Latest news with #Suit
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Meghan Markle makes huge U-turn as she issues major announcement about her jam
Meghan Markle previously told her podcast that she was "pausing" the restock of her As Ever products, including her jam, but it seems she's backtracked on her future business plans Meghan Markle has made a huge U-turn in a new announcement about restocking her As Ever products, including her jam. In a new Instagram post, she promised that her goods would be back in stock later this month and teased other new items, saying there would be "a few new things we can't wait to show you". The about-turn came just hours after she was heard telling Beyoncé's mother that she had decided to "just pause" until she was completely ready. Meghan appeared on her own podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, yesterday, recorded in May, telling Tina Knowles she feared annoying customers when the first batch of her jam and herbal teas sold out in less than an hour. She said she wanted to wait until it is "completely stable and we have everything we need". However, just hours later, Meghan shared a photo of jam-making preparations including bowls of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, and freshly squeezed lemons, on her Instagram stories, writing: "June gloom?' Not over here! Because this month your favourite products are back." Her official As Ever account also posted: "To all who've been wondering and waiting, thank you. Your favourites are returning, plus a few NEW things we can't wait to show you. Coming this month…get excited!" The duchess's bonus Confessions Of A Female Founder episode with Knowles was recorded on May 5, the day before Prince Archie's sixth birthday. Meghan, who celebrated Princess Lilibet's fourth birthday today by sharing previously unseen black and white family photographs of herself with her daughter, began selling her As Ever products in April. The range includes flower sprinkles, which she used liberally during her Netflix lifestyle show, and raspberry spread, a crepe mix, wildflower honey and an assortment of herbal teas. She renamed her brand from American Riviera Orchard after running into trademark issues. In her podcast from yesterday, Meghan also expressed her dream of launching a future business with daughter Princess Lilibet, after talking to Knowles about the Cecred haircare line she started with Beyonce. "I wonder if one day I'll be in business with Lili and we'll be building something," the duchess said, with Knowles adding: "That's the best." Knowles chatted to Meghan about how pop superstar Beyonce could have been a hairdresser after growing up watching her mother work in a salon. The pair discussed the singer using wigs on stage, with Meghan revealing she was advised by other actresses to start wearing them while working on Suits but she chose not to do so. Knowles said: "She's on a stage with hot lights and she wears wigs a lot, and she's managed to keep her hair beautiful and healthy and that's not an easy task when you're in showbiz.' Meghan replied: "That is a testament. I mean, even on Suits, I was on Suits for seven years, and I remember so many other actresses, especially if you're in that grind, they said 'You are going to fry your hair', and everyone was recommending that I should start wearing wigs. "I never ended up doing it. By the way, if I was in that industry longer, I understand why you need to protect your hair in that way." Get Royal Family updates straight to your WhatsApp!
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Dunnes Stores slaying colour of season', says fan over must-have summer co-ord that's perfect for ‘day-to-night'
A FASHION fan has found a gorgeous satin look co-ord at Dunnes Stores - and it's set to fly off the shelves. As the summer season nears, many 5 A style fan has found a gorgeous co-ord set at Dunnes Stores Credit: Instagram/@juliebyrnes_ 5 It's perfect for formal occasions Credit: Instagram/@juliebyrnes_ 5 The matching co-ord is set to be a huge sell-out this summer season Credit: Dunnes Julie Byrnes Hughes, who posts under Captioning the post, she said: " She revealed the stunning Savida Bailey Statin Lemon Drawstring & Lace Suit set for just €50. The €20 top is designed in a fluid, silky fabric that catches the light and features a drawing hemline that lets you adjust the shape to suit your style. READ MORE ON DUNNES STORES Dunnes Stores' chief said the top is "perfect for day-to-night dressing" during the The €30 wide-leg trousers are crafted from a high-shine, satin-like fabric and feature an elasticated waistband to ensure a relaxed yet flattering fit. And the side panels showcase fine pleating and delicate lace trim. Julie styled the beautiful co-ord set with golden jewellery, a golden style handbag and dark gold heels - the perfect look for formal occasions during the summer. Most read in Fabulous She added: "Run to Dunnes for this co-ord!" Fashion fans can I'm over 40 and tried stunning new summer trousers at Dunnes Stores, I tried so hard NOT to buy them To make it dressy for date nights with the girls, they can opt for a midi slip skirt, heeled sandals, statement earrings, a clutch bag and a cropped blazer - guaranteed to be the main focus of the night. Pair it with high-waisted trousers, blazer, slim belt, low block heels or flats for an office look. The top is available in sizes XXS to XXL, while the trousers come in sizes 6 to 18. Both new items are now available to purchase online and in stores nationwide. However, fashion fans are urged to act swiftly as it is set to be a huge sell-out during the busy summer season. Julie's followers immediately rushed to the comment section to share their thoughts about the matching co-ord set. One person wrote: "Looking fabulous Julie!" Another person added: "Love this outfit." The third person said: "Such a stunning outfit x." 5 Both items are priced at €50 Credit: Instagram/@juliebyrnes_ 5 Fans were left obsessed with her new summer outfit Credit: Instagram/@juliebyrnes_ THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United handed yet ANOTHER blow after what was found at Old Trafford
