Latest news with #floral
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Travel: This charming lakeside town in Switzerland is worth slowing down for
Come spring and it is time for sunny days, warmer temperatures, vibrant colours and of course floral blooms. Tulips, daffodils, wisteria and poppies herald the season often associated with rebirth, rejuvenation and regrowth. And mention the word tulips and it is not uncommon for one to immediately think of the Keukenhof gardens in Lisse, Netherlands which is a great tourist attraction during spring. However, if you are looking to enjoy these floral beauties without the crowds and the hassle of entry tickets, head over to Morges in Switzerland. An ideal place to visit in spring, Morges perched on the banks of Lake Geneva is the epitome of the quintessential Swiss charm. With views of the majestic Mount Blanc, the stunning vineyards of the La Côte region and the lush meadows of Parc Jura Vaudois, a regional nature park, Morges is a hidden gem in the Swiss canton of Vaud. Medieval heritage Morges is a port town that dates back to the 13th century having been founded by 1286 by Louis of Savoy. A beautiful town that allows you to explore and soak in its vibe at a leisurely pace, Morges is a great idea if you are an advocate of slow travel. Take a stroll along the well laid cobbled paths of the historical old town where you can catch a glimpse of the antiquated buildings, yesteryear fountains as well as the old town hall. The latter was the erstwhile centre of Morges' political life and has been standing tall since 1518. A classic example of Gothic architecture, the townhall building has been recently renovated to accommodate Escape 81 which is a dynamic exhibition space. It serves as a venue for exhibitions spanning art, culture and environment and is managed by the Office of Culture. Escape 81 is free of charge and open all around the year. The highlight of the old town is the Morges castle built in 1286 by Louis of Savoy and is the perfect example of the 'Savoyard square'. Today, it is an important cultural centre for the region and has been transformed into a military museum. Spread across multiple levels, the museum houses the Artillery Museum displaying an array of firearms, gun carriages, rifles, officer uniforms and scale models of the Swiss artillery. The complex also has the Swiss Museum of Historical Figurines and the Museum of the Vaud Gendarmerie. From the cellars to the rampart walk, the castle's five floors tell the story of Swiss military and defence history from different perspectives, right from the Middle Ages to the present day and forms for an interesting visit. Further, there is also a gallery dedicated to Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) who was a famous Polish pianist and a resident of Morges. Annual flower festivals Arguably the most important event in Morges' calendar is the tulip festival (Fête de la Tulipe) that is held in the verdant grounds of Parc de l'Indépendance, which is a park in the town. A yearly affair since 1971, the festival in its 55th edition showcased a riot of colour with close to 150,000 flowers across 350 varieties in full bloom. There are information boards pertaining to the tulip varieties including facts like the name, its flowering period, size etc., which makes the festival engaging. The festival which happens from March to May each year is free for visitors. Further, the festival also features several events including treasure hunts, workshops like origami for children, music concerts and floral workshops. As part of the exhibition, there are special displays including those of stone sculptures, paintings etc. Tulip bulbs are on sale after the festival. The tulip festival is organised by the Morges Fleur du Léman association and once the tulip season is over, the town gears for its annual Dahlia festival that takes place between July and October. Tracing the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn It is a revelation to note that famous British actress and fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn spent a large part of her life in in Tolochenaz, near Morges. Tolochenaz is a quaint village just under 10 km from Morges and it is here that the Roman Holiday actress spent three decades of her life away from the media glare and paparazzi. She also served as a goodwill ambassador for the Unicef from 1988 until her death. As you approach the town, one can spot street art mostly inspired by the renowned artist although there is no documentation supporting the same. Hepburn was married at Morges town hall before she moved to Tolochenaz where she purchased her sprawling abode named La Paisible. She lived here with her family including her two sons until her death in 1993. While you cannot visit her house, you can see the small yet pretty town square where her bust has been installed. This bronze hued bust has been donated by her sons in 2012 and is often surrounded by her favourite flowers including roses. You can also visit the church of Tolochenaz where her funeral was held. Go to the Tolochenaz cemetery for a view of her unpretentious grave set amidst those of the other residents of the village. With her name and a bunch of flowers surrounding it, the humble grave is rather surreal given that she was such a huge star. Perhaps it is a reflection and a symbol of the simple life the actress craved all along. It is key to note that every summer there is an exhibition dedicated to the life and times of the talented actress at Escape 81 gallery in Morges which is curated by the Expo Foundation Bolle.