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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Resort Brand Has Quietly Been On Every Season of The White Lotus
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I never thought I'd want to dress like an overbearing Southern mom with a lorazepam addiction, but then there was Victoria Ratliff. On this past season of The White Lotus she wore an impressive collection of loose flowing dresses everyone couldn't stop talking about. She may not have had any idea what country they were in but she clearly knew how to pack for it. One dress she wore that I saw everyone talk about in particular was the Everly Pool Dress by Alémais. It was covered in colorful patchwork squares and so fabulous. Then I realized Kate's bright yellow cut-out floral dress from when she and her friends get caught in a water gun fight was also by the same brand. As was the lovely button-down top she wore at dinner the night before. The mini dress Jaclyn wears when she arrives to Thailand was also by Alémais. As it turns out, a lot of the items I saw most people inquiring about online where all by the new Australian brand, founded just four years ago in 2021. I quickly became obsessed with Alémais because it really felt like the perfect vacation brand. Every item is a trip in itself with rich colors and patterns and textures that transport you to a different place. All its dresses, tops and pants have a loose movement to them that exude comfort and poise. If I saw someone wearing Alémais in real life on vacation I'd probably be equal parts envious and intimidated. Not because they look scary or like they might help initiate my demise à la White Lotus but because they look like the kind of vacation guest I aspire to be. As so I went as far as Marrakech, Morocco to learn more about Alémais. The brand was hosting its Resort show in the city, in very typical White Lotus fashion (Morocco is also a rumored location for Season 5). Alémais creative director and co-founder Lesleigh Jermanus told me the that the idea to have the show, the brand's first outside of Australia, occurred to her after connecting with her friend Laurence Leenaert, a multi-disciplinary artist and the founder of Marrakech-based design studio LRNCE. Jermanus had long been a fan of her work and ultimately bought a blanket from her husband, Ayoub Boualam, who had sent his wife in his place to meet with Jermanus. "What was meant to be a quick exchange turned into a very long, three hour dinner," she told me of the fateful meeting. "Eight years of conversation led us to that point." A collaboration together felt like the most natural next step. At that point, it didn't feel right to celebrate the collaboration in Australia. "We felt like the inspiration was here in Morrocco. We wanted everyone to experience Laurence's world and immerse themselves in what this is. We didn't even think twice." The influence of Marrakesh was more than evident in the Resort 2026 collection. Bold paneling on dresses was inspired by the tiled floors and walls that have come to define the city's architecture, and which also made up the runway. Some dresses featured a modern pannier with arches meant to mimic those of the doorways in Morocco, with colorful fringe falling like a jellyfish's tentacles. Laurence provided more information on interior techniques typical of the local culture, which Jermanus translated into the clothing through cornelly embroidery and diamond patchworks. One particular dress even required seed beading, a new technique Alémais has never done before that required over 317 hours to complete. When I asked Jermanus if she could define the Alémais customer, she said "We can't define her. I feel like there's a real spirit...a real energy to her. But the great thing is they can be thirteen or they can be eighty. It translates to a lot of different people." "Like say, guests of The White Lotus?" I joke. To which Jermanus laughs and nods. The designer proceeds to tell me that they could have never anticipated the amount of pieces that would end up on this past season of the television show. The costume designer, Alex Bovaird, had reached out and they just sent some options. "Four different looks was a pinch me moment!" she said. Sitting at the show, at a tiled hotel in the center of Marrakesh, admiring tie-dye sun hats and tunics covered in silver tabs, also felt like a pinch me moment for myself and every other guest in attendance. As I took in all the rich colors, embroidery and texture of each look, I couldn't help but notice four that really spoke to me as potential Season 5 also, potential summer vacation looks for anyone who wants to look like the most covetable vacationers out there. View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal View Deal
Time Out
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Floral sculptures of Khaleesi, Carmela Soprano and more are blooming in MePa