Manchester United's miserable season shows no sign of ending any time soon - after the Reds lost their Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur last night, it emerged that the club has been handed another two-star food hygiene rating after yet more mouse droppings were found at Old Trafford. The Food Standards Agency has handed the club an improvement notice after inspectors found cleanliness at the club was lacking, with dirty glasses and mouse droppings and concerns about opened food products being kept for too long. The rating follows an inspection in November which saw the club's rating downgraded from four to two, again following the discovery of mouse droppings. The club's standards of cleanliness have been under scrutiny since its food hygiene rating slashed from a five to a one star after hosting a health and safety event in November 2023 when raw chicken thighs were served to 30 people. Inspectors ruled at the time the food served was 'unfit for human consumption'. READ MORE: LIVE: Major junction CLOSED as lorry overturns and leaves huge pile of debris - latest updates READ MORE: Tragic message friend sent to Jay Slater at 3am the morning he went missing More than 250,000 people dine at the stadium's restaurants each season, with 29 kitchens and catering facilities operated from the site. A new report by Trafford Council inspectors following a visit on April 16 has heaped more criticism on the club. Mouse droppings were found behind seating in the Manchester Suit, under equipment in Devil's bar, in kiosks in two areas of the the north east quadrant, in a cupboard in the International Suit, under a buffet counter in Number 7 Suit and in the 'goods received' office, according to the report. The report ordered the club to: "Ensure areas where droppings are present are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. You should continue to work with your pest control provider to take necessary actions." It also ordered more 'proofing' works to kitchen doors in Number 7 Suit and holes for utilities to Devil's bar as well as the external doors to the 'goods received' office after the inspectors found a strip had broken off. The report also recommended 'pest proofing' works at utilities holes at Devil's bar where droppings were found and also in the Manchester Suit as a 'large amount of droppings were found' in a room used to store tables close to food areas. The droppings found in the Manchester Suit were 'not fresh' but the report recommended the use of a vacuum cleaner to remove droppings rather than a brush as old droppings stuck in the hairs could be deposited while cleaning, said the report. The standard of cleaning in the Ambassador Suit required improvement because inspectors found 'food debris, grease and discarded cling film', said the report. A plate stacker in the suit was 'dirty'. The standard of cleaning in the Manchester Suit also 'requires improvement' because inspectors found 'dirt build up on surfaces where drinks lines run'. A 'deep clean' of the bars in the suit was required while the inside of fridges at one of the bars was 'dirty' which 'resulted in a build-up of detritus on glasses being stored within it', said the report. Inspectors also found 'some dirt build-up at low level areas in the walk-in freezer and large blast chiller' in a kitchen while 'dirt build-up' was found on sliding doors to a fridge in kiosks in two areas of the eastern side of the ground, according to the report. Club staff were unaware a tripped fuse had caused a lack of hot running water at a basin in the 'goods received' office while there was no soap at another basin in the Red Cafe, said the report, which ordered the club to have 'soap available for use at all times' at basins in the ground. Inspectors also found a container of pesto in a fridge at the Red Cafe had a '1 month' label attached to it even though the manufacturer recommended it should be used within eight days. A container of dressing also had a 1 month label attached even though the manufacturer said the product should be used within four weeks. The inspectors ordered the club to ensure staff were applying the correct shelf life to products 'as per manufacturer's instructions'. A Manchester United spokesperson said: "Manchester United implements a robust pest-control system throughout Old Trafford. "Multiple weekly checks are made in all catering areas and stringent measures are taken to ensure levels of hygiene and cleanliness are high wherever food is stored, prepared and served. "If incidences of this nature do occur at the stadium, immediate and appropriate action is taken."
