Latest news with #TanFrance
Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Knotty but nice: why burl wood furniture is having a moment
Behold the burl wood renaissance! The chicest interiors schemes in high-end homes are increasingly embracing this distinct type of wood as a luxurious design accent. An oak burl coffee table by RH takes pride of place in a reception room at Hollywood actress Emma Roberts's Los Angeles pad, while Queer Eye's Tan France has two burl pieces greeting guests in the entrance hall of his home in Salt Lake City, Utah: a two-door dresser and double-drawer console. Burl wood has an intricate, galaxy-like grain with a curious creation story: the knotty irregularities are often a result of a bulbous growth deformity — a burl — on trees as a result of stress, infection or injury. The interior designer Tatjana von Stein describes burl wood as a 'conceptual juxtaposition', as the material has 'historically been considered a noble wood but is actually cut from the disease of a tree'. Burls affect many tree species whether walnut, oak, maple, birch or cherry. At 1stDibs, the furniture and fashion resale site, searches for burl wood have risen by 205 per cent during the first quarter of 2025, compared with the same period last year, with the most sought-after types of burl furniture being coffee tables, consoles and credenzas or sideboards, with walnut pieces in particular ranking top for desirability. • Read more expert advice on property, interiors and home improvement The wild, abstract grain makes a striking alternative to regular wood. However, its individuality commands a hefty price tag — walnut burl wood is offered as a custom option for Bentley interiors, for instance. As well as its A-list fans, upmarket interior designers have fallen under burl's spell: from Victoria Beckham's designer Rose Uniacke to Eyeswoon's Athena Calderone (who used burl heavily throughout her recent furniture collection for Crate and Barrel). A townhouse at the luxe London development Chelsea Barracks features a bespoke walnut burl headboard designed by Edo Mapelli Mozzi, the chief executive of Banda and husband of Princess Beatrice. 'While burl wood has long been prized for its interesting grain patterns and was quite popular in the 17th and 18th centuries — when it was used with similarly interesting decorative veneer types such as crotch walnut, oyster veneer and feather banding — collectors today are most interested in modern examples, and more than 85 per cent of listings on 1stDibs for burl furniture are from the 20th and 21st centuries,' explains Anthony Barzilay Freund, the editorial director at 1stDibs. 'Within that period, [burl] is probably most closely associated with 1970s design, as well as the work of Milo Baughman, who often used olive burl in his designs.' Over in Utah, Emily Thurman (of the design practice Emily Thurman Studio) was an early collector of Baughman's work, before his designs began trending in recent years. 'Baughman had strong ties to Utah, which allowed me to purchase some of his originals from his family members here in Salt Lake City,' she says. 'He was a pioneer for modern bookmatched burl veneer pieces in the 1960s and 1970s with his well-known collaboration with Thayer Coggin. Shortly after, brands like RH [formerly Restoration Hardware], Lulu and Georgia, and CB2 started to mass produce and license their own versions of his work and I really saw the trend take off. This got me very excited to see the love for burl shared in the design community.' Vinterior, the second-hand online furniture platform, is also reporting a 22 per cent increase in burl wood furniture sales compared with last year, but beyond the growing appetite for authentic vintage and antique burl wood pieces, modern-day design brands have been responding by launching their own iterations. Soho Home's spring-summer 2025 furniture drop includes a 15-piece burl wood collection, from its bathroom-friendly Garbo double vanity unit — a pair of fluted golden dolomite marble sinks atop a light mappa (European black poplar) burl veneer cabinet (£5,995, — to a console table combining scalloped olive ash burl and dark emperador marble (£2,995, • Inside the Seletti owner's colourful and kitsch home Part of the reason for its soaring popularity is down to the fact that you can add a splash of burl into most interiors schemes — whether classic or contemporary, as Candy Murray, the interior design manager at Soho Home, explains: 'Burl is such a versatile material to use due to the variety of natural textures and colours available. Its adaptability is why we've added 15 new products across all categories to our spring-summer 2025 range. The natural wood grain pattern adds depth within an interior and creates a statement when paired with quieter materials.' Kevin Frankental, creative director of the furniture brand Lemon, notes that working with burl 'involves a significant handmade process, making it the antithesis of mass production when done properly. At Lemon, we design with a deep respect for history while maintaining a modern approach. Nostalgia is a central theme in our work, and burl wood carries a certain romance. It transforms simple forms into something sculptural and intriguing.' At Glassette — the curated online homeware marketplace co-founded by 'London's coolest millennial' Laura Jackson — burl furniture from Meola Interiors will shortly be added to the roster of brands (a coffee table costs £1,610, Meanwhile Collection Seven, Jess Hubner's made-to-order British furnishing brand, reports sales of burl wood furniture have gone up by 420 per cent in the past three months and, on the high street, H&M Home stocks a poplar burr wood veneer side table (£119, while West Elm has several burl options on sale: a six-drawer desk (£798.95, and wooden trays (from £15.20, George Silcock, an associate at the Cambridge auction house Cheffins, notes: 'Burl wood furniture is making a comeback, and this was evident at the Decorative Fair this year where it featured heavily on the stands of some of the UK's best-known interior designers. We have seen at auction that there's been a tangible increase in interest from antiques dealers in burl wood, whether that be triform tables, picture frames, boxes, bedside cabinets or bookcases. 'It has now really exploded onto the interior design scene. As always, fashions in the interior design world which hit the high street always have an impact on auction room prices. And this has certainly been the case at Cheffins, where I have seen a number of our regular antiques dealers or private collectors particularly on the lookout for burr wood pieces, ideally in walnut or maple. • Inside the Hamptons hideaway of a New York creative 'In antique terms, burl wood is commonly seen in provincial school furniture from the 19th century, and its unusual markings can make simple designs really stand out. However, there was also an increase in the use of burl in the art deco period when it was used by makers such as Heal's to create bookcases or occasional tables — this year Cheffins sold a 1930s Heal's walnut burl bookcase for £1,800, against an estimate of £500 — and again in the 1960s and 1970s. As modern-day tastes shift further away from mass-produced, Identikit items, burl wood is the epitome of individuality. Every piece is different and that originality is really what buyers are looking for today.'
Business Insider
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
MasterClass Memorial Day Sale: Save 40% on your first year of celebrity-led online courses
If you're hoping to find a new hobby or pick up a new skill, taking an online course can be a great first step. Luckily, there are lots of online learning platforms that can help you out. But out of all the ones we've tested, MasterClass offers some of the best topics and instructors, especially for learning creative skills. That said, a membership isn't cheap, and there's no free version. But if there's a class you've been itching to try, you're in luck. The current MasterClass 2025 Memorial Day Sale is a great opportunity to get a discounted subscription. In honor of the holiday, MasterClass is offering 40% off your first year of any annual plan, bringing the Standard plan down to $72, the Plus plan down to $108, and the Premium plan down to $144. While MasterClass ran a similar promotion just a month ago for its Spring Forward Sale, it's unlikely we'll see a deal this good again until Black Friday, so now's the time to subscribe if you missed out on the last sale. A MasterClass subscription gives you access to hundreds of courses across 11 subject areas, from music to art and design to sports, so your options are by no means limited. Many of the classes are led by celebrity instructors, so you have the opportunity to learn from true experts in the field. Some of our favorites include "Style for Everyone" with Tan France, "Cooking" with Wolfgang Puck, "Science and Problem Solving" with Bill Nye, and more. Read our full MasterClass review to learn more about how the platform works. Keep in mind that the 40% discount only applies to your first year of MasterClass. Once a year has passed, your subscription will automatically renew at the original price, although you can cancel at any time. Follow our WhatsApp channel on mobile for more deals, buying guides, and reviews MasterClass Memorial Day Sale frequently asked questions When does the MasterClass Memorial Day Sale end? The MasterClass Memorial Day Sale is currently live and will end immediately after the holiday, which falls on Monday, May 26. What are the different MasterClass plans I can choose from? MasterClass offers three annual plans, all of which include access to all 200+ courses on the site. The standard plan, which typically costs $120 a year, gives you access to MasterClass on one device and doesn't allow offline downloads. The Plus plan, which typically costs $180 a year, adds on a second device and offline downloads. Finally, the Premium plan, which typically costs $240 a year, gives you MasterClass on six devices and offline downloads. All three annual plans are eligible for the Memorial Day discount, so you can choose the best one for you based on your budget and preferences. Can I gift a MasterClass subscription to someone else? MasterClass offers gift versions of all three subscription plans, which are also eligible for the Memorial Day discount. If you're interested in gifting a subscription to someone else, learn more on the MasterClass website.
