From tailoring to florals: 5 key fashion trends to know for autumn/winter
Ready for a wardrobe refresh? Time to phase out your summer staples, rethink your separates and swoon over the spectrum of styles walking down the catwalk. Naturally, most statement pieces will be toned down and reimagined by the time you’re rustling through the rails… but as every style follower knows, they need to be on your radar to sneak a front row seat. Here are five stand-out trends to get in the groove… 1. Bold tailoring This season it’s all about the sharp shoulder. From Saint Laurent to Christian Dior, to David Koma and Dolce & Gabbana, the tailored jacket is a key silhouette. Teamed with a crisp white shirt and sharp tie, pinstripes are also on point. Call it power dressing if you like, the 80s padded shoulder may not be cutting-edge, but suiting signals confidence – and you can always wear yours with a simple white T-shirt. Skinny belts and black court shoes were also seen throughout – think workwear with a sophisticated spin. 2. Fire engine red There’s no rhyme or reason why designers adore red (as do we), it just works. The colour of substance, romance and passion, the hottest ticket in town strutted its stuff down the catwalk at Stella McCartney, Fendi, Bottega Veneta and Valentino, to name a few. Showstopping from top to toe with all eyes on you, a strong red also solves the fashion dilemma of what to wear when you fancy more than a flick of colour for a red carpet look – as illustrated by Ukrainian designer Frolov. Red also sits well with classics… it’s no secret a red handbag is a workhorse wardrobe staple when it’s teamed with neutral tones – and takes you from lunch al desko to date night. 3. Winter Florals Sure to be a huge hit, who can resist the allure of fabulous florals when the leaves start to fall – and you want to look blooming marvellous whatever the weather? Florals featured foremost at Balenciaga, Chanel, Christian Dior and Emilia Wickstead – but even Jil Sander, noted for her understated mannish clothing, couldn’t resist the allure of charming floral prints. Best of all, whether your chosen bouquet is a loosely-fitted trouser suit or printed pleated dress, flowers were flourishing in all their forms… and it’s an easy look to recreate. An added bonus, you can’t go wrong with floral accessories, such as a floral print scarf, as seen at Burberry, teamed with wide-leg trousers as a nod to beautiful buds. 4. Dark drama Black is back, big-time. Proving the undisputed colour of AW23, you can never have too much monochrome, ebony or jet black to don and drape yourself in fashion’s darkest – and most desired shade. For day-to-night dressing, tailored, long black coats (LBC) were central at Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and Victoria Beckham – and an investment you can really bank on with its timeless appeal. And then you need to find the perfect long black dress (LBD) or bodysuit. From peak corset all-in-ones and dresses at Alexander McQueen; to sequinned silk chiffon capes at Michael Kors for a ‘liquid look’, to team with trousers, this is black at its sexiest best. 5. Metallics Torn between metallic chains and liquid metal, steely, silvery tones in futuristic form were seen on the runway at Balmain and Paco Rabanne. Most wanted, we’re a sucker for Paco Rabanne’s Silver Mesh Bomber Jacket – and can’t wait for a fast fashion version. One to wear with denim jeans and silver sphere bag with crystals à la Rabanne. Pre-Fall 23 Collection Along with her sculpted shapes, Roksanda also rocked the runway with floor length fluids and high-shine fabrics… And who doesn’t love to razzle-dazzle when darkness falls… and it’s your time to shine and go for all out glam in the run up to party season! Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Cue the damson decor trend to snug up your space Sex Education: What is it like to be a real-life Jean Milburn? King Charles to address French senate in historic first
2023-09-21 15:18
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2023-09-21 15:15
Cue the damson decor trend to snug up your space
If you’re in the mood for an autumn refresh and switching out your soft pastels for something more punchy, the dark tones of damson are where it’s at. Bridging the gap between burgundy and rich, blue-black berry tones, damson is an ode to comfort with its velvety aesthetic – and creates an appealing aspect wherever you style these dark violet hues. Indeed, John Lewis & Partners cite damson as the ‘colour to cocoon’ you – and it’s been unveiled as the shade of the season for autumn/winter 2023 by the John Lewis Colour Council. “Damson is the perfect shade for autumn, both a bold and harmonious colour that can be incorporated effortlessly into the home,” says Melanie Archer, John Lewis colour expert. Opt for cushions or a throw in the autumnal hue for a pop of colour in a living room or bedroom, she suggests, “while open shelving units are a brilliant way to showcase coloured glassware.” Beyond homewares and accessories, wallpaper and paint designers have also incorporated swish rich purples into their collections. “Deep and rich colours such as damson or plum purple are a go-to for this season as they reflect the warm tones found in nature at this time, and create a cocooning