Sophie Lancaster was walking home through a skate park after midnight in August 2007 when she was brutally attacked by a gang of kids she didn’t know. Her boyfriend, Robert Maltby, who was with her, was beaten unconscious and left for dead but lived to tell the tale. 20-year-old Sophie, who had tried to defend the man she loved, never made it home.
The unprovoked murder shook the nation. It was covered exhaustively by the media, which focussed on the fact that the pair were goths. Chances are you remember seeing their photos on the news. Their long, coloured dreadlocks and facial piercings made them outsiders in Bacup, their small Lancashire town.
The killing was one of a string of unconnected and unprovoked crimes committed by groups of young men in the mid-to-late 2000s. The young men were often known to police but not their victims, and the right-wing press and Conservative party seized on their crimes to paint a picture of widespread social decay in Britain. The Sun launched its notorious “Broken Britain” campaign in January 2008 and David Cameron swiftly began recycling this idea that our society was somehow “broken”.
It’s been 10 years since Sophie’s death and BBC3 has created Murdered For Being Different, a factual drama about the young couple’s bond, the horrific crime and subsequent police investigation. The hour-long dramatisation, produced by the team behind the Bafta-winning real-life film, Murdered By My Boyfriend, stars Abigail Lawrie ( The Casual Vacancy) as Sophie and Nico Mirallegro ( MyMad Fat Diary, Hollyoaks) as Rob. Rob, now 31, and Sophie’s family worked closely with the filmmakers to accurately portray the couple’s love story and the events that led to her death, including a graphic reconstruction of the attack.
Photo: Courtesy of BBC/Des Willie
Murdered For Being Different will stick with you long after the end credits have rolled. There's a harrowing disconnect between the delicate moments leading up to that fateful night and the attack itself. The tape rewinds to two years before and shows the pair sharing their first kiss, reading Harry Potter together, and Rob painting wings on his girlfriend’s back, telling her: “You’re an angel. You need wings.” The displays of tenderness between the couple make the scenes of Sophie being kicked and stamped to death even more difficult to watch.
Why did the filmmakers decide to dramatise the events in the first place? “True stories are always extremely interesting to me,” Paul Andrew Williams, the show’s director (who also directed Murdered By My Boyfriend), told Refinery29. “To explore what makes people do what they do, why they fall in love and ultimately why they make decisions that will affect them and others forever. Sophie and Rob's story is tragic and hopeful on so many levels. I was lucky to be entrusted with telling it.” He believes the pair were attacked because "they were the unknown," atypical, and therefore considered threatening.
Rob, who spent years recovering after the incident, recently criticised the media’s portrayal of it as a hate crime against goths, implying that it was effectively victim blaming. “I have never seen it as a hate crime,” he told The Guardian. “It was always like: ‘Sophie Lancaster was killed because she was a goth.’ No she wasn’t: she was killed because some arseholes killed her. Why can’t we ask what it is about them that made them want to murder someone? Not what it is about someone that made them be murdered.” Murdered For Being Different explores the alienation that may lead a teenager to commit murder.
The media's focus on the "goth" angle may have been excessive but hate crime against subcultures, and gang crime more generally, was and remains very real. Following her daughter's death, Sophie’s mum Sylvia created The Sophie Lancaster Foundation, a charity that campaigns for greater respect for and understanding of subcultures. In 2013, after much work on Lancaster's part, Greater Manchester Police became the first UK police force to extend the definition of a “hate crime” from racist and homophobic assaults, to subcultures, including goths and emos. Last year's EU referendum and the recent terror attacks in Manchester and London have led to a spike in hate crimes in the UK in recent months. Murdered For Being Different is sadly as pertinent in 2017 as it would have been a decade ago.
Watch 'Murdered for Being Different' on BBC3’s iPlayer channel from Sunday 18th June.