Mother's Day in NYC is nearly upon us, so don't forget to make that Sunday brunch reservation and order those last-minute flower deliveries! And speaking of florals, the folks over at Max—the HBO streaming arm that's home to popular titles like Hacks, The Pitt, And Just Like That... and more—will be breaking out the blooms in celebration of mom this Sunday, May 11, with a flower exhibit honoring some of television's most iconic matriarchs. From 10am to 4pm on Sunday, head over to the Chelsea Triangle in the Meatpacking District (located on the north side of 14th Street along Ninth Avenue) for the "Mothers of Max" exhibit, a flower installation featuring sculptures of HBO's famous TV moms. Among the onscreen mothers who will be transformed via bloom and blossom are The White Lotus ' lorazepam-loving Victoria Ratliff (memorably played by Parker Posey in the series); Games of Thrones ' very own Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen, played by Emilia Clarke across eight seasons of the fantasy-drama; the O.G. mob wife Carmela Soprano (in a triple-Emmy-winning turn by Brooklyn gal Edie Falco) from The Sopranos; and the legendary Las Vegas stand-up diva Deborah Vance, fabulously depicted by Jean Smart on Hacks. Created in partnership with popular female-founded floral design studio East Olivia, the stunning floral installations are the efforts of renowned Colombia-born, Miami-based artist Federico Uribe, who is famed for transforming everyday objects (everything from shotgun casings to leather sneakers to, in this case, beautiful plants) into colorful figures. During the free and open-to-the-public event, fans can take photos of the unexpected floral showcase and also craft their own bouquets of fresh flowers and botanicals directly from the "Mothers of Max" sculptures to take home—and give to mom, of course.
Mint
30-04-2025
- Health
- Mint
Anxiety attacks: When should you get treated?
Unless you've been living under a rock, you've probably watched season 3 of the dark comedy, The White Lotus . This season saw Victoria Ratliff (played by Parker Posey) spin out of control with anti-anxiety medication, Lorazepam. Posey's incantation of the name even turned into a meme on social media. However, this representation isn't new in Hollywood. In sitcom Grace and Frankie, we see Grace, played by Jane Fonda, taking valium (another drug known to mitigate anxiety) when faced with unexpected situations. And in the mockumentary, Modern Family , Gloria portrayed by Sofia Vergara is seen taking Xanax to calm her nerves before meeting her husband's ex-wife. While these portrayals are often humorous, one is oftentimes left wondering about the impact they could be having on viewers here. Beyond that, it also raises curiosity about when should you be really reaching out for anti-anxiety medication. Mumbai-based psychiatrist Dr Sapna Bangar feels that the situation in India is more complex than in the West. 'There's a significant cultural barrier to openly discussing mental health and greater reliance on alternative therapies. But as awareness rises and more people recognize anxiety as a serious issue, both medication and therapy could gradually become more accessible." To be sure, work load, family issues and lifestyle stress have made anxiety an ubiquitous problem that's affected different cohorts. A 2017 National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) found that 3.3% of India's population suffered from some form of stress or anxiety-related disorder. According to a State of Healthcare in Rural India Report, 2024, 45% of rural Indians suffer from anxiety issues. The Youth Mind: Rising Aggression and Anger , a report released by Sapien Labs' in January, claimed that over 50% of 13–17-year-olds in India and the US indicated that feelings of sadness, guilt and anxiety caused them serious problems in their everyday life. 'Medication isn't always the first line of treatment to treat anxiety, but it can be effective for certain people," says Sapna. According to her, seeking professional help is warranted when you are overwhelmed by worry almost every day; stops you from going to work/school or execute normal tasks; and when your social life or relationships begin to suffer. According to Santosh Bangar, consultant psychiatrist at Gleneagles Hospitals, Mumbai, your anxiety problem is serious if you are feeling constantly tired even after adequate rest, have a fast heartbeat, and feel anxious or panicky for no reason. He, however, believes that lifestyle changes like including yoga and exercise to your daily schedule can help mitigate the problem without resorting to medication. But what if getting on medication is unavoidable? Sapna has a checklist that can help. 'Anti-anxiety drugs, like any other medication, come with potential side effects, which can vary depending on the specific drug. So, always consult a qualified psychiatrist before starting or stopping any medication," she advises. Some of the known side effects of anxiety medicines are changes in appetite, weight and sleep patterns, where they can either cause drowsiness or insomnia. Sapna also warns against alcohol and caffeine consumption. 