Latest news with #CowboyCarter
Fashion Network
an hour ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
UK retail weak in May says ONS data, fashion lags but reasons for June optimsim abound
Non-food stores sales volumes — the total of department, clothing, household and other non-food stores — fell by 1.4% over the month, mainly because of falls in clothing and household goods stores. Retailer comments mentioned reduced footfall and consumers having completed home projects earlier than usual this year because of good weather, leading to lower sales in May. Meanwhile online spending values fell by 1% month on month and 2.5% year on year. Total value spend across in-store and online fell by 2.4% over the month and as a result, the proportion of sales made online rose from 26.8% in April 2025 to 27.2% in May. So nothing to write home about there. But what did analysts and industry insiders think of it all? Deann Evans, MD EMEA, at online shopping giant Shopify, said retailers will be disappointed, especially after consecutive rises. She said the 3.4% inflation rate may have been partly to blame, or perhaps the lasting effects from April's increases in annual domestic bills and National Insurance contributions. But she also sees 'reason to be optimistic that the summer months and warmer weather will inspire increased consumer spending and a return to sales growth. According to our Shopify data for May, UK consumers were busy preparing for aquatic fun with sales of Pool Floats & Loungers (+101%), Child Swimming Aids (+74.7%) and Swim Goggles & Masks (+62.4%) all rising significantly compared to April. 'Perhaps even more impactful will be the cultural moments that summer brings. Just like we saw with Taylor Swift's Eras tour last year, the 'Beyoncé Effect' is in full swing as she brings her Cowboy Carter tour to the UK. Our data reveals a significant increase in the sales of western fashion items last month compared to May 2024, such as denim shorts (+52%), cowboy hats (+288%) and belts (+62%). With Glastonbury Festival and the Oasis tour close on the horizon, there is a significant opportunity here for retailers to capitalise — provided they have the right tools and systems in place. A strong digital presence and social media strategy are particularly key to winning the lottery ticket of celebrity influence and having the right people notice your products, and retailers must keep this front of mind this summer.' And Jim Rudall, regional director EMEA at email and marketing automation platform Intuit Mailchimp also said it was a disappointing month, 'especially with high expectations for a boost around the May bank holidays — which our New E-Commerce Calendar report ranks as the top two shopping moments for UK consumers in May (based on spending propensity).' But he too sees some bright spots on the horizon given the aforementioned cultural moments plus Royal Ascot and the FIFA Club World Cup. That New E-Commerce Calendar he mentioned revealed major entertainment events and music festivals prompted 15% of shoppers to make purchases in the last two years, 'offering brands the chance to ride a cultural wave and flex their personalities'. And of course Father's Day will impact June with Intuit Mailchimp research having identified it 'as the most significant shopping moment for June'. Meanwhile, Oliver Vernon-Harcourt, head of retail at Deloitte, said:'For the first time this year, retail sales fell more than expected, as two bank holidays and further good weather were not enough to entice spending. A late Easter combined with the sunniest April on record brought some seasonal sales forward, [and] continued inflationary pressures from food, furniture and household goods hampered sales volumes. 'Overall, consumers remain cautious in the face of persistent inflation, increased utility costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. While this transpired into fewer purchases in May, there is a broader picture of improving household finances. Consumers have been saving at one of the highest levels on record, and with robust real wage growth, this could generate some helpful tailwinds for the retail sector throughout the rest of 2025. With warm weather set to continue, retailers will hope to see a boost from the sale of summer food, clothing and outdoor offerings, resulting in a return to growth in the months ahead.' And Jacqueline Windsor, Head of Retail at PwC UK highlighted how the 'gloomier weather also impacted demand for new season's fashion, with clothing retailers reversing a quarter of improving sales performance, making it the worst-performing category in May. 'The fact that retail sales fell back in May was not a surprise given the unusually strong performance the previous month. However, it does underline the fragility of consumers' spending power and the retail sector in the current economic climate.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Beyoncé Thanks Sir Paul McCartney for ‘One of the Best Songs Ever Made'