effect in the home,” says James Greenwood, interiors expert at Graham & Brown. For a cosy effect in a bedroom, he suggests plum wallpaper teamed with a similar paint shade for a consistent colour scheme. If these dark colours seem overwhelming, but you’re looking to dip your toe into the damson trend, Greenwood says something a little bit lighter still provides those warming hues, while not overwhelming the space. Here’s how to get the look of the season… 12-piece Glaze Dinner Set, £50, Next Emma Bridgewater Blackberry Collection, from left: Blackberry French Bowl, £24, Blackberry Small Cake Stand, £55, Blackberry 3 Mug Teapot, £60, Blackberry Small Teacup & Saucer, £35, Emma Bridgewater Philippe Starck for Kartell Masters Limited Edition Chair, Damson, £229, John Lewis John Lewis Segment Cushion, Damson, £45, (left and centre), Hew Cushion, Damson, £45, (right), Hexa Geometric Rug, L180 x W120cm, Damson, £150, rest of items from a selection, John Lewis African Zebra Purple Cushion, from £62 to £79.50, FabFunky Vintage Trellis Wallpaper in Pistachio and Mulberry on Fig, £58 per roll, Lucie Annabel Little Treasures – Amethyst Optic Vase, £22, Dartington Crystal Fable Plum Wallpaper, Purple/Green, £70 per roll, Epoch Paint, Matt Emulsion, £48, (2.5 litres), Graham & Brown Aubergine Purple 100% Linen Bed Linen: King Duvet Cover, £179, King Fitted Sheet, £99, Housewife Pillowcase, £22, Secret Linen Store Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sex Education: What is it like to be a real-life Jean Milburn? King Charles to address French senate in historic first Teenager’s death after drinking too much water was ‘preventable’
2023-09-21 14:53
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2023-09-21 14:28
King Charles to address French senate in historic first
The King will address the French senate on Thursday for the first time in history. Charles is the only British monarch ever to speak from the senate chamber, where he will remark on the close friendship between the UK and France. A Guard of Honour will line the King’s route to the Salle des Conferences where he will meet representatives from the Senate and National Assembly and sign the visitors’ book before entering the chamber to deliver his address. Charles and Camilla are then set to meet sports stars in Saint-Denis, where France is hosting the Rugby World Cup, as part of their state visit which began on Wednesday. The King and Queen will be joined for the visit by Brigitte Macron as well as sports personalities before visiting a coffee shop on the town square where they will meet beneficiaries of Objectif Emploi, an organisation in Saint-Denis that helps vulnerable young people to find careers, and representatives from The Prince’s Trust International. Earlier, King Charles and Queen Camilla were welcomed with pomp and ceremony on the first day of their long-delayed state visit to France as the monarch attempts to rebuild bridges between the two nations after Brexit. The royal couple arrived for their three-day trip on Wednesday, welcomed by President Emmanuel Macron, six months after it was postponed because of widespread rioting sparked by protests over pension reforms. As the day drew to a close, Charles honoured his late mother, Elizabeth II, in his speech at a lavish state banquet at the Palace of Versailles during which he spoke of her close ties to France and told of the “firm friendship” between the nations. The King and Queen were guests of honour at the star-studded dinner in the Hall of Mirrors, with Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger and actor Hugh Grant among the 160 guests who dined on lobster, Bresse chicken and cheese. Speaking of the tributes paid in France to the Queen last September, the King told the president: “You said that she had touched your hearts – and it was she who held France in the greatest affection.” In a speech spoken partly in French, the King said relations between the UK and France have not always been “straightforward” but went on to stress the unity between the nations. Earlier, Charles gave Mr Macron a book containing photographs of the pair together, as well as a complete edition of French philosopher Voltaire’s writings, during a visit to the Elysee Palace, the president’s official residence. In return, Mr Macron gave the King a golden coin featuring Charles’s portrait, as well as a prize-winning French novel. They later planted an oak tree, also a gift from Mr Macron. Read More King Charles France visit – Charles and Camilla at lavish state banquet with Macron after Elysée Palace visit King Charles and Camilla join stars at lavish state banquet on long-awaited France state visit King recalls his mother’s links to France as stars attend state banquet Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-09-21 14:27
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Courgette season is nearly over – here’s three ways to make the most of them
