
Men’s engagement rings are getting more popular – here’s what experts say about the trend
More and more men are embracing statement jewellery and wearing engagement rings, according to industry insiders. The trend isn’t exactly brand new. For example, back in 2009, American singer, actress and TV host Jennifer Hudson decided to propose back to her then partner, American actor David Otunga – getting down on one knee with a ring in hand, five months after he’d first popped the question to her on her 27th birthday. Later, singer Michael Bublé sported an engagement ring after he and Luisana Loreley Lopilato de la Torre got engaged, telling fans it was usual that “the boy also wears the engagement ring” in Argentina, where his now wife is from. Former American footballer Osi Umenyiora was another male celeb spotted wearing an engagement ring, among others. Attitudes are shifting For Arabel Lebrusan, founder and designer at ethical jewellery designer brand Lebrusan Studio, the margins for ‘bridal’ jewellery customs are shifting, largely in line with our evolving understanding of gender roles and identity. “But what makes the current demand difficult to define by concrete statistics is the difference in the language used to refer to engagement rings for men versus engagement rings for women, with men’s engagement rings often discussed in more ambiguous terms,” Lebrusan told PA Media.“Western tradition has assigned engagement rings primarily to women for centuries, but a greater emphasis on gender equality within couples and increasing visibility, inclusivity and liberty of LGBTQ+ people has loosened the rules that once governed who could and couldn’t wear an engagement ring,” she added.“Up until last year, we’d never knowingly been commissioned to create a men’s engagement ring, so even one assignment in this field is technically an increase.” What should you look for in a men’s engagement ring? According to the industry experts, male engagement rings are usually selected on an individual basis and every enquiry is different. Dan Dower, design director at Dower & Hall, said they rarely get asked for an actual engagement ring for men – it tends to be a more elaborate or stone set ‘wedding’ ring, which does the job, and often in white gold or platinum. “We’ve done quite a few with diamonds, but also with other stones like sapphires and even one recently set with a faceted labradorite. It was definitely a statement engagement ring, which was then reconfirmed as the wedding ring,” explained Dower. “We’ve had commissions from both gay and straight men – but all definitely super confident in their tastes and appearance, which has been a joy to work with.” Do men have separate engagement and wedding rings? Traditionally, women have tended to have an engagement ring at the point of proposal, and then a different wedding ring once married. Is it the same for men who choose to wear an engagement ring? “More often, the ‘engagement’ ring then becomes the ‘wedding’ ring,” said Dower. “Or we might do a ‘commitment’ ring, which is worn on a different finger or right hand, followed by a ‘wedding’ ring for the ring finger.” Ultimately, it’s an individual choice and traditions don’t need to dictate how you choose to do things! How much do men’s engagement rings cost? Cost often depends on a number of factors, including how complex the design is and the materials used. Simple bands without any gemstones will cost less than more detailed rings, of course. Pricing can typically start anywhere from £200 to £2,000. What are the things to be mindful of? Lebrusan strongly encourages men to think about the materials they go for, since they will be wearing the engagement ring every day, and maybe for years on end. She suggests: “Choosing only from a pool of resilient metal and gemstone options – think platinum, 18ct gold, diamond or sapphire. For those with bigger hands, we also recommend considering chunkier styles, since incredibly slender bands can be compromised by large internal diameters. “Jewellery care requirements vary depending on style and materials, so it’s worth asking your jeweller for some detailed tips for caring for your engagement ring before you part ways,” Lebrusan added. “As a general rule of thumb, however, any engagement ring should be easily removed before any form of sport, housework or manual labour.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 11 ways to work the terracotta trend 3 great abs exercises that aren’t crunches ‘Women short-changed as 65% of weekly working hours ignored in official data’
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Shirley Ballas' style regrets
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Twiggy: I did not plan to get into modelling