South China Morning Post
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Who is Tan France's artist husband, Rob France? The Queer Eye star, making his acting debut in new Disney+ show Deli Boys, met the former Mormon on a dating site – and they have 2 sons
Tan France made his acting debut this month, transforming from one of the 'fab five' stars of Queer Eye into a ruthless gangster in new comedy series Deli Boys. 'I can't even tell you what joy it brought me, playing this role,' he told ABC News Australia. 'On Queer Eye and every other project I do, I get to just be myself … I didn't realise how easy it was to just be me on television.' Married men: Tan France (left) and Rob France. Photo: @tanfrance/Instagram Advertisement His new role taught him to challenge himself. 'The reason why I love Deli Boys [and] this character of Zubair is because I had to push myself more than I have pushed myself in decades,' he told the media outlet. 'I've not really challenged myself in years.' Although he's in only one episode of the Hulu-streamed show, he encourages everyone to go and watch the series. 'We need more diversity in television,' he said in an Instagram post promoting the Disney+ production. 'We need to see stories like this, and so, we need people to watch it and talk about it – otherwise, we don't get shows like this.' Tan France, here with husband Rob France, appears in the Disney+ show Deli Boys. Photo: @tanfrance/Instagram But what do we know about Tan France's husband, Rob France? Here's what we've gathered. Where is Rob France from? Rob France was raised a Mormon in Wyoming. Photo: @tanfrance/Instagram Rob France, a former Mormon , hails from a small town in Wyoming where his family ran a cowboy ranch, according to The Guardian. He moved to Salt Lake City for university, per his 2015 interview with the Salt Lake City Weekly. 'I moved down here for the universities, but I stayed for the mountains and the attractive people,' he joked, before adding: 'I'm serious.' What does Rob France do for a living?
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
This white tee from Madewell is one of the best you can buy — here's why
A white T-shirt is the backbone of any closet. Not to be dramatic, but a white tee is to wardrobes as water is to humans. Why? The fashion basic is versatile, low-maintenance and useful no matter your aesthetic. But much like a pair of jeans or a comfortable bra, finding a good one can be tricky. As someone who has owned hundreds of white tees in what I like to think of as my very fashionable 30 years, I'm always on the lookout for a new one. On the recommendation of Yahoo's Amanda Garrity, I ordered the Madewell Northside Vintage Tee (which also topped our list of the best white T-shirts). After about six months of wear, I'm calling it: It's the closest thing there is to the elusive perfect white T-shirt. I literally shop for a living, but one of the hardest things about choosing a white tee is that it's so simple, making it easier to pick out any and every flaw. However, when I tried the Madewell tee on, I could tell that this was the one my wardrobe was missing. The soft but structured fabric felt fancy, and the silhouette was so flattering that, dare I say, I looked hot in a white T-shirt and jeans. In fact, when my fiancé came home from work, one of the first things he said was, "Ooh, is that a new T-shirt? I like it!" (Automatic gold star — for the fiancé and the tee.) Obviously, every body type is different. I'm 5-foot-2 with a long torso, smaller chest and hips that are wider than my waist. I gravitate toward more cropped tees that don't feel overwhelming, but this shirt was much more flattering than I expected and true to size. The tee fits exactly as Madewell describes: "slightly shrunken." It's relaxed but still slim-fitting, so there's no sacrificing shape for breeziness. The hem hits right at the top of my hip, which is great because I, much like Tan France, love a good French tuck (where you just tuck in the front of the shirt and leave the back out) with a pair of high-waisted jeans. As far as the sleeves go, they're on the shorter side, but they have enough room so my pits don't suffocate. I'm a sweatier-than-normal person, so this is very important to me. All in all, the sizing is accurate and the silhouette is flattering for such a simple tee. Size up for a looser fit! Softness is one of the most important things when it comes to finding the perfect T-shirt. While I know that it's subjective, I found that this 100% cotton tee was incredibly soft and lightweight right off the bat without