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Look Like A Million Bucks In These Under-$60 Wedding Guest Dresses
It's wedding season — and while it's fun to get all dressed up and toast to love, weddings are expensive. Between travel, hotels and buying something off the registry, costs quickly add up. Fortunately, you don't have to spend hundreds on your wedding guest dress. Right now, Target is full of spring and summer dresses that are practically made for wedding season. Romantic chiffon ruffles, sweet flutter sleeves, gorgeous floral maxis — you'll have a hard time picking just one. Rounded up here are 14 to consider. Target Have a nighttime wedding on the cal? This tiered, ruffled polka-dot dress is ideal. With the perfect mix of elegant and playful, you're sure to be one of the night's best dressed. 'I was flabbergasted,' wrote a reviewer named Deanna. 'I rarely write reviews but felt compelled bc this dress is so good for the price! I got it on sale. Looks more expensive than it is [true to size].' $33 at Target (regularly $55) Target This floaty recycled polyester frock has a plunging V-neck and an elastic waistband for a look that combines elegance and comfort. Get it in sizes XS-4X. $24 at Target (regularly $40) Target The color! The pleats! The cape! How chic is this this vibrantly colored dress? If orange isn't your color, but you love the idea of a cape dress, you can get it in either yellow or red. Get it in sizes S-3XL. $49 at Target Target There's nothing that represents love more than roses, making this floral dress very on theme for spring and summer weddings. Fitted around the body with a slightly flared skirt, it's both flattering and comfortable. Get this in sizes S-XL. Target's plus-size Ava & Viv brand has a very similar style in sizes 16-30. $40 at Target Target This timeless gown is made from satin-woven polyester and features fluttery sleeves, a plunging neckline and a delicate tie across the back. Get it in a total of five colors and sizes XS-4X. Reviewer Adrianne said: 'I love this dress and, I received so many compliments! Even disbelief when I told them I got it from Target!!' $21 at Target (regularly $35) Target Especially if you're attending a nighttime wedding, a dress with lace detailing is perfect. Besides navy, this elegant cocktail dress comes in black, pink and red. $43 at Target Target This sweeping maxi comes in lightweight rayon adorned with a bold floral print that will help you stand out at a festive summer affair. Get it in two other colors and sizes XXL-4X. $21 at Target (regularly $35) Target Target customers who bought and reviewed this '90s-inspired satin halter maxi dress love that the lightweight fabric doesn't wrinkle easily. Choose between mint floral, light pink, tan, blue or black. Get this in sizes XS-4X. $21 at Target (regularly $35) Target The tie-waist detail on this dress makes it flattering for essentially every body type. Versatile enough to dress up or down, you'll be wearing this dress all spring and summer long, not just for the wedding on your calendar. Get this in sizes S-XL. $40 at Target Target How sweet and dainty are the bow-adorned flutter sleeves on this maxi dress? The recycled polyester material is lightweight, making it perfect for spring and summer weddings. Choose between light blue or moss green. 'I will say, this is the most beautiful dress ever and I never write reviews but I just had to for this one,' wrote reviewer MG40621. Get this in sizes XXS-XXL. A number of reviewers noted that the bows are a different material — which, based on one customer photo, appears to be a grosgrain-type weave. We also saw comments that the bows were easily removed. $19 at Target (regularly $22) Target There's no need to catch the bouquet when you're already bursting with beautiful blooms. The soft, tiered ruffle detailing gives this dress nice movement, especially if the wedding you're going to is outside where there's a slight breeze. Get this in sizes S-XL. $60 at Target Target While it's generally considered a faux pas to wear white to a wedding, there are plenty of reasons to opt for this stylish lace sheath at your next event — especially if you're going to a warm-weather destination wedding, if the bride isn't wearing white or has requested a specific dress code, according to Martha Stewart. Take a