. Reflecting on South Asian attitudes around sunscreen, Meena points out: 'Darker-skinned communities don't really think about [skin cancer] as they've lived without sun protection for generations, so it's pretty standard to not use any.' Is it time for South Asians to rethink our approach to sun protection? If there was ever a time for South Asians to rethink their relationship with sun protection, it's now. Meena's story tracks with what consultant dermatologist Dr Angela Tewari is seeing in the clinic. She tells me that skin cancer statistics and the demographics it affects have shifted since COVID: 'The number of early melanomas, basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas is increasing,' she explains. There's data to support Dr Tewari's anecdotal evidence. Skin cancer cases are on the rise and the projected numbers for 2025 are sobering. According to Melanoma UK, 19,513 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year. In the US, the Skin Cancer Foundation estimates 212,000 new cases and 8,430 related deaths. While there is less data on skin cancer rates among South Asians, the risk is still very real and stories like Meena's are a stark reminder of the price of dismissing sun care. This is especially important given the longstanding myths that 'brown people can't get skin cancer' or 'brown people can't burn'. I have personally shown the latter to be false. These beliefs clearly still hold a lot of weight in South Asian communities; nearly half of the surveyed South Asian Americans in the aforementioned 2024 study believe they are not at risk of skin cancer. London-based consultant dermatologist Dr Shaaira Nasir wants to dispel the falsehood that South Asians are somehow immune to skin cancer: 'Even though melanin provides some protection against the sun's harmful rays, as [South] Asians we still need to protect our skin by using sunscreen,' she explains. She adds that sun exposure is cumulative and causes around 80% of our skin ageing. So where do you even start with sun protection? Dr Shaaira recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50. 'It's worth investing in a tinted mineral sunscreen (containing zinc or titanium oxide) that will protect against both UV and visible light,' she adds. It sounds simple enough, but for many South Asian women, finding the right sunscreen is anything but. Many sunscreens on the market are guilty of leaving a lingering white cast, which may be another reason why sunscreen is often skipped. Of course, some products don't leave the cast of shame, but they're not always easy on the wallet. What the industry needs is innovative sun protection with brown skin tones in mind, as well as accessible price points. Dr Tewari agrees that increased melanin is nowhere near enough protection on its own. Even more concerningly, she sees many South Asian patients with darker skin tones who are often worried about skin issues like hyperpigmentation — worsened by sun exposure — but far fewer who are considering the risk of skin cancer. To bridge this disconnect, Dr Tewari is keen to see South Asians not only protect their skin but also celebrate their skin colour regardless of the shade. 'We all need to love and accept our skin tone,' she says, adding, 'My patients of colour probably don't appreciate how lucky they are to have a beautiful darker skin tone.' But the narrow goal of fair skin often means that we can't see past the cultural constraints and aren't thinking of the bigger picture when it comes to sun protection. I think it's time to let go of the myth that melanin is some type of super shield — or worse, something to fear or be ashamed of. Our melanin makes us beautiful, yes, but it doesn't make us invincible. We also don't need to hide from the sun (despite what the whispers of cultural stigma might have you believe), but rather rewrite what sun protection looks like for us, with daily SPF and regular skin checks (perhaps even mole mapping) as part of that routine. More crucially, we need a shift in the cultural conversation around sun care. There is an undeniable knowledge gap around this in South Asian communities, stemming partly from ignorance and generational beliefs. But as Meena's 'eye-opening' skin cancer experience shows, it has never been more important for South Asians to educate themselves, not just for their own sake but for future generations.
Refinery29
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
How Gabby Thomas Uses Fashion To Channel Her 'Alter-Ego' On The Track
In anticipation of the 2025 ESPY Awards on July 16 — which looks back at the 2024 accomplishments of world-class athletes — track and field star Gabby Thomas is looking forward to a brighter future. 'I think we're in such a great era for women's sports, and I'm just so proud to be a part of that and to be having that impact on not just the people watching but especially the younger generation,' she tells Refinery29. The five-time Olympic medalist is nominated for Best Athlete in the Women's Sports category, following the most recent 2024 Paris Olympics, where she won three gold medals. Thomas' ESPY category is being sponsored by TJ Maxx, who is also dressing her for the evening. 'I'm thrilled to be partnering with TJ Maxx because they're so committed to celebrating women like me who are redefining the game and owning who they are,' Thomas says, hinting she'll be wearing an all-white 'bridal-era' look following her recent engagement to Spencer McManes. "I went with something white with some fluffy, feathery finishes." When speaking about fashion's recent embracing of athletes, Thomas — who has since the Olympics appeared on the cover of Vogue 's Winter Issue and attended the 2025 Met Gala — says that 'this moment for women in sports and fashion is long overdue and very well deserved.' She adds: 'Historically, women in sport have been using self-expression and fashion in their sports. We've seen it in track and field for so long. Think about Flo-Jo [Florence Griffith Joyner] and the impact that she's had, and her style and fashion.' Today, Thomas uses personal style to set her up for success on the track. 'One of my favorite parts about race day is dressing up and kind of tapping into that alter-ego version of myself. And just tapping into that energy through what I'm wearing, through how I'm doing my hair, and just the whole look,' Thomas says. 'One thing about being in the track community is that when you look good, you feel good, you run good.' At the ESPYs, Thomas will be in good company, nominated alongside gymnast Simone Biles, basketball player A'ja Wilson, and fellow track and field athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. 'I'm really proud to stand alongside them in showing the world how impactful and powerful women's sports are,' says Thomas. 'It just feels really good to be up there representing our sport. It's something that I've always dreamed of when I was a little girl.' While she can't control the outcome of who will go on to win the award, Thomas is taking the future of track and field into her own hands. Together with fellow Olympians Sha'Carri Richardson and Tara Davis-Woodhall, she has come on as an adviser-owner of Athlos League, a team-based, women-centric track and field competition set to debut in 2026. 'I've always wanted to leave the sport better than I found it. And the fact that we were able to do that, and also celebrate powerful women and uplift female athletes in the process, it means everything to me,' she says. 'It's going to be such a great opportunity for us athletes in the sport in terms of having competition, in terms of being paid, and just shaking things up a little bit with the new format… [and] to inspire the next generation and show what we can do in sports.' The 2025 ESPY Awards will be broadcast on ABC at 8 p.m. EST on June 16 and streamed on Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.
