Latest news with #FrenchConnection
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The under-the-radar high street brands that have upped their game this summer – and everything our fashion editor is buying
On the hunt for new brands? Instead I urge you to rediscover the handful of style stalwarts that have had a glow up. M&S is leading the charge on reinvention across the high street. In 2019 its clothing sales declined 5.5 per cent and there were plans to oust its frumpy garment department altogether. After targeting younger customers and modernising its aesthetic, six years on it stocks sell-out items and collaborates with the likes of Sienna Miller. Last year clothing sales jumped 4.7 per cent producing an operating profit of £242.2m. These are the other revamped brands to have on your radar now. FRENCH CONNECTION A few years ago I would have tagged this brand as an overpriced occasionwear outlet. Now I'd happily add most of its 'new in' section to my basket. Its head of design Helen Gallagher says, 'We've worked hard to reintroduce that bold, confident edge French Connection was once known for, with a new emphasis on pieces that feel wearable yet directional, and made for busy lives.' The result? A summer collection featuring clever details that make the clothes look and feel luxe. Ennis Eco Satin Column Shape Dress £140 Shop A standout piece thanks to its balloon sleeves and seashell embroidery. £69 Shop Wrap-around sarong skirts are a great alternative to your trusty midi slip. Skirt £75 Shop These are begging to be worn in the South of France. Sunglasses £45 Shop RUSSELL & BROMLEY This heritage accessories brand has steered away from reproducing the same old silhouettes and moved towards sleek pumps, kitten heels, mules and drool-worthy arm candy. For the first time in its 145-year history, design has moved in-house, with It-boy Daniel Beardsworth-Shaw as creative director. 'I'm aiming to tell the story of this iconic brand through innovation and an updated direction,' he says. His vision comes into full effect from autumn this year, but the latest styles on offer already show his influence – the suede bag collection is unmatched. I'm loving the rich brown shade and buckle strap. Strappy Heeled Sandal £245 Shop Bag £295 Shop These 70s-inspired platform mules will work with wide-leg jeans or linen trousers. Sandals £195 Shop Chocolate suede is everywhere: nail the trend with this investment piece. Bag MINT VELVET Two years ago you'd be pushed to find a gem on this brand's rails, but now Mint Velvet is packed with styles that end up with wait lists. Its aesthetic has evolved from mumsy to must-have, thanks to creative director Lucy Bevan, who says, 'We design for women who want to look put-together without trying too hard. Our focus is on creating effortless silhouettes with just the right amount of polish.' Which is why its holiday edit is one to watch. This ruffled one-piece is super flattering. Swimsuit £69 Shop Sea-themed charms will amp up the simplest of summer looks. £32 Shop RADLEY Founded in 1998 by Australian architect-turned-designer Lowell Harder, this London-based brand made its name selling mid-price bags featuring its Scottie-dog mascot. But to quote Florence Welch, 'the dog days are over'. Thanks to new design director Fernando Soriano Iglesias, Radley's focus is now on stealth wealth-looking totes and the sort of bags you'll find trending on Instagram. His experience at Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera and Loewe is already evident in in this season's polished offerings. Croc bag £109 Shop This faux-croc number will fit your laptop, notebook, sunglasses and kitchen sink. Bag These gladiators are giving Gwyneth Paltrow vibes. I have my eye on this squishy grab bag. Bag £239, now £143 Shop ARRANGE AT ASOS My mum would say Asos is far too young for her – she'd also question the quality. But the digital outlet's premium Arrange line is a far cry from its usual fast-fashion offerings. Rather than trend-led, the range is timeless, mature, features designs in 100 per cent cotton, leather and silk – and has a curve section. It does especially fabulous, yet modest, occasionwear that looks far more expensive than it is. Maxi dress £130 Shop Chartreuse is becoming the next shade of yellow to covet now. Dress £130 Shop Arrange also does a fine line in party tops: see this asymmetric striped find. Top £65 Shop For the brave, these leather city shorts will look très chic with a white linen shirt and kitten heels. GAP You may associate this Californian export with denim and white T-shirts, but its premium Gap Studio line – designed by creative director Zac Posen – went viral when Anne Hathaway wore a £120 white poplin shirtdress from the range last summer. The brand has gone from strength to strength since, with White Lotus star Parker Posey (below) fronting its latest campaign. That hit shirtdress in navy polka dots. Dress £120 Shop This asymmetric short trench is a great twist on a classic. Jacket £125 Shop Gap's jeans are still fabulous and well priced: these horseshoe ones have sold out twice.