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The first time I was introduced to Rihanna's nipples was in April 2014. She was on the cover of the French magazine Lui, laid back with a drink in hand, a tattoo of the goddess Isis spreading her wings beneath Rih's suntan-oiled bare breasts, the right one erect with a barbell ring. It was the most striking magazine cover I had ever seen. I still pull that photo up on my laptop every now and then, eerily transfixed by the way the singer seems to be staring at me as if daring me to ask why she would pose topless.
Only two months later, the nipples of Lui were entirely forgotten by popular culture. But not by Rihanna, who, that June, sauntered into the CFDA Awards in New York to accept her Style Icon honour in an invisible gown covered with Swarovski crystals — a glittering number with mesh that did not even attempt to cover her nipples. I had never seen anything like it on a celebrity red carpet; conventionally, nipples and glamour don't go hand in hand, yet once again, Rihanna had managed to defy convention. The entire internet dropped jaws with a collective gasp — and then bowed down in awe. It was only a few hours before this GIF became visual shorthand for girls like me who needed to add some celebratory punctuation into their conversations:
Whenever Robyn Fenty's nipples have made a public appearance over the years, they've always arrived with little fanfare. Since the beginning of her career, she's often been photographed in sheer tops coming out of restaurants, lounging courtside at basketball games, perched front row at Paris Fashion Week, even in last year’s videos “Work” and “Needed Me,” her breasts almost nearly exposed. In every image that has circulated, she has made it very, very clear that she does not give one single fuck about the politics of exposure. Unlike Amber Rose's recent "Bring Back The Bush" effort (which, no shade — do your thing, Amber girl!), Rihanna has been more quiet with her trailblazing. When Vogue asked if she was part of the #FreetheNipple movement founded by director Lina Esco, the Bad Gal demurred: "I have always freed the nipple. It was never to get attention. The bra just fucked up my sheer shirt."
"I have always freed the nipple. It was never to get attention."
On Friday — amidst ridiculous media frenzy over her very slight recent weight gain — the singer decided once more to flaunt her body, her way. Strutting through Miami alongside DJ Khaled and Bryson Tiller in the music video for "Wild Thoughts" in a see-through off-the-shoulder peasant blouse, Rihanna croons, "I know you wanna see me nakey nakey nakey." Later in the clip, she rocks a turquoise chiffon dress that skims her nipple ring as she rolls around on a bed. Every time she glances at the camera, I see those same eyes taunting me yet again, challenging me to consider why I should even notice a body part that men show the world all of the time. (And to top it all off, the stomach-revealing crop top and curve-hugging Balenciaga pants feel like one big middle finger to her weight-gain critics.)
Perhaps for the Barbados native, going partially or completely topless really isn't something to pat yourself on the back for. After all, we Americans tend to make a much bigger deal out of nudity than other cultures; it's quite possible it's just a state that feels natural to her, not a grand statement for feminism or body positivity. Or that she's serving us a little French-style je nesaisquoi, exposing herself slightly while also remaining mysterious. Still, Rihanna's ease in her body, clothed or not, has always been both enviable and empowering. Every time she boldly brings out her girls, it's like she's granting permission to all of the women who have been told their nipples are two little secrets meant to be concealed.
In our culture, even an unintentionally aroused nipple — standing at attention thanks to a breeze or sudden brush of fabric — is deemed shameful or provocative. But the way Rihanna casually displays hers is a reminder that nipples don't have to be a symbol for sex — or they can be. It's up to us. Whether they're a pierced accessory intended to ooze sex appeal or just so happen to be visible through a tank top at a basketball game, Rihanna has shown us by example that our nipples are simply just that — nipples, something to either allow to exist or be proud of, not ashamed of. And they are body parts that we can own however we damn well please.
Rihanna in the video for "Wild Thoughts" by DJ Khaled also featuring Bryson Tiller.Photo: Courtesy of Vevo/Epic Records.
On holiday with my boyfriend recently, I began to complain about my strapless bra (every large-chested girl's worst enemy) before we even left the hotel room. His suggestion was simple: Just take it off! I started to open my mouth to protest. I couldn't possibly walk outside in a dress — with no bra! I have DD's! These twins need support, and they're of the size that if I'm not wearing anything at all, it will be immediately obvious to anyone with eyes.