'Alcohol and caffeine can interfere with anxiety medications, potentially increasing side effects or making the medication less effective." Self-medication in the form of CBD (cannabidiol) oil or CBD derivatives or using someone else's medication is also a complete no. Santosh warns against abruptly stopping medication without consulting your doctor. 'This can further worsen your condition and may lead to withdrawal symptoms or relapse," he says. Being alert to how your body is reacting to the medicine is essential. 'Communicate with your doctor if you experience worsening anxiety, depression, or other symptoms after starting the medication. Additionally, talk to your doctor about the frequency of the follow up you might need," Sapna says before prescribing a safe formula. 'Keeping a journal to record your moods and combining medication with therapy, is a great way to track, and even, expedite your progress." Sumitra Nair is an independent journalist based in Kochi.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Here's How Much It Costs To Stay At The ‘White Lotus' Hotel
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." HBO's The White Lotus shares a behind-the-scenes look at how rich people vacation, while pulling back the curtain on how messy their lives actually are. But as you're marveling over Victoria Ratliff's lorazepam use or Rich Hatchett's constant grumpiness, it's hard to miss the fact that the hotel they're staying at is stunning. Guests hang out next to an inviting pool that's surrounded by lush landscaping, and the villas are next-level luxurious. While it's fair to assume that all that opulence comes with a hefty price tag in real life, it's equally tempting to want to book your own White Lotus experience (minus the drama, of course) or even just lust over the real hotel room listings. So, where was The White Lotus filmed? There was a main location and a few other spots pieced together to create a full season 3 experience. Here's the deal. Most of The White Lotus season 3 was filmed in Koh Samui, according to Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns HBO. Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket, and it's packed with luxury hotels. The bulk of production took place at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, which was renamed the White Lotus Resort & Spa for filming. (Worth noting: Seasons 1 and 2 of the show were also filmed at Four Seasons resorts.) 'Here, you can spend your days exploring pristine sandy beaches bordered by tropical greenery and calm blue seas, lounging by our infinity pool with a cool drink, or relaxing on your private deck overlooking the idyllic Gulf of Siam—all with every imaginable comfort,' the hotel's website reads. The hotel features several restaurants, your choice of luxury villas, a spa, and a fitness center. The White Lotus' bar is actually located at a different resort—the Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort. (That bar is called the Singing Bird Lounge, FYI.) The White Lotus' lobby, driveway, and jewelry store are at the Anatara Bophut Koh Samui, another hotel on the island. But the White Lotus' dinner restaurant is at another resort on an entirely different island, the Rosewood Phuket. Naturally, all of these are five-star hotels (Victoria Ratliff made it clear she wouldn't have it any other way). And, with that, a stay at one of these places isn't cheap. While prices for each resort vary depending on the time of year you travel and how long you stay, you're looking at forking over anywhere from $1,880 (for a poolside villa) to $14,593 per night (for a five-bedroom residence with a private pool) at the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Is it cheap? No. But honestly, would you expect anything less from a hotel swanky enough to be The White Lotus? You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
New York Times
12-03-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Don't Underestimate the Risks of Benzodiazepines
Victoria Ratliff, the wealthy financier's wife on season 3 of HBO's 'The White Lotus,' has a problem: She keeps popping pills. And her drug of choice, the anti-anxiety medication lorazepam, has left her a little loopy. In the show, which follows guests vacationing at a fictional resort, Victoria pairs her medication with wine, which leads her to nod off at the dinner table. Sometimes she slurs her words. When she notices that her pill supply is mysteriously dwindling, she asks her children if they're stealing them. 'You don't have enough lorazepam to get through one week at a wellness spa?' her daughter, Piper, asks. 