look if this festive plus-sized piece, available in sizes 1X-4X, for your next non-traditional affair: Reviewers are unequivocally pleased with the piece, saying it fits true to size and doesn't wrinkle easily, making it ideal for travel. $23 at Target Target This ruffled chiffon dress is practically begging to be worn on the dance floor. Imagine the movement as you sway and twirl the night away. Get this in sizes S-XL. $47 at Target Target This pretty poplin mini dress is perfect for an outdoor or destination wedding thanks to its cotton fabrication and abbreviated hemline. Get this fresh frock in a total of three colors (white and black are options too) and sizes 0-26 (although some size and color combinations are sold out). $21 at Target (regularly $35) These Amazon Travel Clothes Feel Like Pajamas But Look Like Nice Outfits We Track Sales For A Living. Here Are The 31 Best Deals On Amazon Ahead Of Memorial Day Weekend Remember Skorts? They're Trending Again — And Everyone's Buying Them For Summer
South China Morning Post
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Maximalist floral jewellery is back: from Bad Bunny, Cardi B and Aimee Lou Wood sporting dazzling brooches at the Met Gala, to Bottega Veneta's and Boucheron's 2025 collections
Flower motifs have existed in almost every civilisation's fashion, jewellery, art and home decor for as long as humans have had tools to create them. A signifier of the end of winter and the promise of more fruitful days to come, florals are inherently tied to the spring season and signify rebirth, as well as beauty, femininity, purity and class. The ancient Greeks designed the Kritonios crown, an ornate golden wreath of intertwined convolvulus, narcissus, roses and myrtle flowers; Chinese empresses of the Song dynasty wore hair pins with intricate plum blossoms designs made from kingfisher feathers; the Victorian era saw an obsession with the language of flowers, and blooms of all kinds were incorporated into cameo brooches, rings and more to communicate love, affection and mourning alike. Today, flowers are still a favourite of luxury jewellery designers. This year's Met Gala , held on May 5, explored the theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' and the concept of black dandyism which celebrates flamboyant and audacious dress by black men in the late 19th to 20th century. One facet of that style, spotted on the flower-printed carpet was the boutonnière – a floral decoration on a tuxedo or suit lapel. Advertisement Cardi B sports a floral-themed brooch at the 2025 Met Gala on May 5 in New York. Traditionally, this would have been a fresh flower – however celebrities such as Cardi B, Bad Bunny and The White Lotus actress Aimee Lou Wood sported dazzling pins and brooches crafted from sparkling gemstones shaped like tulips, Puerto Rican hibiscus flowers and roses. Although more contemporary taste sees the execution of floral designs moving away from a traditional representation of nature and towards more maximalist and abstract styles, they are often incorporated into spring collections. For example, Boucheron's spring 2025 high jewellery collection, Untamed Nature, is a testament to transforming the everyday into the exquisite with meticulously crafted flair. In 1858, founder Frédéric Boucheron drew inspiration from ivy growing along the Palais Royal where his first shop was situated, and that focus on 'living nature' led him to build a library of over 600 works to study the flora and fauna of the natural world in detail – including its imperfections. Creative director Claire Choisne drew from said archive and offered a 'fresh perspective' on the specimens, resulting in a 28-piece collection with pieces constructed from diamonds and white gold, designed to be worn multiple ways, and appear as if 'taking over the body'. Histoire de Style Fleur de Carotte, from Boucheron's spring 2025 high jewellery collection, Untamed Nature. Photo: Handout The Fleur de Carotte (or carrot flower) brooch, which can also be worn as a hair jewel, is a new addition to the encyclopaedia by Choisne. The clusters of white petals were made to appear fluffy via three different types of settings and bezels, demonstrating technical complexity to elevate this simple bloom. Similarly, the bell-like blossoms of the Fuschia earrings dangle effortlessly thanks to the fully articulated pistil. After a lengthy period of quiet luxury and understated elegance via simple yet refined clothing and accessories, typically in neutral shades, the trend pendulum has been slowly moving towards maximalism.
Wall Street Journal
08-05-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
The 1-800-Flowers Founder Decides It Is Time to ‘Fire Myself'
Over nearly half a century, Jim McCann turned a Manhattan flower shop into one of the country's largest floral-and-gift delivery companies. But with business slowing, the 73-year-old has decided the one thing it needs is a little less Jim McCann.