But then, in that way that only a tropical location seems to have the power to do, I found myself relaxing. I mean, why did I need a bra, anyway? I was on holiday! Plus, my boyfriend has a way of making me feel spontaneous — as well as sexy and comfortable in my body. So, off came the bra.
Standing in front of the mirror, I examined the way my outfit looked sans brassiere. It was a little disorienting to see the outline of my nipples through my dress, to see them resting a little bit lower than they were when I had the bra on. And then, suddenly, I thought of that GIF. Rihanna, sashaying proudly in her Swarovski gown, boobs as liberated as she was. And just like that, I threw on my heels, stood up straight, and walked out the door, nipples leading the way.
Would I have ever had that same inhibition if I hadn't seen a woman I admire do it before me, in front of millions of people? I'm not sure. But I do know that that night, my nipples enjoyed the freedom. And so did I.
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It's solstice time! This Wednesday, June 21, the sun enjoys its longest day to shine. Each year, this solar event coincides with the beginning of Cancer Season as el Sol tucks into the cosmic crab shell for four weeks. Group hug! This sentimental cycle increases the warm-fuzzy feelings, especially with family and inner circle friends. From Wednesday to July 5, expressive Mercury and courageous Mars will also be in Cancer, giving us more courage to cop to our feelings. But mood management is a must, since Cancer time can make us s-s-s-sensitive to every perceived eye roll. (She was only adjusting her lash extensions, okay?!)
On Friday, the annual new moon in Cancer brings another wave of this family — and female — friendly energy. Unleash your inner Wonder Woman, as Cancer powers up the feminist spirit in us all. Claim your space: These moonbeams could spur a decor update both at work and home. Make your apartment feel like a sacred oasis and a place where you love to entertain. Connect to other women who are doing big things in your area. They'll inspire you to keep the spirit of progress alive.
Gemini May 21 to June 20
Live it up on Monday and Tuesday — heck, extend your stay at the beach. These are the final two days of your birthday season. On Wednesday, the sun leaves Gemini and hunkers down in Cancer and your sensible second house for a month. All those practical matters you put off like household errands, work projects, and paying your bills will have to be tended to. Truthfully, you're ready for a little less excitement. You'll be highly productive during this grounded groove and you may do your best work from home. See about doing some remote office days and who knows? Your kitchen table might even turn into the de facto workspace for a side hustle.
Your ruler, messenger Mercury, also heads into Cancer from Wednesday until July 5, nudging you to network. Plant yourself among industry influencers and people who could turn into potential clients and collaborators. The new moon in Cancer on Friday might even reveal a promising job lead. Polish up your CV, LinkedIn, and social media profiles this week. An employer could go googling for someone with your very skill set — and you want to represent like a pro. As the saying goes, luck is where preparation meets opportunity.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Cancer June 21 to July 22
As the Zodiac's Most Nurturing, you've been known to default into the caretaker role. Well, Cancer, are you exhausted yet? After a month of making sacrifices, you are commanded by the cosmos to put yourself first! This Wednesday, the sun makes its annual monthlong move into your sign. As the official birthday girl, you have permission to spoil yourself. But also, how would you like to stretch and grow in the year ahead? Invest in your own expansion. Treat yourself to an experience, like travel or a self-development workshop, that will make you an even better version of yourself. And don't freak out about how this will impact relationships. Absence makes the heart grow fonder as long as you don't go MIA on bae.