'The White Lotus' is not the only show to recently feature these drugs. The new Max series 'The Pitt,' which takes place in an emergency department, includes a story line about a benzodiazepine called Librium. This isn't a case of Hollywood taking dramatic liberties. Benzodiazepines such as lorzepam and chlordiazepoxide are notorious for having the potential to be highly addictive. They may also come with difficult — sometimes fatal — withdrawal symptoms. The characters' misuse of benzodiazepine drugs is not uncommon, said Dr. Ian C. Neel, a geriatrician at UC San Diego Health. 'We definitely see that a lot in real life as well.' And in recent years, he added, studies have shown that it's a bigger problem than doctors initially realized. A Widely Misused Collection of Drugs The drugs, which are often called benzos or downers, are commonly used to treat anxiety, panic attacks and sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome. But they can also be used for other reasons, such as to help people manage alcohol withdrawal. Other common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin) and alprazolam (Xanax). Unlike antidepressants, which can take weeks to start working, most benzodiazepines can provide relief within minutes — which can comfort nervous fliers and others who need quick anxiety relief for a specific situation. But if taken for longer periods, patients can develop a tolerance within weeks of starting the drug, even when using it as prescribed, said Dr. Ludmila De Faria, chair of the American Psychiatric Association's council on women's mental health. 'That's where people get into trouble,' she added, and start to take more of the medication. 'The same dose will no longer get rid of the symptoms.' In addition, drugs like clonazepam and diazepam last longer in the body than short-acting drugs such as alprazolam. 'People don't realize that,' she said. 'So they take multiple doses and it accumulates,' which can result in people 'walking around like they have a couple of drinks in them.' All of these factors combined have led to the drugs being widely misused. In 2019, the most recent data available, pharmacies dispensed an estimated 92 million benzodiazepine prescriptions, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Research suggests that the drugs are prescribed most frequently to adults between the ages of 50 and 64. Delirium, Falls and Other Risks In 2020, the F.D.A. updated the information given to prescribers and patients for all benzodiazepines to warn about the risks of physical dependence, withdrawal reactions, misuse, abuse and addiction. Ideally, these dangers are explained to a patient before they take their first pill. But that doesn't always happen. And even if a patient does receive proper counseling, 'it's one thing to say it and then another thing to experience it,' Dr. Neel said. He said he often sees patients who are already taking a cocktail of other medicines and don't understand the dangers of combining benzodiazepines, which are depressants, with other drugs that also have sedating effects, like sleep medicine or Benadryl. And if you're going to drink alcohol or use cannabis, it's best not to have any benzodiazepine in your system. When people combine substances that have a depressant effect, it can even interfere with their breathing. The geriatric population that Dr. Neel treats is especially vulnerable because benzodiazepines are metabolized differently as we age, he added, lingering in the body for a longer period of time. As a result, older people who take them may be more prone to falls or car accidents. The drugs can also cause delirium in patients who have dementia. But the medications can be risky for people of any age, which is why they are typically prescribed for a short period of time — usually four weeks or less — and they are considered a last resort to treat a chronic condition, Dr. Neel said. A Delicate Withdrawal Process A 2019 study found that nearly 20 percent of people who take benzodiazepines misuse them. If someone develops a dependence, quitting can be difficult, in part because of the intense withdrawal symptoms. Those symptoms can include sleep disturbances, irritability, sweating, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure and stomach problems like dry heaving. Tapering off the drug needs to be done in a gentle way, ideally under the supervision of a doctor. It's 'almost like landing an airplane, where there's a gradual descent,' said Dr. John Torous, a psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. While this is happening, he added, the patient can try different methods to get more sleep and talk to a therapist about strategies to help manage anxiety. In addition, there are other medications like clonidine, which can be used to treat the anxiety and also help with any withdrawal symptoms. In the end, it's always more effective to try to identify and address the root cause of the anxiety, Dr. Torous added. 'The benzos are giving you rapid relief in the brain but then one day wear off — that rapid relief is gone.'