Glasgow Times
06-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Global lifestyle brand to open first-ever store in Glasgow
Anthropologie is opening a unit at Princes Square, one of the city's busiest shopping destinations. The new shop will officially welcome customers in Autumn; however, an official opening date has not yet been confirmed. The American brand offers a variety of products, including 'chic' fashion, homeware, and lifestyle 'must-haves'. Anthropologie will be located next to French Connection, Knock Nook, and Space NK, our sister title, The Herald reports. READ NEXT: Here's why hundreds queued for MINISO opening at Braehead The store will create 15 new jobs across various roles such as store manager, assistant visual manager, and display coordinator. This is the company's second store in Scotland – the other is located in Edinburgh. It has taken a 10-year lease for the 4300 square foot unit within Princes Square. A statement published to the shopping centre's Facebook page reads: 'Coming soon to Princes Square. 'We're thrilled to announce that Anthropologie is joining the Princes Square family this Autumn. "Get ready for effortlessly chic fashion, homeware, and lifestyle must-haves all under one roof. 'Stay tuned for updates – something beautiful is on its way.'
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Cat Deeley's This Morning £39 Next top divides fans who call it beachwear
Cat Deeley's latest This Morning look has split viewers' opinions, with some suggesting her £39 Next top looks like beachwear - is it stylish or too casual for work? Cat Deeley has been killing the fashion game lately with her This Morning outfits. From her butter yellow linen suit by Massimo Dutti to her figure-flattering green maxi dress from French Connection, and her occasionwear-ready mini dress from River Island. Cat's looks have been a perfect mix of high-street pieces and timeless tailoring. However, her latest ensemble has sparked a bit of debate among viewers, with some saying it looked a little too beachy for daytime TV. The outfit in question? Next's Black Hardware Detail Halter Top, priced at £39, paired with ME + EM's Ultra High Waist Wide-Leg Trouser, priced at £250. While undeniably chic, in our opinion, the combo of a floaty halterneck and slouchy silhouette has divided opinion online. Over on X, one user asked, 'Has Cat come straight from a beach bar?', while another added: 'Cat — you're not having a day at the beach, love. Dress like a professional at work. #ThisMorning' So it begs the question: would you wear this look to the office? Honestly, it depends on your workplace vibe. In a more formal, client-facing environment, the halter neckline and exposed shoulders might feel a touch too relaxed. But for more casual settings, especially in today's WFH-friendly and generally more flexible world, it could totally work. Personally, I'd balance out the breezy top with slightly slimmer-fitting, tailored trousers or add a lightweight blazer over the top for a bit more structure. That way, you keep the relaxed, summery feel without crossing the line into unprofessional territory. Equally, the vibrant orange trousers would look amazing and office-friendly, teamed with a smart button-up white shirt, like this one from H&M for £19.99, and a pair of chunky loafers. However, the presenter's recent butter yellow tailored ensemble proves Cat can rock a chic, work-appropriate look. The oversized blazer and trousers were not only an excellent choice for the studio but would also be a top pick for maintaining a sophisticated and chic appearance in the office whilst remaining comfortable.
The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ireland AM star Muireann O'Connell shares her blunt responses to comments as she defends her style
IRELAND AM star Muireann O'Connell has shared her hilarious responses to her comments she received. The Virgin Media host often shares her TV outfits and fashion inspiration with her fans over on Instagram. Advertisement 3 Muireann shared a video of herself getting ready before presenting Ireland AM this morning Credit: Instagram 3 Muireann shared her hilarious responses to blunt comments she received Credit: Brian McEvoy 3 Muireann shared a screenshot of her comment section on her Instagram Story Credit: Instagram The Limerick native looked gorgeous after popping on a black waistcoat from Marks and Spencer, a leopard print satin maxi skirt from French Connection and orange open-toe heels from ASOS. And although most of her comment section was flooded with compliments from fans, there were a few brazen messages. Muireann screenshotted two of the comments with her funny replies that she said she would like to be able to respond with. Advertisement read more on ireland am One person wrote: "Jaysus Muirean your mad for an orange shoe." To which Muireann replied: "Hiya. It's been two days. Do you not wear the same shoes two days in a row." Another person remarked: "Hair much better that way." Muireann wrote back a petty reply saying: "That's mad because I don't like your hair that way." Advertisement read more on the irish sun Today Muireann was joined by and Ray Foley on the hit morning show as her mainstay co-hosts and were off air. It was Eric's first time presenting a week day show and he was very excited. Ireland AM star jokes about co-host lineup The Donegal native wanted to make sure he looked the part and got a haircut for the TV gig. However, as he was checking out the back of his head, Advertisement Muireann shared a video on Instagram of herself and her co-hosts on set in the Virgin Media studio and said: "Eric's totally fine about having had his his hair cut. "He's made us put it on the big screen and then Ray just said, 'Don't mind the baldy bit Eric'." AM MAYHEM Eric looked deflated as he inspected his hair and said: "I can't believe that that would happen on national television. Look at this." Muireann was in tears laughing at poor Eric's unfortunate beauty mishap. Advertisement The TikTok sensation also took to his Instagram and recorded himself while sitting on the couch beside Muireann. He said: "I've been getting a lot of questions guys, 'Which is better, the weekend show or the midweek show?'." The Limerick native quickly interjected saying: "Weekend... Elaine and Martin, will you please save this."