being thrown in the wash. It's neither flimsy nor stiff, making it feel a lot more expensive than it is. That said, it's not the absolute softest of tees (that would be Madewell's Softfade Cotton Boxy-Crop Tee). I have yet to wear it through a full summer, but I did bring it on a recent (very humid) Florida vacation. While there was some sweat happening, I found it breathable enough to keep on all day without feeling like death. Another thing: I've only owned it for about six months, but it's durable — I've been wearing it multiple times a week. So far, there are no holes or loose threads, and it has resisted any shrinking. As a white-tee lover, I've resigned myself to the fact that all of them are always going to be a little bit sheer. This one, though, is the most opaque white tee I've worn. If you're wearing a dark or brightly colored bra, it might show through in bright lighting, but only if you're really looking for it. Want to be safe, though? Just throw on a nude bra and you'll have zero problems. I love to wear the Skims Fits Everybody T-Shirt Bra with a white tee — there are so many shades to choose from with a variety of undertones. A white tee goes with anything and everything. Like I mentioned, I love tucking it into a pair of high-waisted jeans. If I want to feel chic and chill, I'll just pair it with a pair of light wash jeans (any style) and heeled booties. Pairing it with black jeans and white sneakers is also an easy casual combo. Because the fit is flattering without being too tight or boxy, it's easy enough to dress up for the office or other buttoned-up occasions. Just style it tucked in with a pair of trousers or a polished midi or maxi skirt. Leave the sneakers at home, sling on a blazer or elegant cardigan and you're good to go. I also recently had an, "oh, I look CUTE" moment when wearing it with my favorite heeled boots and a satin slip midi skirt. And before you ask, it fits comfortably underneath a pullover sweater. No need to worry about bulkiness, bunched-up sleeves or peeping necklines. Am I replacing all of my other white tees for the Madewell Northside Vintage Tee? No. (I like having options!) However, this is the most basic of the basic tees, which makes it a super versatile addition to my closet. And because it's easily the tee I've worn the most, I'm planning on buying a couple more in white, as well as grabbing it in gray and black.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The best petite clothing brands that don't come up short on style
Good news for us girls who aren't your textbook 5ft 5in size 10 (hello, vast majority of the UK), the best petite clothing brands are going from strength to strength. While we still have some way to go yet in terms of total body inclusivity in fashion, in recent years, we've been pleased to see a shift when it comes to catering for a broader range of body shapes and sizes. The reality is, though, not all brands are doing size-specific collections yet and it takes much more time and effort to shop for clothes that are outside the standard measurements. In the past, we've researched the best plus size brands, and the best tall clothing brands to make life a little easier, and now it's time we did the leg work for all the petite women out there – this one's for you. So, what counts as petite? Well, traditionally it's those measuring 5ft 3in or less, and, contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with weight – just height. Ultimately, it comes down to the right proportions, which is why finding your equivalent size in standard collections doesn't always work. Speaking as a tester who's pushing 5ft 2in and has spent a lifetime rolling up shirt sleeves and avoiding maxi dresses and full-length trousers, it's frustrating. Sure, there are styling tricks to count on, such as the famous French tuck (thanks, Tan France), high waists and, of course, Bondaweb – the hemming hack that petite influencer Joanne of @petitesideofstyle swears by. But when it comes down to it, investing in clothes that are specifically tailored to our frame saves us a whole lot of will-it-won't-it-fit hassle in the first place. For all its fast-fashion flaws, the high street really does come up trumps when it comes to shopping for petite clothing. Influencer Georgie, of @petitegeorgie, swears by Topshop (still available via Asos) – who remembers the Petite range, perfect for jeans in particular? – while, Joanne recommends River Island and Next. There's more than the high street to turn to now as well. Zoe Anastasiou is a 5ft 1in fashion editor dedicated to discovering emerging and independent brands that cater to the petite market. Her go-tos? 