With several UK-grown courgette varieties now at their most abundant, we wanted to share some of our favourite at-home recipes for dishing up the best of this season’s courgette harvest. Best enjoyed between the months of June and October, courgettes are the perfect vehicle for taking your cooking from summer into autumn. A versatile yet budget-friendly staple, they are equally delicious served raw, fried, roasted or even in cake. So, from comforting courgette fritto, courtesy of Brighton’s Tutto, to Acme Fire Cult’s grilled trombetta courgettes (elevated with the addition of a vadouvan butter) there’s something for everyone. Courgette fritto Recipe from: Tutto ,Brighton Ingredients: 6 large green courgettes Squeezy honey Grated pecorino Fresh rosemary Lemon wedges Salt and pepper Extra flour for dusting For the batter: 200g gluten-free self-raising flour 320g water 2g ground cumin 2g onion powder 2g salt Equipment: Deep fryer (or deep frying pan and a thermometer) Method: Using a bowl and whisk, mix all the dry ingredients for the batter. To prevent lumps, add half the water to create a smooth slurry, then add the rest and whisk to an even consistency. Slice the courgettes at an angle into long discs approximately 3-5mm thick. Set the deep fryer to 180C. Dust the courgettes lightly with some extra gluten-free flour and shake off the excess. Submerge in the batter, drip off the excess, and gently fry for 45 seconds on each side. Once golden brown, drain onto paper towel. To finish, arrange onto a plate, drizzle with honey and season with salt and pepper, sprinkle with grated pecorino and chopped fresh rosemary. Serve with a lemon wedge. Grilled trombetta courgettes with vadouvan butter Recipe from: Daniel Watkins, chef and co-founder at Acme Fire Cult, London Serves: 4 Ingredients: For the courgettes: 4 trombetta courgettes For the vadouvan butter (makes a portion for 8; freeze half): 400g dairy-free butter 220g shallots 11g madras curry powder 11g turmeric 6g each of the following: Fennel seeds Cumin seeds Salt Cardamom Black Peppercorns Mustard seeds Red chilli, finely diced 3 garlic cloves, minced Peel of 1 orange 2 inch ginger finely chopped For the chickpea purée: 800g tinned chickpeas 5 tbsp olive oil 2 bay leaves 1 tsp thyme leaves Juice of half a lemon Confit garlic (optional) For the tofu whip: 1 pack silken tofu Juice of 1 lemon Salt Method: For the trombetta courgettes: Simply wash and cut down into the desired portion size. Add a little olive oil and seasoning. Grill all sides until they start to soften, depending on temperature of fire. Trombettas lend themselves really well to live flames. For the vadouvan butter: Sweat down shallots and all the other ingredients, cook out slowly (without colour) for approximately 2-3 hours. Take off the heat and let it stand for 30 minutes. Once the mix has cooled a little, place the mix in a high speed blender until smooth. Taste, check the seasoning and add a little salt. This can be frozen and makes for a great accompaniment for most vegetables but particularly works well with the courgettes. For the chickpea purée: Boil the chickpeas in a pan of water with the bay leaves and thyme (approximately 30 mins). Drain the chickpeas, keeping back 2 tablespoons of the cooking water and discard the bay leaves. In a blender, purée the beans to a soft cream with the reserved cooking liquid and the olive oil, then squeeze in the lemon and salt to taste. At this stage, add more lemon juice, olive oil or confit garlic, if you like. For the tofu whip: Blend all ingredients in Thermomix, until smooth and cream-like. Store in a squeezy bottle. To finish: On a plate, take a generous amount of chickpea puree on to the center of the plate, place the grilled courgettes in the center. Spoon over generous amount of butter. To finish, add some tofu whip or creme fraiche. Whole roasted courgette with manouri cheese, tabbouleh and basil sauce Recipe by: Fionnan Flood, head chef at The Chelsea Pig, London Serves: 2 Ingredients: 1 yellow courgette 100g freekeh (cracked wheat) 1 plum tomato 50g Manouri cheese (a Greek cheese that’s creamier than feta) 1 bunch basil 20g confit garlic 5g capers Olive oil Chives Parsley Lemon juice and zest Micro basil (for garnish) Method Top and tail your courgette then finely crosshatch score the inside flesh before putting aside. Boil (blanch) the freekeh in heavily salted water until tender and leave aside to cool down – ideally spread out onto a tray to speed the cooling process. Finely chop the chives and parsley, and also finely dice the flesh from the tomato (leaving aside the seeds). Make your basil sauce by blitzing in a food processor: basil, olive oil, confit garlic and capers – blending until smooth then adjusting the seasoning to taste. Now, assemble the tabbouleh – mixing the freekeh, chopped herbs and tomatoes. Next, add lemon juice and zest to taste, alongside seasoning (salt and pepper). In a frying pan on medium heat, place your courgette flesh side down, and colour it until golden brown. Place the pan in the oven for about 5 minutes at 180C until cooked through. For plating: place the basil sauce on the bottom on the dish (feel free to express yourself here), then add a few piles of tabbouleh around then place your courgette on top. 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2023-09-21 13:45
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South Korea raids US military bases in drugs probe
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Poland to stop supplying weapons to Ukraine over grain row
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2023-09-21 13:21
