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First ever Birkin bag to be auctioned in July [PICS]
First ever Birkin bag to be auctioned in July [PICS]

The Citizen

timea day ago

  • Entertainment
  • The Citizen

First ever Birkin bag to be auctioned in July [PICS]

The birth of the Birkin bag has become a modern fashion legend. The prototype Birkin will be exhibited at Sotheby's in New York. Picture: iStock The first Birkin bag, designed by French luxury brand Hermès for actress Jane Birkin in 1984, will be auctioned in Paris on 10 July 2025, Sotheby's announced on Thursday. The large black leather tote, whose design went on to become one of the most famous and expensive bags in the world, will be the centrepiece of the 'Fashion Icons' sale, the auction house said. This 'historic, handcrafted prototype', engraved with the initials J.B., has several unique features, including closed metal rings, a non-detachable shoulder strap and a built-in nail clipper. The original Birkin crafted for Jane Birkin in 1985. Picture: ETX/Sotheby's© The birth of the Birkin bag has become a modern fashion legend. During a Paris–London flight, the Anglo-French singer and actress, who died in 2023, complained to a fellow traveller about not being able to find a bag suited to her needs as a young mother. That fellow passenger happened to be Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermes. The result of their conversation was a spacious tote with room for baby bottles, created in 1984 and named the Birkin. ALSO READ: SA-born artist Marlene Dumas breaks global record with over R245 million painting sale [PICS] The bags are not displayed in shops and cannot be ordered online 40 years later, the leather handbag has become the flagship product of the luxury French leather goods maker. Produced in very limited numbers, it maintains an aura of exclusivity, with prices ranging from several thousand euros for the simplest models to several hundred thousand euros for the most luxurious. Beloved by celebrities including Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham, the bags are not displayed in shops and cannot be ordered online. The prototype Birkin was exhibited at Sotheby's in New York from 6 to 12 June, ahead of the sale in the French capital. In addition to the Birkin bag, the Sotheby's sale will feature iconic runway pieces from designers including Christian Dior, John Galliano, Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen. Bidding will open online on 26 June and close on 10 July. NOW READ: 17-year-old Pearl Mathebula wins Miss Teen International in Peru

UK to Invest $19 Bln in Sizewell C Nuclear Plant
UK to Invest $19 Bln in Sizewell C Nuclear Plant

See - Sada Elbalad

time12-06-2025

  • Business
  • See - Sada Elbalad

UK to Invest $19 Bln in Sizewell C Nuclear Plant

Israa Farhan The UK government has announced a significant investment of £14.2 billion ($19.2 billion) to support the construction of the Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk, aiming to usher in a new era of abundant, low-carbon energy. The move marks one of the country's largest ever investments in clean energy infrastructure and is a cornerstone of Britain's long-term energy security strategy. The Sizewell C project, in development for over a decade, is projected to cost over £40 billion in total. With this new funding, the UK government's overall financial commitment now stands at £17.8 billion. The plant, once operational, will generate 3.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power around 6 million homes, and create up to 10,000 new jobs, according to UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves. This nuclear facility is designed as a replica of the Hinkley Point C station, which has experienced delays and budget overruns. Like its predecessor, Sizewell C is expected to play a critical role in reducing the UK's reliance on fossil fuels, alongside a growing fleet of offshore wind farms. Nuclear energy provides a stable, low-carbon electricity source, essential for meeting the UK's net-zero goals. The announcement comes ahead of a comprehensive government spending review, to be unveiled by Chancellor Reeves, covering all sectors from the National Health Service to defense. The new funding for Sizewell C is also part of a broader strategy to revitalize the UK's nuclear sector, including upcoming support for small modular reactor (SMR) development. Shortlisted candidates for the SMR program include a Rolls-Royce-led consortium and a partnership between GE Vernova and Hitachi Ltd. Despite this significant public investment, the Sizewell C project still requires a final investment decision, which hinges on securing private sector funding. Government officials are expected to court international investors at the upcoming Anglo-French summit in London next month. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean

First ever Birkin bag to be auctioned in July
First ever Birkin bag to be auctioned in July

France 24

time05-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • France 24

First ever Birkin bag to be auctioned in July

The large black leather tote, whose design went on to become one of the most famous and expensive bags in the world, will be the centrepiece of the "Fashion Icons" sale, the auction house said. This "historic, handcrafted prototype", engraved with the initials J.B., has several unique features, Sotheby's said, including closed metal rings, non-detachable shoulder strap and a built-in nail clipper. The birth of the Birkin bag has become a modern fashion legend. During a Paris–London flight, the Anglo-French singer and actress -- who died in 2023 -- complained to a fellow traveller about not being able to find a bag suited to her needs as a young mother. That fellow passenger happened to be Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermes. The result of their conversation was a spacious tote with room for baby bottles, created in 1984 and named the Birkin. Forty years later, the leather handbag has become the flagship product of the luxury French leather goods maker. Produced in very limited numbers, it maintains an aura of exclusivity, with prices ranging from several thousand euros for the simplest models to several hundred thousand for the most luxurious. Beloved by celebrities including Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham, the bags are not displayed in shops and cannot be ordered online. The prototype Birkin will be exhibited at Sotheby's in New York from June 6 to 12 before being put on show in the French capital before the sale. In addition to the Birkin bag, the Sotheby's sale will feature iconic runway pieces from designers including Christian Dior, John Galliano, Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen. Bidding will open online on June 26 and close on July 10.

Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches
Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches

The Irish Sun

time04-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • The Irish Sun

Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches

MATT Baker has unearthed undiscovered gems on his journey around the British Isles. For his new TV series, 6 Matt says he's found sparkling wine to rival French Champagne Credit: More4 6 The Domaine Evremond vineyard produces English wine Credit: More4 On his journey across the UK to see what makes the country tick, Matt heads to the Domaine Evremond vineyard. The Taittinger family, who own the vineyard, have teamed up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine - and it worked. When Sun Travel asked Matt whether it tasted similar to Champagne he responded: "It's the same. The only reason you can't call it Champagne is because it's not grown in the Champagne region. "It's so good, I'd go as far as saying it was the most beautiful sparkling wine that I've ever tasted. Read More on British Isles "It has its roots, literally, in Britain, but it's got that taste that is so familiar with high-end sparkling wine, and it's grown right here in Kent." The reason Kent is renowned for its Matt explained that Domaine Evremond has all the same qualities as vineyards in the The vineyard produces a sparkling wine called Classic Cuvée, which is made in a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes . Most read in Beach holidays You can go to the vineyard yourself and book a tasting and follow in Matt's footsteps by taking a tour from just £25. During the four-episode series, Matt heads over to Wales, up to Scotland, but one of his most memorable stops was in Northern Ireland. Countryfile star bags brand new role worlds away from hit BBC farming series 6 The Antrim coastline is best viewed on horseback according to Matt Credit: More4 Matt goes up to Northern Ireland's most northerly tip to meet the McKinley family, where for generations, they've run Sheans Horse Farm. It's based in the hills of North Antrim which has incredible views across the coastline. Matt told us: "Oh my gosh, the Antrim coast is just breathtaking. "The landscape is used for Game of Thrones now, that's filmed over there because the landscape is so jaw-dropping. "We went horse riding across the cliff tops. When you look down, you see all these beautiful little coves that you wouldn't even know were there." He added: "It's such a beautiful way to travel, on horseback, especially if you want to do a bit of nature spotting because all the wildlife comes out to see what's going on." 6 The Antrim coast has some beautiful beaches Credit: Alamy 6 Matt also ventures to Kilkeel Harbour to have fish and chips Credit: More4 Stand-out beaches on the Antrim coast are the sandy shores of Benone Strand and Portrush's East and West Strands. There's also others, like White Park Bay and Ballycastle Beach . Another area of the Northern Irish coastline that Matt explores is Kilkeel Harbour where he met the country's only female harbourmaster - and enjoyed the landscape too. Matt said: "It's a big, beautiful, wonderful, welcoming community, and when I went it was a beautiful day. "We sat there sitting having fish and chips there and just being chatting with the locals - it was great." For anyone wanting to see parts of the British Isles they wouldn't usually get a look at, Matt has everyone covered. He added: "I really love where we live in Britain with the four nations that we've got, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England. "We visit all of those nations throughout the episodes - we've amalgamated it all into the ultimate celebration of the British Isles." For any British Isles adventurers, And the Watch Matt Baker's British Isles on Tuesdays at 9pm on More4. 6 Matt Baker's new series celebrates the British Isles Credit: More4

Unexpected replacement for Amanda Owen's 'Our Farm' unveiled post show-end
Unexpected replacement for Amanda Owen's 'Our Farm' unveiled post show-end

Edinburgh Live

time29-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Edinburgh Live

Unexpected replacement for Amanda Owen's 'Our Farm' unveiled post show-end

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Our Farm Next Door: Amanda, Clive, and Kids wrapped up last night, showcasing the Owen family's significant progress in their renovation of Anty John's. Amanda Owen admitted that there was still a long road ahead before the transformation would be fully realised. As the programme concluded, viewers learned that the renovation work was still underway, with Amanda affirming they were "forging ahead. "We're really on to the next stage," the mother of nine announced. Just before the credits rolled, a final image of the house, complete with all the workers standing outside, was shown. READ MORE - Friendless Rose West's life behind bars with unusual prison breakfast READ MORE - Highly infectious new Covid strain hits three holiday hotspots as WHO issues alert The text at the bottom of the screen read: 'To Be continued...,' according to Leeds Live. Although fans expressed disappointment at the series' end, they can look forward to another show hosted by Matt Baker. According to the TV schedule, Matt Baker's British Isles is set to fill the 9pm Tuesday slot on More4, previously held by Our Farm Next Door. The synopsis for the first episode reads: "Matt Baker explores the four nations of the UK. In this first episode, he heads to Kent to meet the Englishman teaming up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine.", reports Gloucestershire Live. "In the Highlands, Matt meets two ex-farmers whose lives are entwined with the village of Crathie's church." The second series of Our Farm Next Door showcased Amanda and the Owen family as they navigated managing Ravenseat Farm and renovating Anty John's into their ideal home. Amanda looked back on the endeavour, saying: "I think we've developed quite a camaraderie, really. It's a huge learning curve, and every one of the people who worked on a project has their own speciality in what they do." Bringing it all together, she observed, had been "amazing", especially for the children, who could follow the project's progress and learn from it. Summing up her thoughts, she said: "No, it's not your average project. The fact is that you can't even get here half the time with your vehicle, and you have to walk in!". "We've had all these horrible weather conditions, no amenities. You can't even scroll on your phone at dinnertime! Nothing works, that's a big ask."

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