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Condé Nast Traveler
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Best Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses for Every Type of Destination Wedding
As the mother of the bride or groom, you play a pretty special role in your child's wedding—and you deserve to look and feel as special as you are! Luckily, plenty of fashion brands offer wedding guest dresses and outfits that reflect this important role, with styles that come in various silhouettes, necklines, and fabrics. And we found the best of the best. The elegant dresses you'll find below really rise to occasion—because even though you may have attended dozens of weddings in your lifetime, you're not just a regular guest here. On your son or daughter's big day, you're a true guest of honor. So, whether the celebration is a black-tie affair in Lake Como or a casual beachside ceremony along California's Pacific Coast, we have you covered with 25 fabulous dresses that'll hopefully help you find the one (just like your kid did!). Keep scrolling for all of our favorite mother-of-the-bride dresses, or jump right to the type of wedding you're attending to find the perfect fit for you. Black-tie weddings When the invitation says 'black tie,' it's code for 'fancy.' This attire, unlike any other designation, is where you come to sparkle—both literally and figuratively. Floor-length gowns are a must, and a little dazzle in the form of sequins or rhinestones never hurts. If shine isn't your thing, no problem; just keep it elegant with lush fabrics that scream elegance, like jacquard and satin. While solid colors have historically been the norm, prints are also welcome—just use your discretion, of course. Black-tie weddings also tend to take place in the evening, so dresses that cover your arms and shoulders (at least partly) can make you feel more comfortable as the night cools down. Betsy & Adam mermaid gown $269 Nordstrom Formal/black-tie optional Weddings with formal attire still indicate an elevated affair, but require a little less formality than a black-tie evening. That means fabrics can be a little less luxurious and embellished, you can feel free to wear brighter colors, and you can try showing off a fun neckline. You should aim for elegance, but you have a bit more flexibility. Also, balance is key for formal attire. For example, if you're choosing a traditionally high-end fabric like lace, you can pair it with an unexpected color, like a metallic. Semi-formal weddings This category is the Goldilocks of wedding attire: not quite formal and not too casual. It's right in the middle. Consider it synonymous with dressy casual, a setting where mothers of the bride and groom can feel perfectly appropriate wearing a tea-length dress or a jumpsuit in a lavish fabric. Here, feel free to wear looks that have relaxed silhouettes instead of form-fitting styles. Cocktail attire Confusing as it might seem, the formula here is pretty simple: Mix a slightly pared-down version of formal attire with the option to add a little flair, and you get cocktail attire. Dress lengths that fall to the knee or below it are ideal, and you can add lushness with glittering beads or scalloped-edge lace as you please. Color is also key here, with cocktail attire allowing mothers of the bride or groom to lean into brighter hues and away from the darker tones that are commonplace with formal or black-tie occasions. Casual attire Think easy fabrics and comfortable silhouettes that still lean into the formality of a wedding, even if the relaxed celebration takes place at a rustic-chic farm or in a cozy backyard. In other words, casual attire is a slightly more dressed-up version of your everyday look. As a guest of honor, this is a space where you can add a tinge of embellishment—like rosette detailing—to your typical elevated attire and still find yourself well within the appropriate dress code. Beach weddings A beachside wedding signals an all-important message to guests: Go with color. No matter the time of day or setting—either at a dreamy Caribbean resort or an informal gathering on the sand in Florida—beach-inspired hues reign supreme. Whether your sartorial look is inspired by tranquil ocean waters or the sunset's rays, opt for colors and prints that complement the natural setting. Thankfully, an array of dresses fit the bill, with comfortable, loose-fitting options in lightweight materials that will make any mother feel beautiful.
Condé Nast Traveler
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Condé Nast Traveler
What to Do If Approached by ICE at the Airport, Border, Workplace, or Home
Throughout this year, several travelers have shared stressful stories of being denied entry to the US at both airports and border crossings. Take the case of Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian actress and entrepreneur who was denied entry at the border and detained by immigration authorities for two weeks (an experience she wrote about). The most recent data shows that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions have gone up 25% since US President Donald Trump has taken office. And between his inauguration and June 2025, there has been an 807% increase in the arrest of immigrants with no criminal record. If you are an international visitor or US resident without permanent citizenship status, it's helpful to know your legal rights in the case of an unexpected encounter with immigration officers or border patrol agents. 'ICE officers only have the authority to enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act,' says Veronica Cardenas, a former ICE attorney who is now an immigrant rights lawyer and a coach for other immigrant lawyers. 'And so the first question that they have to have the answer to is: Is this person committing an immigration violation? And that can't ever be on the basis of someone's skin color, the language that they speak, [or] what they're driving.' Every person spoken to for this article has deep, intimate knowledge of immigration, ICE, and the US legal system: Juan Carlos Rivera is an immigration attorney in Miami, Florida; Gina Amato Lough is the Directing Attorney for the Public Counsel's Immigrants' Rights Project; and Maribel Hernández Rivera is the National Director of Immigrant Community Strategies at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). We asked them for their expert advice on what to do if you're approached by ICE in six possible scenarios: at the airport, at the border, at home, at the workplace, on the street, or while driving. At the airport Airports are unique entry and exit points for the US, so your rights vary based on your immigration or citizenship status. You're more likely to encounter CBP (Customs and Border Patrol), though ICE can also be present and often works alongside CBP, as both agencies are part of the Department of Homeland Security. 'At international airports and border crossings, officers do have broader powers, but those powers aren't unlimited,' says Rivera.