English model, actress and singer Twiggy has revealed that she never planned to go into modelling. Twiggy, 73, whose full name is Dame Lesley Lawson, rose to prominence as a model in the 1960s, and has appeared on the front cover of fashion magazines Vogue and Tatler. Discussing her career, including an appearance in musical film The Boy Friend, Twiggy told Good Housekeeping: “I’ve spent my life doing things that I didn’t plan to do. “I didn’t plan to model. I definitely didn’t plan to do a musical film with Ken Russell and I certainly didn’t plan to star on Broadway in a big musical. I must be mad!” Russell wrote and directed The Boy Friend, which also starred ballet dancer Christopher Gable and EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor. Twiggy has also been involved in Close Up – The Twiggy Musical, written and directed by comedian Ben Elton and slated to open in September. She said: “I only get involved with projects that really spark something in me, with people I love and want to work with. “Ben Elton is an old friend and I love him to bits. “He’s a huge talent – so clever and such a sweet man. “The musical came about when we were having dinner about six years ago and he said, half-jokingly: ‘I should do your story! It’s an amazing story set in an amazing period – I should write it.’” The musical traces the model’s rise to stardom in a show filled with music from the 1960s and 70s. Twiggy also talked about her marriage to English actor Leigh Lawson and said: “(Leigh and I) have been together for 38 years, which is frightening! I suppose luck has a lot to do with it. “You never know when you meet somebody how it’s all going to turn out or what life is going to throw at you. “We’ve both been through things that didn’t work out for various reasons and when you’ve had that experience, you’re a little gentler when you meet someone else.” Lawson is also a director and writer and he has credits in TV shows including Silent Witness, Travelling Man, Absolutely Fabulous and The Red Tent. The September 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping is now on sale. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live ‘Women short-changed as 65% of weekly working hours ignored in official data’ How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer What is premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
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How to wear the casual tailoring look in summer
The biggest menswear trend of the moment is about putting an easygoing spin on the classic suit. “Casual tailoring is a fashion movement that has accelerated over the last few years,” says Martin Roberts, head of buying at Jacamo. “Dress codes have become much more relaxed and comfort has become a key priority in menswear. “As a result, men are moving away from formal etiquette and instead adding some style and versatility to their suits.” From catwalks to red carpets, the ‘suited and booted’ look is increasingly being replaced by the ‘blazer and trainers’ combo. “We’ve seen prominent fashion designers embracing the trend, incorporating lightweight fabrics, earthy tones and refined silhouettes,” says Victor Nyamdavaa, tailoring specialist at Hawes and Curtis. “Along with the countless red carpet appearances from A-list celebrities dressed in relaxed linen suits, it’s clear that casual tailoring is revolutionising the way we perceive sartorial styling.” While some events still call for a formal dress code, casual tailoring is supremely versatile. “A matching two-piece will always look dapper and can suit every occasion, whether it be a trip to the office or a weekend wedding,” says Roberts. “However, comfort dressing is the new power dressing, and smart shirts are now being replaced with tees, polos and knitted sweaters, as working and social environments become more accommodating to a casual attire.” And it’s simple to work into your wardrobe, Nyamdavaa says: “By incorporating tailored pieces such as linen jackets, polos, and linen trousers into your summer outfits, you can embrace the casual tailoring trend and exude sophistication with ease.” Style and simplicity “The best way to approach the trend is by keeping it simple and suave,” says Roberts. “Mixing up the style and colour of your suit layers will make the vibe feel more laid-back and add some versatility to your outfit choice. This look is ideal for a celebratory event, such as a birthday party or anniversary.” But stay within the same colour palette and choose soft hues, he advises: “It’s important to find the perfect colour contrast, as too similar and the suit separate loses its touch, but too bold and it can look out of place.” Steer clear of jazzy prints, too, he adds: “For example, checkered trousers with a striped blazer will look displaced when put together.” Pastels have been a major part of the casual tailoring trend, with style icon Ryan Gosling rocking mint, baby pink and powder blue suits during the Barbie movie press tour. “If you’re looking for an outfit that shouts ‘laid-back cool’, combine a cotton polo shirt with linen trousers in a matching or contrasting hue,” says Nyamdavaa. “Accessorise with leather loafers to elevate the outfit while maintaining its easygoing charm.” If sugary shades aren’t for you, opt for natural tones like cream, caramel or light brown. Darker colours also work well for evening events in summer. Nyamdavaa continues: “You can create a sleek monochromatic look with a navy linen blazer, navy polo and navy linen trousers, creating a level of understated style while keeping you cool and comfortable wherever the season takes you.” Neutral and natural “People must also consider which fabric to wear based on the season – in summer, linen and cotton suit parts work well together,” says Roberts, while wool or tweed should be left in your winter wardrobe. Nyamdavaa agrees: “For an effortlessly chic aesthetic, opt for a tailored linen jacket in a neutral tone, paired with a classic polo shirt, completed with tailored linen trousers and suede loafers for a touch of sophistication.” As an alternative to a two-piece suit, mix and match separates. “A pair of suit trousers can be replaced with more comfortable and informal