'The Shortlist and Reve The Label, are at the top of my agenda for brands to try, while US cult favourite Reformation is my go-to for dresses with no tailoring necessary.' Whatever your needs, preferences and price range, this bumper directory of petite brands should cover it. Keep scrolling and feel those frustrations start to melt away… Best petite clothing brands on the UK high street Asos More than anywhere else with affordable clothing, Asos makes it positively easy to shop for petites. Toggle to the clothing section of the Asos website and find a huge selection under 'body fit'. There's plenty to choose from courtesy of own brand Asos Design, including some excellent denim pieces, but the brand also excels when it comes to basics. There's also a huge range from other retailers you might not think about, such as Stradivarius and Noisy May. Miss Selfridge There's a huge range of everyday pieces available in petite sizes at Miss Selfridge (which is now sold via Asos), from biker jackets to denim. The key selling point has to be the dress and occasionwear selection. Whatever your event, Miss Selfridge probably has a style for it – including lots of jumpsuits, which are so difficult to find for petites usually. Nasty Gal For the latest street-style trends at a fraction of the usual price, Nasty Gal can't be beaten. With petite versions of all its bestselling styles, you won't have to feel like you're missing out. Think tracksuit co-ords in cute pastels, puff-sleeved dresses and wide-leg trousers that actually fit. Topshop Topshop has long been known for its petite offering. As one of the first high street retailers to make it the norm to have tailored versions of its sellout styles, it's a relief that, despite closing the stores and moving to Asos, you can still shop the brand's petite styles online. The denim is particularly good, so don't miss that. Next Next has always been a reliable go-to on the high street for great quality pieces you'll keep in your wardrobe for seasons to come. Its petite section is no different, and it's easy to see the brand has put a lot of thought into the designs. There are jumpsuits in shorter lengths as well as maxi and midi dresses designed to sit at the perfect lengths, so you can still nail these hugely popular trends, whatever your height. River Island River Island is just as good for petite as it is for standard sizing. All the brand's best styles come in petite versions. There's a lot of great suiting, coats and denim to try, too, and the garments all have a premium feel to them, despite the relatively affordable price tags. John Lewis & Partners Although not as extensive as its standard womenswear offering, there are a few petite brands, including Hobbs, worth checking out at John Lewis & Partners. From demure occasionwear dresses for event season to office-appropriate workwear, it's a reliable option to call upon. Marks and Spencer M&S's sartorial greatness is a fact universally acknowledged, isn't it? Affordable, dependable quality, and on-trend with so much choice. Luckily for us shorter girls, the brand's petite range has a lot to offer, too. Most of the brand's trousers and jeans now come in shorter lengths, and, having tried them, we can vouch for them being perfectly proportioned. The best thing about M&S's petite range though is it's more size-inclusive than most, going up to a size 20, in most cases. Oasis Oasis excels in creating floral dresses that are perfect for everyday wear, and there are plenty on offer in its petite range. If you dream of wearing a midi dress that's actually midi, don't miss this collection. Since the brand's relaunch under the Boohoo brand umbrella, it has also upped its trend game, with plenty of cute co-ords and smock-style blouses now on offer to elevate your wardrobe. New Look With a dedicated 'petite' tab on the menu and hundreds of pieces on offer, New Look is not one to overlook when searching for clothes that suit if you're short. You can expect petite versions of the brand's bestsellers as well as unique pieces specifically designed for the line. We particularly love it for classics that might otherwise swamp smaller sizes, such as chic trench coats and straight-leg jeans. Mid-range petite clothing brands available in the UK Boden One of the best petite ranges we've come across is Boden's. It hasn't simply shrunk its best styles but brought out a considered collection of pieces that truly work for petite sizes. The jumpsuits are particularly good, and something that's difficult to make work