Daily Mail
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Meghan Markle's unlikely Aussie ally revealed as they rush to the defence of Duchess of Sussex in foul-mouthed rant
Meghan Markle has found an unlikely ally in an Australian podcast host. Abbie Chatfield came out swinging in defence of the Duchess of Sussex in an Instagram video this week and called out the former Suit star's trolls. She described Meghan's haters as 'weird' as she discussed comments left under an interview the Duchess did on self-Improvement podcast The Jamie Kern Lima Show over the weekend. Meghan broke down in tears during a rare emotional sit-down with friend Jamie Kern Lima as she opened up about family life in Montecito with her husband Prince Harry and their children and the toll public judgement has taken on her over the years. One of the comments under the video read: 'Doing what she does talking about herself.' 'Meghan Markle haters are so weird,' Abbie said in a short video posted to her Stories on Wednesday. 'Because this person commented this on a video of Meghan Markle being interviewed.' 'You guys are weird as f***,' Abbie added, as she did an impression of the troll. 'There she goes again, talking about herself, in an interview where she was asked a question about herself. 'You guys are f***ing losers!' This isn't the first time the Australian media identity has called out the anti-Meghan vitriol online. 'Meghan Markle's only crimes are being cringe and being earnest,' Abbie said in a previous video on TikTok, after With, Love Meghan debuted on Netflix in March. 'The poor thing's got this very uncomfortable show that's come out. It was very painful to watch. I think she's hyper anxious,' Abbie added. 'She's anxious. She used to be a bit less cringe and earnest, but she's always kind of been like this. This isn't the first time the Australian media identity has called out the anti-Meghan vitriol online 'People are saying she's a narcissist and obsessed with taking Harry, just gobbling up the British press. 'Let her do a TV show about raspberry jam! With celebrities who obviously aren't her friends. Let her be!' Abbie went on to describe Meghan's cringe factor as 'sweet'. 'Yes she's cringe,' Abbie added. 'But she's also quite sweet in her cringeness. I quite like her. I really like her actually.' Referencing Chris Crocker's iconic 2007 rant, she added 'Leave Meghan alone!' Abbie's comments come after The Duchess of Sussex broke down in tears during her rare emotional interview with friend Jamie Kern Lima on Sunday. In her first ever podcast interview, Meghan opened up about family life in Montecito with Harry and their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. She became visibly emotional while reflecting on the toll public judgement has taken on her over the years. 'People don't like me. They don't know me,' Meghan admitted, her voice cracking with emotion. 'You just want to be liked. You just want to be seen for what your own values are.' Fighting back tears, the mum-of-two said she often felt 'picked apart' by people. The former actress, 43, has sparked controversy after Jamie shared a picture of a gift food hamper with a note that said it was 'With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex'. Harry and Meghan have previously agreed not to use their HRH titles for commercial purposes following their exit from the British Royal Family in 2020. Although no laws were passed or documents signed to prevent their use, Harry and Meghan's agreement with the late Queen and senior officials was that they would stop using the word 'Royal' and their HRH titles after they quit duties and emigrated to the US to become 'financially independent' from the Crown. A spokesman for the Sussexes insisted on Tuesday that they do not use HRH titles for commercial purposes. But critics have said that the image of the note with some organic ice cream and jam, published yesterday, was a tacit plug for Meghan's As Ever lifestyle range, while also promoting her new podcast episode with her friend Jamie.
Forbes
01-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Luxury Has Evolved. It's Now An Immersive, Deeply Felt Experience
Provocative large-scale Suit Supply brand advertising images depicting a man and woman French kissing in shop windows near Regent Street in London. Photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images. The second Gilded Age? It's not quite as gilded, at least on the outside. In recent decades, luxury has evolved from a surface transactional experience to one focused on longevity, wellness and intense experiences. Consumer values have driven the shift, especially among younger generations. They've doubled down on authenticity, sustainability and meaningful connections. Emotion is the engine behind luxury's new branding. Far from hedonist escapism, this kind of indulgence targets the psyche. When it's most successful, it burrows deep, evoking nothing short of wonder. Brands are increasingly building such experiences into products and services. They target 'the science behind awe—that feeling you get when you're standing in front of something bigger than yourself,' says Alex Hawkins, director of strategic foresight at the Future Laboratory, a consultancy marketing firm with offices in London, New York, São Paulo and Melbourne. For consumers, moments of wonder—triggered by nature, art, spirituality and connection, deepen a sense of belonging. To further his point, Hawkins refers to Dacher Keltner's book, 'Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.' Keltner examines the effects of awe on human well-being, creativity and social connection, citing research and anecdotes. Moments of wonder—triggered by nature, art, spirituality and connection—deepen a sense of belonging. Pair that with high-end amenities delivered with a consummate service model, and brands hit the sweet spot of what today's luxury consumer searches for. 'Feeling deeply is becoming a form of luxury,' Hawkins says. 