Beyoncé closed out the final night of her Cowboy Carter tour's six-show run at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday (June 16) with a heartfelt message to fans and a tribute to one of England's most iconic songwriters. 'Thank you, Sir Paul McCartney, for writing one of the best songs ever made. Every time I sing it, I feel so honored. And it is a full circle moment to wear your beautiful daughter's design,' Beyoncé wrote in an Instagram post, referencing her Cowboy Carter rendition of the Beatles' 1968 classic 'Blackbird.' More from Billboard Addison Rae Announces Dates For Debut 2025 Headlining World Tour How Brandon Lake Is Leading A Whole New Flock To 'What's Real And What's True' In Christian Music Where Are the Blockbuster Soundtracks? The Screen Has Gone Dark for Hit Movie Albums Since 'Wicked' & 'Twisters' 'Thank you, London, for creating unforgettable memories for me and my family,' she continued. 'Holla at 'ya when I come on tour again!' Her version of the song, stylized as 'Blackbiird,' reimagines the original with string flourishes and vocal contributions from four rising Black female country artists: Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts and Tiera Kennedy. The cover is one of two reinterpretations featured on Cowboy Carter, alongside her take on Dolly Parton's 'Jolene.' McCartney praised Beyoncé's version earlier this year, calling it a 'magnificent' interpretation that reinforces the civil rights message that inspired him to write it. 'I think Beyoncé has done a fab version and would urge anyone who has not heard it yet to check it out,' he wrote on Instagram. 'You are going to love it.' The Beatles' 'Blackbird' was originally written in response to the Little Rock Nine, a group of Black students who faced violent resistance while integrating an Arkansas high school in 1957. McCartney has said the song was written as a message of hope and encouragement to Black women facing injustice. McCartney, whose original master recording is used in Beyoncé's version, according to Variety, also revealed that he had the chance to speak with the pop icon about her take on 'Blackbird.' 'I spoke to her on FaceTime and she thanked me for writing it and letting her do it,' wrote McCartney, who attended Beyoncé's record-breaking Renaissance World Tour last year. 'I told her the pleasure was all mine and I thought she had done a killer version of the song. When I saw the footage on the television in the early 60s of the black girls being turned away from school, I found it shocking and I can't believe that still in these days there are places where this kind of thing is happening right now. Anything my song and Beyoncé's fabulous version can do to ease racial tension would be a great thing and makes me very proud.' Released in March 2024, Cowboy Carter debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and made Beyoncé the first Black woman to top the Top Country Albums chart. The project also won her the Grammy for album of the year and best country album earlier this year. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Vogue
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue
Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus Go for Gold (And Sequins, and Sparkles) on the Cowboy Carter Tour
Two pop icons of a generation have been oscillating through Paris for the last few days: Beyoncé, on her mammoth Cowboy Carter tour, and Miley Cyrus, as she continues to promote her latest album, Something Beautiful. (All while offering the City of Light streets a succession of vintage looks). And last night, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus shut Paris down with a surprise joining of forces—with gold and gilded matching looks to boot. Last night (June 19), and more than a few songs deep into Bey's show at the Stade de France, the artist introduced Cyrus to the stage. 'I love y'all so much. I'm super excited because I wanted to do something very special for your guys,' Beyoncé said. 'Give it up—I'm so grateful to sing with you, Ms. Miley Cyrus.' The duo then performed 'II Most Wanted' from 2024's Cowboy Carter, which won them the Grammy for best country duo or group performance. Crowd, of course, went wild. X content This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from. Both Bey and Miley wore sparkling, sequin gold looks: Bey wore a fringed golden bodysuit with a bauble-studded scoop neck and embellished buckle belt, with matching heeled golden cowboy boots. Cyrus chose a similarly shimmering crystal and rhinestone-studded catsuit with stiletto boots. The mega artists's shared style memo? Go glitzy, glam, as gold as you can. The Cowboy Carter tour has been alight with big brands putting their spin on Bey's glamorous cowgirl aesthetic. The tour's Western couture, as styled by Shiona Turini, Ty Hunter, and Karen Langley, has seen Bey in a bright white Mugler bodysuit and fringed chaps (with an added diamond bolo die), and Burberry with a twist on their iconic plaid with sequins, also in chaps form. Turning to Roberto Cavalli, Bey went for an all denim-printed catsuit with a giant gold belt and fringed sleeves, and with custom Schiaparelli, she slipped into some leather pants adorned with rows and rows of Western buckles. Blue Ivy, a dancer for the show, has also been styled in stage-ready rodeo wear and more glam dresses: One draped golden gown with a caped top and flowing maxi skirt, and a custom green Burberry Check bodysuit and green zip trousers with Swarovski crystal-embellishments to match her mom's. In Mugler Photo: Backgrid Photo: Backgrid Photo: Backgrid While it may not be immediately apparent, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus's sartorial formulas hit much of the same rhythms. Glamorous, Western-coded, gilded and maximal. While Bey looks to Mugler, Ferragamo, and Burberry, Cyrus often opts for Alaia, Valentino, and Versace. Both find a stylish meeting point with Schiaparelli and Roberto Cavalli. Photo: Backgrid Photo: Backgrid Beyoncé has now reached over the halfway mark of the massive world tour. After Paris, she's back in the United States for shows in her hometown of Houston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Las Vegas, wrapping things up on July 26. After Miley's appearance as the tour's first ever guest performer, we may have more to hop for when Bey hits stateside again—with more matching glitzy fashions incoming.