Refinery29
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Refinery29
The Best Things R29 Editors Bought Last Month — All Under £50
Not to freak you out or anything, but we are officially more than halfway through 2025. Summer is firmly underway, and that means our editors are busy having fun in the sun (with our SPF slathered on) — and, of course, looking good while doing it. When it comes to summer essentials, a few things come to mind: sweat-proof makeup, sun protection (in the form of sunscreens, hats and more), holiday-ready 'fits and accessories, all of which figured heavily in our editors' order histories last month. And now, we're spilling all in our monthly favourites column. As we do without fail, we're presenting the best products (and general life-enhancing things) Refinery29 editors shopped and loved — (almost) all coming in under £50. The price point hits a sweet spot of quality and affordability, and as you know, we're all for buying fewer, better things we plan to keep for years to come. Without further ado, keep clicking to peruse the most exciting purchases to blow up the group chat (and company Slack channels) from the month of June. All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Refinery29
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Damson Madder's Summer Collection Is Vacation-Ready — And On Sale
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Welcome to New Arrivals, where R29 editors test out the latest pieces from their favorite brands and share their top looks. Whether you're overwhelmed by the number of places to shop or trying to hone in your personal style, come along as we explore 'fits, fabrics, styling potential, and more by sorting through the virtual and IRL shelves at our go-to shopping destinations. Ever since Damson Madder burst onto the fashion scene, there's been a 'Damson Maddening' at Refinery29, with at least one editor wearing a piece from the brand at the office at all times. Founded by Emma Hill in 2020, with a slower and more ethical approach to fashion, the brand has since become a go-to source for dopamine dressing. After becoming disillusioned with the high-street category, Hill wanted, as she told Refinery29 last year, 'to have a dress or blouse with extra things that are exciting. I wanted people to look and say, 'Oh my God, where did you get that lovely piece?' [but] I was disappointed by the quality of the product and the lack of responsibility taken.' Since then, the brand has gone from strength to strength, and today you can't go to any buzzing brunch spot, weekend market, or beer garden without seeing the label's exaggerated collar blouses, quilted vests in funky prints, or milkmaid dresses. Known for its playful and vibrant style, the brand has gained popularity among celebrities, influencer,s and fashion insiders, with Anya Taylor-Joy, Emma Roberts, and Olivia Rodrigo all regularly spotted in Damson looks. The brand's summer 2025 collection includes plenty of Damson trademarks — denim, playful prints, bows and bold colorways — updated for the moment. You'll find trending cherry red, fruit prints, and corset-inspired lacing on the brand's clothing, with sizes ranging from 6 to 20. Here are our picks for the warmer months ahead. Bonus: Many of the picks are currently on sale. Depending on your height, the effortlessly cool Charlotte could be a midi or a maxi. (As someone petite, it's the latter on me, which I am all for; I'm a sucker for a long skirt.) The sky blue version is ultra-feminine but still laid-back (my sweet spot). Close up, you can see the embroidery-style flower details on the silky fabric, which is a lovely touch. The ruched panel at the waistline offers multiple points to adjust the fit — something all skirts should have — so you can alter the look and feel depending on the day and look. Pair with a simple white tee and sandals, and you're Aperol-in-the-park ready. Damson Madder New Arrivals: Pants, Shorts & Skorts The utilitarian skort that I used to sport back in high school has been given the Damson treatment. While I wasn't at first sold on the design, the lightweight denim in a pale wash is not only extremely flattering but also fun to wear. With the appearance of a wrap skirt and practicality of hot pant shorts, the Rory is perfect for a park chill, bike rides, and balmy summer evenings. Damson Madder New Arrivals: Dresses I, like many of the brand's fans, fell in love with Damson Madder for its dresses. I have never received so many compliments, been stopped in the street so many times, or felt as comfortable as I have in a Damson Madder dress. The Angelina midi is my new obsession. Made from 100% organic cotton, it features a fitted, laced bodice and voluminous skirt that creates a satisfying sway with every step. Feminine without feeling saccharine, it includes every girl's favorite dress feature: pockets. Yes, yes, and yes! Damson Madder New Arrivals: Swimsuits If festival season styl e is anything to go by, bikini tops are now just… tops. In the sweltering heat, why opt for anything other than a swimming top and gym shorts? (We can thank Charli XCX and the Brat Pack for this one.) Made from organic and recycled materials, this bow-adorned bandeau is that kind of bikini top that can be worn as part of a matching swimsuit set or on its own. Structured for support, with a playful design, it begs to be taken to the Italian Riviera — or, in my case, to Spain.