'Feeling good, rather than just looking good, is aspirational.' The concept is explored in the report, New Codes of Luxury: Longevity & Wellbeing Strategies, created by the Future Laboratory in collaboration with the Together Group, a collective of creative consultancies. Keltner and others say experiences are more memorable if associated with potent feelings of joy or wonder. Recognizing this powerful—and lucrative—trigger, brands have shifted to emotional storytelling when conveying a sense of identity. Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, Louis Vuitton Store. Louis Vuitton was among the first to recognize how crucial a deep emotional connection is to a brand; the company launched its Travel Book collection in 2013. Artists are commissioned to capture the essence of cities through artworks that are compiled into high-end books. Congolese painter Chéri Samba, for example, captured Paris with his deeply hued surreal images. His work is now in the Paris-based Fondation Louis Vuitton, which promotes the arts, located in a Frank Gehry-designed building. The striking building and the museum are additional ways Louis Vuitton extended its reach into the arts, linking profound emotional connections to its brand. Luxury scents often link to trends in ritual and mindfulness practices: meditation, yoga and sleep routines. 'Personal fragrance is another interesting example,' adds Hawkins. 'It's now being positioned as a wellness tool, not just as a beauty product. Scent is incredibly evocative.' Brands use scents to trigger specific emotions and stimulate certain parts of the brain for a desired effect, he says. Such scents link to trends in ritual and mindfulness practices: meditation, yoga and sleep routines. Or they enhance moods, and claim to reduce stress or tighten the ability to focus. One example: Diptyque's "Les Mondes de Diptyque" candle collection. The five candles (from tree moss to orange blossom scents) represent 'a tale transformed into scents … telling of secret and miraculous places, of nature and culture, working as one to captivate the senses,' according to the product's marketing copy. The Parisian company elevated the simple task of lighting a candle to a higher plane: 'Light a candle and feel the beauty of the world.' French perfumer Olivia Giacobetti creates the scents and Italian designer Cristina Celestino designs the oval glass containers. The candles are priced at $285; refills cost $123. Haute fashion houses like Fendi, Cavalli and Armani have entered the branded residence market. The New Codes of Luxury report cites 'the total experience' that purveyors of luxury aim to conjure for consumers. 'Beyond owning goods, consumers want to enter curated worlds that resonate on a personal and cultural level,' states the report. Those worlds are nearly always associated with brands. Over three-quarters of luxury consumers highly value being part of a brand's community, according to the Global Wellness Institute. That trend is perhaps most striking as seen in branded residences, which are gaining in popularity. While luxury hotels lead the market, haute fashion houses (Fendi, Cavalli, Armani) and top-notch automotive brands (Aston Martin, Bentley, Porsche) have built towers that lure customers with high brand loyalty. The branded residence trend accelerated in 2020; the industry is now valued at $66 billion worldwide, according to Luxonomy, which studies luxury trends. Dubai and Miami are hot spots, although Asia has seen an uptick in interest. Living luxuriously well into older age is a new signifier of privilege. Having a luxurious, deeply-felt lifestyle is one thing. But extending the pleasure into older age marks a new signifier of privilege, according to the New Codes of Luxury report. 'Surging interest in longevity is rewriting the luxury playbook across beauty, health and hospitality,' states the report. The trend largely involves integrating such service as spas, wellness facilities and food and beverage venues into personalized programs. An example: Geneva's Mandarin Oriental, which partners with CENAS, a Swiss sleep center. Guests can sign up for polysomnographic tests that diagnose sleep disorders. After analysis, they receive write-ups and consultations that help maximize sleep and energy levels. Biohacking is a fancy term for lifestyle modifications that include cutting down on alcohol or coffee, incorporating intermittent fasting and strapping on devices that monitor body functions. According to Nova One Advisor, which reports on market research, the market is valued at $16 billion and is expected to grow 20% each year through 2030. 'EXQ Equinox' is a prime example of a biohacking service, offered by Equinox fitness centers for an annual fee of $40,000. The program includes more than 100 trackers for such biomarkers as hormones, nutrients and metabolic conditioning. Personal coaches skilled in health, sleep and nutrition also advise clients. More than 75% of customers now expect personalization when interacting with brands. Hyper-personalization has become the new standard of exclusivity in luxurious experiences that target emotions. More than 75% of customers now expect personalization when interacting with brands, according to Zendesk, a data collection firm. Brands that deliver are 70% more likely to cash in on brand loyalty, according to Deloitte. An example: the Ritz-Carlton Residences' 'Experience Studio,' which caters to guests' varied and minute tastes. Guests are matched with teams dedicated to fulfilling most any desire: catered meals, private boat excursions with a storytelling captain at the helm, an anniversary dinner on a private balcony, or just a dog walker. Many luxury brands now combine high-touch with high-touch as they integrate AI into product recommendations that cater to guest preferences. Hotels excel in the field, but fashion houses—Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton—have also leveraged the technology to deliver signature offerings.