India Today
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Miley Cyrus joins Beyonce for surprise II Most Wanted duet in Paris, fans react
In a moment that fans will be talking about for years, Beyonce surprised the audience at her Cowboy Carter tour stop in Paris by bringing out none other than Miley Cyrus. The two powerhouse performers shared the stage for the first-ever live performance of their Grammy-winning duet, 'II Most Wanted', leaving the crowd at Stade de France in absolute emotional high point of the night came when Beyonc introduced Miley with warmth and admiration, saying, 'I'm your biggest fan,' before the duo launched into their chart-topping hit. The performance, charged with chemistry, nostalgia, and electric vocals, instantly became one of the most unforgettable moments of the the video here: As fans erupted into cheers, phones lit up the stadium, capturing the rare and iconic collaboration. The unexpected appearance not only showcased the bond between the two artists but also celebrated a new chapter in country-pop users went wild after the video surfaced online, calling it a moment filled with goosebumps. One wrote, "Their voices compliment each other so perfectly (sic)," while the other read, "Love how Miley can't stop staring at bey (Beyonc) while she's singing. You can tell it was a literal dream come true for her. Love this so much, Miley BEEN in the beehive forever (sic)."Read a few comments here: Photo: Instagram/ohteen With the Cowboy Carter tour already making waves for its genre-bending setlist and star-studded energy, this Miley-Beyonc surprise duet might just be its most talked-about highlight yet. Paris, clearly, got the show of a Watch
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Suspected upskirter is arrested at London Beyonce concert as stalkers are also removed from Tottenham Hotspur stadium
A man accused of upskirting at a Beyoncé concert has been arrested as people were kicked out of Tottenham Hotspur stadium for 'stalking and threatening behaviour'. The suspected upskirter was arrested during the first of six Cowboy Carter shows performed by the megastar at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 5. He is currently on police bail as enquiries continue. Metropolitan Police also backed venue security in removing people for 'stalking and threatening behaviour' as part of a larger crackdown on violent offenders at concerts in a bit to protect women and girls at 51-large scale shows across London. Five thousand officers shifts are set to be dedicated to supporting event organisers, public order officers, venue security staff, and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) patrols as three million music fans are set to attend Wembley this summer. Cops will be working in conjunction with four major venues, Wembley, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Emirates Stadium and the London Stadium. As part of their duties, they will identifying and intervening in any predatory or violent behaviour, and acting quickly to any violence against women and girls. Officers will also be on hand to speak with concertgoers as they patrol major venues and transport hubs. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, who leads the Met's V100 initative, said: 'Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe, whether walking home, using public transport, or enjoying a night out at a concert. Yet too many still don't. The Met is determined to change that. 'This summer we are working closer than ever with stadium management and major event organisers to help keep the public safe. 'Dedicated VAWG patrols are taking place at a number of concerts throughout the summer, with officers trained to spot predatory men in crowds and taken action to prevent violence before it happens.' The Met's initative is part of a broader strategy to tackle violence against women and girls in the capital, which includes their V100 project which uses data to track and target the most harmful offenders. Since being launched the V100 strategy has more than doubled the risk of arrest for the most harmful VAWG suspects. The level of risk is assessed using crime reports alongside a tool which measures the seriousness of harm to victims, known as the Cambridge Crime Harm Index. Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: 'Women and girls deserve to be safe and feel safe wherever they are in the capital and I welcome this action by the Met at summer concerts to prevent violent behaviour, support those in need and take swift action against perpetrators. 'The Met's V100 work, made possible by City Hall funding, is transforming the way they tackle violence against women and girls, ensuring perpetrators who pose the greatest risk are arrested and convicted – protecting victims from the worst offenders and making our streets safer. 'Putting specially trained officers at these busy summer concerts is another step in the right direction. 'The Mayor and I will continue to support the Met to do everything possible to keep women and girls safe as part of our ongoing public health approach to tackling VAWG in all its forms to build a safer London for all.' A Wembley Stadium spokesperson said: 'The Wembley experience is all about enjoying a moment that our guests will remember forever. 'We are expecting around 3 million people to attend our concerts this summer – the majority of whom will be young women and girls. 'All of them should be able to attend without any fear or worry and be able to remember that moment for all the right reasons.'