Condé Nast Traveler
a day ago
- Business
- Condé Nast Traveler
Sydney's New Airport Is a Stunning Ode to Australia's Natural Wonders
In 2026, Australia will open the doors to a newly built international airport for the first time in over 50 years—and it's so stunning you might actually want to spend hours in the terminal. Western Sydney International Airport (WSI), slated to debut next year, has just reached its most important milestone yet: Major construction on the terminal is now complete, and its designers have unveiled a first look at the airport's beautiful interior. WSI is located in Sydney's Badgerys Creek neighborhood, approximately a 35-minute drive west from Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Australia's busiest air travel hub. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and COX Architecture and constructed by Woods Bagot, Multiplex, and Bechtel, the $5.3 billion project aims to pay homage to Australia's natural wonders while also providing an innovative passenger experience. 'The ambition was to create an airport that is not just a transit space but a destination in itself,' Neil Hill, Wood Bagot's principal design lead for WSI, said. "The terminal offers a constantly evolving visual experience and sense of joy as passengers move through the space and experience the intricate detail at a human scale—while elsewhere you might find yourself in a soaring triple-height void with uncluttered panoramic views.' The airport has one terminal that will be home to both international and domestic gates, allowing for easier connections. Brett Boardman When it opens, Western Sydney Airport will operate 24 hours a day. The single building will be home to airlines like Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Air New Zealand, with both the international and domestic gates located in one terminal for easier connections. Airports are notoriously known as incubators of stress, but WSI hopes new technology will help eliminate major pain points. For example, travelers will be able to track their checked luggage with a dedicated app thanks to a cutting-edge baggage handling system. The terminal's designers also sought to create a visually soothing space by taking architectural cues from nature. Most noteworthy is the undulating sculptural ceiling made of wooden slats that filter light in a way that mimics sunlight shining through eucalyptus bark, a hallmark of the region's UNESCO-recognized Blue Mountains Area. 'The 'Great Australian Light' is one of the defining qualities of the Australian experience, and it has been central to our design thinking,' David Holm, principal and design lead at COX, said. 'The way light filters through the terminal shapes how people move, orient and feel—creating a sense of calm, clarity and connection. For many, this space marks their very first encounter with Australia, and we wanted that experience to feel unmistakably grounded in place.' References to the region's natural wonders can also be found in the terminal's sprawling horizontal form, which is meant to reflect the nearby Cumberland Plain. Designers also worked to bring the outdoors to the terminal's interior by incorporating natural materials from the region, like sandstone sourced from Australia's Central Coast. The undulating ceiling is made of wooden slats designed to mimic the 'Great Australian Light,' imbuing the terminal with a sense of place. Trevor Mein Additional design elements include triple-height ceilings and walls of windows offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, as well as details that highlight Australia's Aboriginal and First Nations cultures. In fact, the design was finalized in consultation with Western Sydney's Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation. "People will love spending time in this terminal as they enjoy the iconic vistas of the surrounding Blue Mountains,' Simon Hickey, CEO of WSI Airport, said. "Visitors will be welcomed by the stories of Dharug country that will connect the world with more than 60,000 years of Aboriginal culture while also highlighting the vibrant communities of Western Sydney.' From a sustainability perspective, the terminal is outfitted with more than 6,000 solar panels on its roof that will provide renewable electricity to the facility, as well as a climate-responsive facade, natural ventilation, and water recycling. Although the major construction on the terminal is finished, work on interior areas such as the retail shops and airline lounges still needs to be completed. The new facility is on track to open to its first passengers in late 2026. 'This is a rare opportunity to define the next generation of airport design on a global stage,' Cristiano Ceccato, director and design lead for Zaha Hadid Architects, said. 'Together with COX, we created a design that meets the highest standards of architectural innovation, passenger experience, and operational efficiency.'