clothing, such as chinos and even jeans,” says Roberts. “For holiday goers who are planning a family meal out or couples who are heading to a wedding abroad, a chino and blazer pairing is the perfect summer look.” Here’s our pick of the coolest casual tailoring pieces on the high street… Jacamo Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Jacket, £75 (was £100); Elliot Pink Brushed Flannel Suit Trousers, £35 (were £50); Grey Marl Crew Neck Jumper, £22; Puma RBD Game Low Trainers, £48.75 (were £65) Hawes and Curtis Brown Linen Shirt Jacket, £179 (was £199); White Mercerised Cotton T-shirt, £29.50; Natural Herringbone Tailored Linen Trousers, £150; Light Brown Suede Leather Casual Loafers, £99 (were £129) Threadbare Luxe Men’s Stone Linen Blend Blazer, £75; Luxe Men’s Navy Linen Mix Drawstring Trousers, £30 Matalan Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Jacket, £39; Lilac Essential Pull-On Hoodie, £15; Taylor & Wright Panama Black Tailored Fit Suit Trousers, £21; White Stripe Trainers, £17 Ted Baker Lancej Wool And Linen Blazer in Light Green, £206 (was £295); Lancet Slim Fit Wool Linen Trousers in Light Green, £105 (were £150) FatFace Light Teal Organic Cotton Pique Polo, £35 Peacocks Mens Tan Linen Blend Shirt, £12 (was £18)
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Twiggy says she never planned to become a model: ‘I must be mad’
Twiggy has revealed that she did not plan to get into modelling as a career, which means the world could have missed out on one of the most iconic fashion models of the Sixties. The English model, actor and singer, whose real name is Dame Lesley Lawson, said that most of her life has been spent “doing things that I didn’t plan to do”. In a new interview with Good Housekeeping, Twiggy, 73, said: “I didn’t plan to model. I definitely didn’t plan to do a musical film with Ken Russell and I certainly didn’t plan to star on Broadway in a big musical. I must be mad!” Russell wrote and directed the 1971 musical comedy The Boy Friend, which also starred EastEnders star Barbara Windsor and ballet dancer Christopher Gable. Twiggy was also involved in Close-Up: The Twiggy Musical, written and directed by comedian Ben Elton. The show is set to open in September at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London. She said: “I only get involved with projects that really spark something in me, with people I love and want to work with. “Ben Elton is an old friend and I love him to bits. He’s a huge talent - so clever and such a sweet man. “The musical came about when we were having dinner about six years ago and he said, half-jokingly, ‘I should do your story! It’s an amazing story set in an amazing period – I should write it’.” Close-Up traces Twiggy’s rise to stardom alongside music from the Sixties and Seventies. Elsewhere in the interview, Twiggy opened up about her marriage to English actor Leigh Lawson and reflected on their nearly 40 years together. She said: “[Leigh and I] have been together for 38 years, which is frightening! I suppose luck has a lot to do with it. “You never know when you meet somebody how it’s all going to turn out or what life is going to throw at you. “We’ve both been through things that didn’t work out for various reasons and when you’ve had that experience, you’re a little gentler when you meet someone else.” Lawson is also a director and writer. He has been credited for TV shows such as Silent Witness, Travelling Man, Absolutely Fabulous, and The Red Tent. Earlier this year, Twiggy revealed that cosmetic surgery “frightens” her, and she has never undergone procedures such as Botox, which is common among celebrities. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said she is “proud” of her wrinkles, but said she was open to the idea of having “little tweaks” someday. “But what I don’t think I’d ever do is all the stuff they inject, when they get those funny cheeks that look like cotton wool balls have been stuffed in them. It would frighten me,” she added. The full interview is in the September 2023 issue of Good Housekeeping, which is on sale now. Additional reporting by PA Read More ‘My dentist injects me, but I trust him’: Inside the scary world of unregulated Botox London chef apologises after criticism for all-white, all-male kitchen team Bakery delivers brilliant response to ‘well-known celebrity’ offering ‘exposure’ in return for free cakes JW Anderson is teaming up with a major tennis star for new collection Leigh-Anne Pinnock unveils the three wedding dresses she wore to marry Andre Gray Eva Mendes shows dress made out of sponges as she jokes it’ll be her Oscars outfit
1970-01-01 08:00

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JW Anderson is teaming up with a major tennis star for new collection
Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson is collaborating with former tennis player Roger Federer for a new collection with Uniqlo. Federer posted a picture of him with Anderson on Instagram with the caption: “Excited for this one… stay tuned.” The nine-piece unisex collection mixes Anderson’s gender-fluid aesthetic with elements of sporty style. Fleece jackets, sweaters, shorts and parkas are offered in neutral colourways – blacks, whites, greys and blues. Polo shirts are a big feature of the mini collection – and were also seen in JW Anderson’s recent Milan Fashion Week show, where models wore sporty styles and rugby-inspired tops. This is the first time Anderson and Federer are teaming up, but both have long relationships with the Japanese retailer. Federer, 41, has been a brand ambassador for Uniqlo since 2018. This was when he broke off his long-standing deal with Nike, and started wearing Uniqlo outfits on the court. In 2018, it was reported that Uniqlo would be paying Federer around £22 million a year for the next decade. Outside of sportswear, Federer – who retired from professional tennis in 2022 – also models the brand’s lifestyle clothing. The Swiss sportsman told Uniqlo: “My style tends toward simple, muted tones and classic looks. That’s me.” Anderson – who is also the creative director of luxury fashion house Loewe – has been creating collaborative collections with Uniqlo since 2017. His most recent spring/summer Uniqlo collection was described as “a modern interpretation of quintessential British style, as always through JW Anderson’s elegant and playful lens”, and was “inspired by the traditional sports of British universities, putting an athletic twist on classic wardrobe staples”. Federer told WWD: “I’ve always wanted to have a collection perfect for playing tennis while also versatile for the other parts of daily life. “I’m fortunate that Jonathan shared this vision. Together we were able to create a stylish and comfortable line rooted in a classic tennis style. Jonathan is talented, creative and incredibly down-to-earth. It has been a pleasure to work with him on this collection.” Anderson told WWD he was “influenced by watching Roger play” when designing the clothes. He said: “We designed a collection that could be worn in an actual match, for a classic look or just as easily be worn around town. We’ve got something that feels elevated, and it is kind of timeless.” Uniqlo’s Roger Federer Collection by JW Anderson will be available in-store and online on August 28, although that might vary in different regions. Prices range from $39.90 to $89.90 (£31.20 to £70.40). Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live N-Dubz cement comeback with first new album in 13 years Irregular sleep patterns linked to harmful gut bacteria, study suggests Babies as young as four months have taste in fine art, study shows
1970-01-01 08:00

Leigh-Anne Pinnock unveils the three wedding dresses she wore to marry Andre Gray in Jamaica
Leigh-Anne Pinnock has offered fans a glimpse into her wedding to Andre Gray by sharing a set of exclusive photographs from their wedding album on Instagram. The couple got married in Jamaica on 3 June after six years together; they welcomed twins in August 2021. On Monday (31 July), the 31-year-old Little Mix star shared a series of photos alongside the caption: “03/06/23 I married my soul mate.” The first snap showed Pinnock and Gray kissing at the alter on the beach. Others showed them walking down the aisle hand in hand with the ocean behind them. Pinnock also posted photos of herself with her bridesmaids getting ready for the ceremony, with four of them holding up her skirt as she turned away from the camera. In another post, Pinnock shared photographs of her and Gray walking into their reception dinner holding hands. The two are then seen dancing together and posing later on in the night. “More wedding SPAM incomingggg [sic],” Pinnock captioned the post. The posts reveal that Pinnock and Gray each wore several outfits on the night. For Pinnock, the first gown was an embellished Princess-style gown with a full tulle skirt and an ivory bodice that featured a corset-style top with mesh sleeves. The gown also featured a long train with the words: “We’ve crossed the line”. Gray, who plays football for Greek club Aris, wore a white suit jacket with black trousers for the ceremony, which he then followed with a black waistcoat, black trousers, and white shirt for the reception. For her second outfit, Pinnock chose a silver fishtail gown with a plunging neckline and an open back. Finally, the musician changed into a mesh gown that featured corset-stye boning with a sheer overlay that had a slit up to her thigh. The photos come after Pinnock announced that she is set to release her first memoir. The singer, who performed with Little Mix from 2011 to 2022, shared a video to Instagram on Monday (17 April) announcing her autobiography. In the clip, Pinnock can be seen sipping a cup of tea and reading from the book, before explaining that the memoir is “so special to me”. “I hope you guys love it as much as I do,” she said. “Ever since we won The X Factor back in 2011, I feel like I’ve been in a whirlwind,” she captioned the video. “I’ve had some life-changing moments that up until now, I’ve never really had the chance to process. “Maya Angelou once said, ‘You can’t really know where you are going until you know where you have been’ so with this in mind and before I embark on this new journey, I want to respect my past; my life, my heritage, family, identity and most importantly, embracing & believing in my own power.” Believe will be released on 26 October. Read More Sex and The City author Candace Bushnell once dated a 21-year-old and a 91-year-old in the same week Neelam Gill confirms whether she is dating Leonardo DiCaprio Real Housewives star Teresa Giudice calls Sofia Vergara the ‘rudest woman’ she has ever met Eva Mendes shows dress made out of sponges as she jokes it’ll be her Oscars outfit Christina Aguilera stuns fans with mind-bending purse skirt Fans are obsessed with George RR Martin’s pink Barbie outfit
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