Metro
30-04-2025
- Health
- Metro
Chilling new details in Gene Hackman's wife Betsy Arakawa's autopsy revealed
New details surrounding Betsy Arakawa's death have been revealed by her final autopsy results. The 95-year-old French Connection actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, at the end of February. The usual way they were discovered sparked a police investigation into their deaths. It was later revealed that Hackman, 95, died of heart disease with advanced Alzheimer's disease listed as a significant contributory factor', while the classical pianist, 65, battled hantavirus – a rare, infectious condition – before her death. It has now emerged that Arakawa had fluid in her chest, and the vessels supplying blood to her heart and body had mild hardening, as confirmed in an autopsy seen by AP as reported by Fox. She died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, which was transmitted by rodents living around their home. It was confirmed that she tested negative for COVID-19 and the flu. She also had normal carbon monoxide levels and tested positive for caffeine but negative for alcohol and intoxicating drugs. This comes just a couple of days after the release of Hackman's final autopsy. Fox reported that the final autopsy from the Office of the Medical Investigator in New Mexico, has revealed he had further health issues. As well as a 'history of congestive heart failure' and 'severe chronic hypertensive changes, kidneys', the actor also had a 'bi-ventricular pacemaker' fitted in April 2019. The documents noted 'neurodegenerative features consistent with Alzheimer's Disease'. The report read: 'Autopsy showed severe atherosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with placement of coronary artery stents and a bypass graft, as well as a previous aortic valve replacement. 'Remote myocardial infarctions were present involving the left ventricular free wall and the septum, which were significantly large. 'Examination of the brain showed microscopic findings of advanced-stage Alzheimer's disease.' Police say Hackman likely died on February 18, almost a week after his wife Arakawa is thought to have died on February 11. On February 9 Arakawa took the dog, who was found deceased in the crate, to the vets for a procedure. On February 11 Arakawa sent her last email, to her massage therapist at around 11am. In the afternoon, she took a trip to a farmer's market, CVS pharmacy and a pet food shop. Her car was used to access the gated community after 5pm. She did not have any ongoing communication or activity in the local area after February 11. On February 12, Arakawa made multiple calls to a health clinic for medical treatment, which she was not able to receive. She also googled health care providers – having previously searched for causes of symptoms she was experiencing. Gene Hackman's pacemaker detected cardiac activity on February 17, and an abnormal rhythm on February 18, when activity stopped. Their bodies were discovered on February 26, 15 days after Arakawa was thought to have died, and eight days after Hackman's pacemaker recorded its last heartbeat. Two weeks ago, the couple was laid to rest in a private funeral with friends and family invited to the event. More Trending Hackman's three children, Christopher, 65, Elizabeth, 62, and Leslie, 58, from his first marriage to Faye Maltese were all in attendance. In March, TMZ obtained a copy of Hackman's will, which appeared to show that he left his entire fortune to his partner, and made her the sole beneficiary in 1995. Although his children were not included, TMZ reported that Hackman's children will 'presumably get his share' as they are his direct living heirs. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Carrie and Dallas actress Priscilla Pointer dies aged 100 MORE: Christie Brinkley recalls public moment she discovered husband's affair with 'teenager' MORE: Donald Trump's hatred-fuelled 'obsession' with Taylor Swift intensifies with fresh dig