Condé Nast Traveler
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
The Supper Clubs and Pop-Ups Revitalizing Cairo's Food Scene
It's a weekday night in May in downtown Cairo and chef Dina Hosny is pulling together a seven-course meal in a makeshift kitchen. The Kodak Passageway, once a warehouse, garage, and Kodak store, has been transformed into The Corner Shop, a two-week pop-up celebrating Egypt's culinary culture. Hosny, who has a diploma from Le Cordon Bleu London, is serving up duck with kumquat doum jus, smoked aubergine areesh ravioli with roumy cream, and a dessert of date paste kahk pie with shay be laban (tea with milk) gelato and hibiscus syrup. Innovation is the order of the day, with local ingredients at the fore whenever possible. Cairo's food scene has seen a surge in such events, from pop-ups and farm-to-table lunches to fine-dining supper clubs, offering diverse and innovative alternatives to the capital's more mainstream restaurants. The chefs span from self-taught to culinary school alumni, and the food is Egyptian, international or a blend of both, while the venues are similarly varied, encompassing homes, restaurants, and outdoor spaces, to art galleries and, even, clothing shops. 'It's going wild. Everyone's doing it,' Hosny says. 'I think it's great that people are looking for new experiences.' Kodak Passageway is an initiative by Flavour Republic, the mastermind behind the annual Cairo Food Week, which will take place for the third time in September. Hoda El Sherif, the founder of the event, says the post-COVID era has fundamentally reshaped the city's dining landscape. Diners 'craved more intimate and immersive experiences,' she says, while 'a new generation of chefs—eager to carve out their identity and bypass the traditional barriers of the industry— embraced the model as a launch pad for their careers.' This sense of experimentation is exciting, especially for Cairo, where the culinary scene is not known for eagerly embracing the new. Another pop-up chef, Kareem El Nagdy, who hosts his 12-person Comida by Ken supper club in his Maadi apartment goes so far as to call the trend a 'kind of food revolution in Egypt.' If you're hungry for something new, here are Cairo's best new culinary experiences to have on your radar. On the table at NatureWorks, the decor incorporates local flora. Courtesy NatureWorks NatureWorks, a hydroponic farm in the Sheikh Zayed suburb, offers lunches. Courtesy NatureWorks NatureWorks NatureWorks, a hydroponic farm in the Sheikh Zayed suburb, offers a true farm-to-table experience using its homegrown products such as leafy greens and edible flowers. Founded in 2017, the farm has been putting on its pop-up lunches and dinners for the past four years. The first event with New Zealand-born Egyptian-Chinese celebrity chef Bobby Chinn was hugely popular. Since then, NatureWorks has collaborated with Italian chef Giorgio Diana, Peruvian Martin Rodriguez of Izakaya Cairo, physician-turned-chef Wesam Masoud and Khufu's executive chef Mostafa Seif, among others.
Condé Nast Traveler
a day ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
How to Throw a Perfect Bachelorette Party in Cabo
At the southernmost tip of Baja California Sur is Los Cabos, one of the most legendary beach destinations in Mexico—and maybe even the world. Though just a nonstop flight away from major US cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, and even New York, Los Cabos feels like a world away. Comprised of two main towns, the party-heavy Cabo San Lucas and the more refined San José del Cabo, its vast desert landscape is framed by the towering Sierra de la Laguna mountain range and studded with massive cacti and palms that lead to rolling dunes lining the Pacific Ocean. While the area has long been an oasis for adventure travelers seeking outdoor thrills (like ATV tours, water sports, and parasailing), the area is equally as beloved as a reveler's paradise. For all of these reasons combined, there's possibly no better destination for a bachelorette party, as Los Cabos offers a rare blend of barefoot luxury and after-dark excess. Here, bachelorette festivities can begin with poolside green juice at luxury hotels like One&Only Palmilla or The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, and end with mezcal cocktails and dancing beneath the stars at desert nightlife venues like Crania. Getty Images Whether your crew is craving pure relaxation or a dance-until-you-forget-your-name kind of weekend (or both—we don't judge!), this corner of Baja delivers. And if you're looking to scope out everything from the best design-forward hotels and day spas with cold plunge rituals to private yacht rentals that'll take you whale watching near the iconic Los Arcos rock formations, welcome. This is your definitive guide to planning a bachelorette in Cabo that's anything but cliché. FAQ: How should my group plan to get around in Cabo? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron The most convenient option for bachelorette groups is to book private transportation or a ride-sharing service. Most hotels can arrange private cars for groups, and numerous car rental companies and ride-sharing services, such as Uber, are readily available. How many days should I stay in Cabo for a bachelorette trip? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron A four-day trip is ideal for most bachelorette groups, providing enough time to enjoy beach activities, nightlife, and relaxation without feeling rushed. This length also keeps costs manageable while allowing for a mix of planned activities and spontaneous fun. What is the best time of year to go to Cabo for a bachelorette trip? AccordionItemContainerButton LargeChevron November through April is typically the best time of year to visit Cabo. This is when you'll find the best weather conditions, with warm, dry days and brisk nights—perfect for groups who want to enjoy the beach and nightlife. I'd also try to avoid hurricane season from June through October, and spring break crowds from March through April. Courtesy Pujol Where to eat Cabo has cemented itself as one of Mexico's most dynamic culinary destinations—and for good reason. The restaurants here are as aesthetically pleasing as they are inventive with dishes. Each outpost is designed to immerse you fully, whether you're sipping cocktails in a palm grove or hand-pressing tortillas on a farm. I recommend beginning at Flora Farms, an open-air restaurant set on 25 lush acres of sprawling desert. The grounds include a working organic farm with a restaurant at its heart, where mango trees frame your table, live music is always drifting through the air, and dishes are plated with herbs freshly snipped from the garden. Brunch here is practically a rite of passage. Nearby is Tamarindos, an outdoor restaurant set within a historic estate outside San José del Cabo. Here, you can harvest ingredients from the fields, then head into an open-air kitchen to learn how to prepare Baja specialties like spicy chile rellenos, citrusy ceviche, and handmade tortillas. For the top fine dining in the area, head to Manta. The flagship restaurant of The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, is helmed by Enrique Olvera, the chef behind Mexico City's top restaurant, Pujol. With stunning sunset views of Los Arcos, you can enjoy a menu that blends Japanese precision with bold Mexican flavors, with dishes including smoked kampachi sashimi and miso-glazed black cod. To recover after a night of imbibing, head to Pez Gallo, a minimalist café in San José's art district where the coffee is strong and the vibe is easy, or post up at Lab Coffee for rooftop cold brew and avocado toast with a Baja twist. And if you happen to sleep through breakfast, grab tacos at La Lupita. They're by far the best in the area. Where to stay In Cabo, where you stay shapes the entire rhythm of your trip. While Airbnbs and private villas (like this seaside respite in San José del Cabo or this luxurious home in Cabo San Lucas) are a popular option for those looking for privacy, full kitchens, and plenty of space, several boutique hotels are also worth looking into for their elevated services and amenities. For an immersive getaway within a lush desert environment, Acre, with its treehouse-style villas, is the perfect respite if your ideal stay includes nesting within a 25-acre palm oasis just outside San José del Cabo. Each stilted suite is crafted from reclaimed wood and surrounded by jungle, blending rustic charm with modern comforts. With a convivial outdoor pool, an award-winning restaurant, and an on-site cocktail bar, you never have to leave the property—but if you do, you'll want to return by sunset for margaritas and live music. Courtesy The Cape/Photo by Thomas Hart Shelby If ocean views and sophisticated suites are what you're after, The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, hits the mark. Every room faces the sea, and some come replete with private terraces and outdoor soaking tubs. The hotel's rooftop offers fabulous pre-dinner cocktails, best enjoyed before a meal at Manta by Chef Enrique Olvera. For peak luxury, One&Only Palmilla offers an exceptional resort experience, with butler service and whitewashed casitas that open to a private beach cove. The hotel spa, one of the largest in Baja Sur, is also well-suited for bachelorettes, hosting typical wellness classes like yoga and Pilates, as well as a curated list of treatments inspired by the ancient healing rituals of Mexico. For groups who want to be in the heart of the action in downtown San José del Cabo, a stay at Drift San José delivers with minimalist design. It's located steps from the area's top galleries, bars, and restaurants, and even has a central courtyard and pool that turns into a relaxing lounge space by evening. Gypsy Soul House Courtesy Gypsy Soul House Where to play There's no better way to explore Los Cabos than by boat. Most private charters leave from the Los Cabos Marina and come equipped with a crew who serve snacks and drinks while you navigate towards the iconic Los Arcos rock formation. Whale watching is almost guaranteed along the way, as is a stop to swim at Lover's Beach, an ideal spot for a champagne toast. Back on land, a cooking class at Tamarindos is ideal for large groups and will allow you to get acquainted with local ingredients. Guided by their team of chefs, you can pick your own herbs and vegetables to make regional dishes like stuffed corn tamales and fish tacos topped with a variety of homemade salsas.