Friday is like a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Cancers' 2017. The year's only new moon in your sign brings major momentum for personal projects and initiatives. Make a wish list, then a task list: What first steps would you have to take to pull this off, Cancer? Don't try to figure out the entire plan, just your initial moves. The point is to get your dreams in motion. Not sure where to focus? Try making a vision board, collaging together photos that appeal to your eye. A picture says a thousand words and you could crack your own code by letting your subconscious be your guide.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Leo July 23 to August 22
More cold brew, please. Waking up is hard to do for the next four weeks as the sun nestles into Cancer and your sleepy, rejuvenating 12th house. This is the final month of your annual astrological cycle. On July 22, Leo Season begins and your fierce roar will be restored. But before then, you could honestly use a rest. Scale back social obligations and get some mileage on that pool pass. An escape to the beach for a week — with only your Kindle or a companion who understands the concept of comfortable silence — would do you a world of good. Once you're rested, scan your space. Decluttering and detoxing can lighten your psychic load. Take a haul to Buffalo Exchange and then prune the dead weight from your social media friend lists. Don't race to replace what you release. The point here is to start your next year of life with a fresh, clean slate.
Speaking of goodbyes, you might be saying a big one near Friday when the new moon in Cancer gives you the courage to gracefully exit a situation you've outgrown. Hanging on out of habit (or clinging in fear) is just not something the brave lioness should be doing. Change can be scary — we get it, Leo. But something brilliant awaits you on the other side and you'll never see it if you keep looking backwards. Use the next month to process the emotions that may arise from this farewell. Have a few ugly cries, emote in your journal, and lean on friends for support. But trust us, when Leo Season begins on the 22nd, you'll be ready to make a leap.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Virgo August 23 to September 22
Ready to reinvent yourself, Virgo? Catch 'em off guard, like your eternally-surprising-in-the-best-of-ways star sister Nicole Richie. As the sun heads into Cancer and your experimental 11th house until July 22, your inner unicorn wants to roam free. Unleash! Go explore new scenes where unexpressed sides of yourself can emerge. Don't let anyone confine you to a clique. You might even leave a group where the conditions for entry are too elitist.
On Friday, 2017's only new moon in Cancer also brings a boost to your social life. A collaboration could get off the ground — one that could be successful enough to lead you to pop the champagne during the corresponding full moon in Cancer on January 1, 2018. How are you representing on social media? The 11th house is the teamwork and tech sector of the zodiac wheel and these moonbeams could inspire you to polish up your online presence. Develop a signature style for your Instagram grid and up your Snapchat followers significantly by simply sharing your discoveries as you go. Ready to be a Silicon Valley sister? You could make bank from a blog or by developing an app. Explore!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Libra September 23 to October 22
Level up, Libra! This Wednesday, the sun ascends into Cancer and your 10th house of ambition and success. While everyone else is ordering bottomless margs, you'll capture the lead with your nonstop hustle. And by all means, join them for a roof deck cocktail (sip, don't slam). As your social sign knows, business success is all about building solid relationships — and under the influence of intimate Cancer, you could connect to your dream client at a poolside barbecue or white party. Business and pleasure might mix well for coupled Libras. You could start a business together or invest in a big purchase. Just make sure your roles are clearly defined to avoid mojo-killing power struggles.
Another lucky strike for success comes on Friday when the year's only new moon in Cancer brings a boost for your professional life. You could meet a powerful woman who wants to take you under her wing — or get wind of a dream project that you could work on. Put in a bid, Libra, and make sure people know how passionate you feel about being part of the team. Have you hit a career crossroads? Invest in a session (or a package) with a coach who can tease out your interests and help you create an action plan for making your next big move.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Scorpio October 23 to November 21
Come on out of hiding, Scorpio. This Wednesday, the sun sails into Cancer and your worldly, adventurous ninth house until July 22. Cancer is a fellow water sign, so you'll feel "in your element" during this solar cycle. Go explore a new corner of the world with one to three of your favourite people. Since you prefer intimate groups, you might make this a family holiday or a romantic getaway — or even a solo sojourn, since you'll be in quite the independent groove. Just pick a destination with lots to discover. As the Zodiac's detective, you love scouring hidden gems like villas built into a cliff-side, underground clubs, and markets that sell bespoke wares and crafts. No matter your Google Earth coordinates, multi-cultural mingling will be your thing, so pay attention to the tourists travelling through your own hometown.