in standard sizing when you've got a shorter torso and legs. The excellent quality makes it worth that slightly higher price tag. Seasalt If you're a fan of easy dresses and Breton tops, look to Seasalt for your petite styles. Based in Cornwall, it doesn't get much more British than this. Highlights include petite raincoats (something that can easily swamp us shorter ladies), day dresses and wear-everywhere chinos. Me+Em Looking for clothes with a premium feel that don't break the bank? Be sure to check out Me+Em. We're big fans of its design-led take on smart styles you can wear at work or at weekends, day or night. These are investment pieces but the quality is excellent and the designs are timeless enough to last you season after season. There is a handy section on the website dedicated to pieces that work well for petite sizes, all with clever adjustable lengths or smaller sizes. Madewell Madewell is a US import that now ships worldwide (don't worry, all duty and tax costs are included in the checkout price, so you won't get any nasty surprises). Trust us, though, these styles are worth the slightly longer delivery times. Known for its impeccable denim in modern shapes, Madewell also does a great relaxed dress. The petite section on the website makes it easy for us shorties to shop. Paige Always searching for jeans that work on your petite frame? Paige is one of the only luxury denim brands that has a dedicated petite range. You'll pay more for the designer name and premium quality but, when it comes to wardrobe staples you'll wear again and again, it doesn't hurt to invest in one or two great pairs you can truly count on. Reformation Fashion editor favourite Reformation is the place to shop for sustainable petite dresses. Whether it's your wedding, your turn to be a bridesmaid, wedding guest or you've finally got a holiday coming up, most of Reformation's planet-friendly styles come in perfectly tailored petite sizes. There's also pretty co-ords and shorter length trousers. Another brand that started stateside, you can now get free express shipping, free returns and duties and taxes are already included when ordering from the UK. So, really, there's no excuse not to take a scroll. Finding tailored clothes for petites is difficult, to say the least, but makes it easier. There are petite blazers, shirts and workwear-ready dresses, as well as day-to-day denim and holiday linens. The only problem is finding the petite section online – you'll need to head to women's clothing and select the petite size filter. Long-winded, yes, but this uncovers about 100 options, so, once you find it, it doesn't come up short (sorry). Karen Millen Another high-street hero saved by the Boohoo group in recent years, Karen Millen now has a strong online presence and a dedicated petite section to boot. We love its premium tailored pieces, luxe leathers and form-fitting dresses. Elma Lingerie Petite girls still want to have fun, right? If you struggle to find beautiful sexy lingerie in petite sizes, don't miss Elma. These are handmade, made to order, and even bespoke (if that takes your fancy) garments designed specifically for petite frames. Plus, there are beautiful sleepwear options. Little Women This is a lingerie brand designed for those with smaller cup sizes. Although that doesn't always go hand in hand with being petite, it can often be the case, so we wanted to include this brand. Back sizes range from 28-44 and cups up to a B – if that's you, these designs are too beautiful to miss. From non-wired designs (£39, to bras with padding (£39, balconette options, briefs and more, there's lace aplenty. The Shortlist 'Born of the short girl struggle', The Shortlist is an exciting destination for petites. Making small quantities of beautifully designed pieces, all in the UK, the collection consists of dresses and skirts you'll want to wear to breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's a small edit for now but we see a bright future for this inclusive brand. Multi-brand petite clothing retailers Zalando Basically an online department store, Zalando offers an excellent range of brands, from high street to designer. The dedicated petite section is impressive, with trend edits and advice on the latest drops, as well as more than 500 styles from brands you probably won't find anywhere else. Debenhams Debenhams has revamped itself as a new online destination and now stocks a range of high street petite brands with almost 5,000 products to choose from. Brands include Wallis, NastyGal and Dorothy Perkins, and there are often discounts to be had.