Friday brings an important moment of truth! The new moon in Cancer will activate your desire for authenticity. With your finely honed BS detector, you always know when someone's trying to pull a fast one on you. But sometimes you're too gracious to call them out. Maybe you just sense that something's not being said — but that it needs to be discussed. Down the truth serum and have The Talk. That cup of courage will get you the answers you need...finally! Whether or not you love what you hear, you'll be glad that you can stop wondering and start making the moves that are best for you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Sagittarius November 22 to December 21
Beach reads? Check. GOOP-approved Yoni egg? Er, maybe. This Wednesday, the sun decamps to Cancer and your ultra-personal eighth house. The only thing you'll crave more than alone time is mind-blowing sex with someone who understands you on that mind-body-soul level. Add more movement to your days to rev up your mojo. Being deeply in tune with your body will make skin-on-skin contact with someone else a lot more satisfying. Warning: You could become so attracted by a "mystery" that you step right into a player's trap. Privacy is one thing, but secrecy? Your live-out-loud sign just can't work with that.
An existing relationship could deepen in powerful ways now — especially on Friday, under the beams of the new moon in Cancer. Your urge to merge could lead to an exclusivity clause with someone you're dating. If you've been together awhile, you might even get engaged or pool finances for a big purchase, like your first home. Have you been trying, unsuccessfully, to split everything 50/50? New ways of sharing could emerge that play to each person's strengths. No matter your romantic status, this new moon wants you to up your financial IQ. Learn about investing and how to make your hard-earned "extra" money work equally hard for you.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Capricorn December 22 to January 19
Partnerships percolate with promise this week — for business, pleasure, or a world-changing cause. From Wednesday until July 22, the sun sails through Cancer and your house of committed relationships. Your future-focused sign likes to play the long game in love (though you can be more daring than most when embracing your single status). Someone with keeper potential could pop up this week, especially near Friday's new moon. Or you may decide to upgrade an existing union to a more serious status. Could there be an Instagram announcement to flash? Quite possibly. If you've been feeling unsatisfied with bae, bring back the balance with some real talk. Don't play the blame game, though. It takes two to tango, so when you shift your actions you'll find that your other half will respond in kind.
With mobile Mercury also moving through Cancer from Wednesday until July 5, tap those apps! You could find true love on Tinder or a legit business partner on LinkedIn. Your friend network can also help you locate exactly what, or who, you need. Don't be so formal or mysterious, Capricorn. It's okay to admit that you feel like something is missing from your life. Remember this rule, however: Like attracts like. If you want to find someone culturally-edified or adventurous, make a point of developing those qualities within yourself!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aquarius January 20 to February 18
Smile for that gym selfie! Aquarius fitness buffs — and Water Bearers who just want to feel more energised — are going to love the next four weeks, even if you do feel the burn. With the sun sailing into Cancer and your wellness zone from Wednesday until July 22, you'll be back in your body-loving groove. Find a workout that is both challenging and fun, maybe even one you can inspire your girls to join you for. Bonus if you can do this outside, like yoga in the park, runs on the beach, or a pool-based cardio class. Your work life will be busier, which is another good reason to break a stress-reducing sweat on a regular basis.
Are you working as efficiently as you possibly can? Systematic Mercury joins the sun in Cancer from Wednesday until July 5, helping you up set up savvier ways of getting the job done. Research apps and think about finding an intern or hiring an assistant. You could find the perfect support staff near Friday's new moon or even while you're out socialising this weekend. The desire to give back will also be strong. Scout out volunteer and activist opportunities in your area. Rally your coworkers into a charity 5K or get friends back on the ball with calling state reps and showing up at important protests.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Pisces February 19 to March 20
Twirl! The world is your talent showcase starting Wednesday as the sun sashays into Cancer and your fame zone until July 22. You can be modest about promoting yourself, Pisces, preferring to shine the light on other people instead of posing as selfie subject matter. Turnabout is fair play! Ask some of those friends to help you start a buzz for your latest projects and plans. But don't duck the cameras! This flamboyant cycle will inspire more style dares, whether you're decorating your Vans or dying your hair a wild colour not necessarily found in nature. You might even try an acting workshop to boost your confidence — or, if you're already a shameless camera hog, set up a photo shoot or even audition for an independent film. Why not?!
Romantically, Cancer time is always high season for your love life, so keep your heart wide open. You could meet your dream date through the introduction of mutual friends, especially with social Mercury sailing alongside the sun until July 5. And this Friday, the new moon in Cancer (the only one of 2017) could call in a potential soulmate. That's good reason to dress up and plant yourself among interesting people on Friday night. Already attached? Put more playtime on the calendar, like festival road trips and overseas summer holidays. The new moon could bring a milestone moment. Who knows? You could wake up Saturday morning to go flat hunting or ring shopping — all while discussing baby names for your future children. It's that kind of vibe!
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Aries March 21 to April 19
You've made your appearances and Instagram Story'd your life. Now, how about enacting a stronger privacy policy? You can take a break from being Queen of the Scene as the sun drifts into Cancer, your domestic quarters, from Wednesday until July 22. (Don't worry, no one will steal your tiara while you're on sabbatical.) Give your inner circle top priority on your social calendar. Escaping to your parent's lake house or a seaside Airbnb with your girls would be blissful. Chateau Ram could become the gathering place for your squad or you could find a more suitable place to hang your fedora. If it's time to leave a roommate situation and move into your first solo apartment, let the hunt begin!
Some amazing new GFs are heading your way, too, thanks to Friday's new moon in Cancer. This is the sign of the Alpha female (a role you often play) and you could step into a leadership role among a group of women. Find an experienced "womentor" to guide you on your path. This could be a more experienced colleague who lets you pick her brain over coffee or an actual coach who can support you with putting savvy structures in place for your ascent.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
Taurus April 20 to May 20
Flap those butterfly wings! Your social sector lights up starting Wednesday, when the sun sails into Cancer and your outgoing third house for a month. Cancer time is meant for cocooning, but that doesn't mean sitting still. Enjoy the best of both vibes by entertaining on the regular. Host a barbecue on your balcony or rally friends for a long weekend getaway to an Airbnb before July 22. You might even make it a staycation, since the local scene will be popping with activity. Sample the offerings in your neighbourhood, from live music venues to craft fairs — and if nothing's happening, collaborate with an area bar or café and put on a fun event like trivia or karaoke night.
Partnerships will also percolate with promise now. And on Friday, the new moon in Cancer could reveal a keeper, like a BFF-grade kindred spirit, your summer festival travel buddy, or the missing keyboardist for your band. If you have no clue where to find the friends you desire, this is your cue to go network, mingle, and even travel a few miles beyond home to find your tribe. Take a train ride out of the city to volunteer as a beekeeper on a nearby farm or join a yoga studio in an up-and-coming area where the edgy-cool people hang out. Time for a new mode of transportation? This new moon is a good one for test driving cars, scooters, and bikes.
Illustrated by Alia Penner. Photographed by Jason Rodgers.
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By 2017, you'd hope we'd have learned that there's no such thing as a "typical" mum or dad. After all, some of this year's most touching Father's Day cards are actually for mums. But some people evidently still think that a mum is supposed to look and act a certain way, and one blogger has clapped back brilliantly after being told she didn't seem like "the type" to be raising a child.
"It's played on my mind ever since," Gylisa Jayne, a mother of one from Cornwall, wrote on Facebook. "It's one of those common phrases, we label 'Mother' and have a stereotype in our heads."
"Mothers are meant to sacrifice every aspect of themselves, to fulfill their role," Jayne added. "Mothers aren't allowed expensive bags, or shopping trips out, or to have a fresh manicure every few weeks. Mothers aren't meant to have tattoos, or coloured hair or piercings. Mothers aren't supposed to have histories of being reckless, feckless or just plain fun. Mothers aren't meant to have had a colourful life of experiences before they bear children, they are expected to forget their identity to raise someone else."
Jayne then made a great point. "But how can we raise our children effectively if we haven't experienced a bit of life beforehand?" she asked. "Without navigating my own chequered past, how could I possibly hope to guide a new soul through similar times?"
Jayne concluded, hearteningly: "Motherhood isn't an exclusive club that you can only get into if you look or act the right way. It's full of women that all have lives and tales and colourful histories. Women of every type, from every background and every descent. Women that swear, women that don't, women that are real, and women that don't give a fuck about what you think....
"So I might not fit someone else's expectations of how I should be, but my daughter reckons I'm doing a pretty good job."
Jayne's Facebook post is a stirring reminder that parenthood isn't about adhering to norms, rules, and guidance imposed by society. It's about doing the best you can to prepare someone else for the world, however you see fit, and in whatever way feels right for you and your child.
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It seems like Beyoncé has been pregnant forever, walking around looking like the most perfect gestating human that ever lived, all glowy and glorious. The internet has been on Twin Watch and the amateur detectives of Twitter think Bey and Jay Z's twins may have arrived... or have they? Let's look at the evidence.
A woman was seen entering UCLA Medical Centre with two balloons — one welcoming a boy and the other, a girl — and flowers that had a card addressed to "B + J." The woman is seen talking on a cell phone and wearing dark sunglasses, which ups the "secretive celeb" look.
Wow! Did Beyoncé have a boy and a girl? A woman was seen carrying pink & blue balloons into UCLA Medical on Friday with a card for "B + J"! pic.twitter.com/PlSAK2s5Dt
With that, and a not-so-official announcement from publications like People,the internet was off and running with hilarious takes on what Bey must have looked like after giving birth, what the twins probably thought when they exited Queen B's body, and how the hospital staff must have been feeling following the delivery.
"How I picture # Beyonce walking out of the delivery room right after popping out twins!" one person wrote. Of course, it was like royalty. Bow down, indeed.
Some people are putting their excitement on hold until the official announcement comes from Beyoncé and Jay Z themselves. The couple is known for liking their privacy — and who wouldn't at a time like this? When Bey gave birth to Blue Ivy in 2012, it was rumoured that the couple rented out the entire floor of the hospital to ensure privacy. (The hospital denied the claim.)
Either way, people want cold, hard evidence before celebrated. You know, pics or it didn't happen. The Judge Judy gifs, though, make the wait for an announcement from Bey and Jay a whole lot easier.
Beyonce. I know you're in recovery, but where are the pics? We've been pregnant with you for too long pic.twitter.com/ReiG1mukjl
If the twins really are here, it's a very sweet Father's Day present for Jay-Z, who recently announced he would be donating money to help bail fathers out of jail. It's admirable that he is thinking of all the dads who can't be around for their kids this weekend, even as he was on the brink of becoming a dad again himself.
when you're happy that Beyonce gave birth but you know we aint seeing those twins til 2024 pic.twitter.com/tpVeZxGqjC
My mother did not teach me many useful beauty secrets — rather, I learned from her mistakes. Never use a magnifying mirror. Holding a glycolic acid exfoliating pad to your chin for an entire episode of Dancing with the Stars is a good way to give yourself a chemical burn, not get rid of a zit. Do not buy DVDs from the man who sells them in the back room of the salon where you get your spray tan; they are bootlegs. Instead, it was my dad who fielded my early beauty questions.
As is said to be the case with many Russian Jews, not just the ones in my family, my dad is very superstitious. This ancestral trait has worked in his favor. Years ago, unreasonably paranoid that he would lose his job if he ever stopped using L’Occitane Green Tea Shower Gel, he purchased 30 bottles, just in case it was ever discontinued. It was — and he was prepared. He’s since switched to another body wash, but keeps the last bottle stashed in a dusty drawer, just to be safe. (Little does he know he could have made a quick £50 off it.)
At any given time, my dad owns several different sunscreen formulas of varying degrees of SPF. “Do you want 15, 30, or 70?” he’ll ask. “Spray or lotion?” He considers an SPF lip balm, the kind that turns your lips white, a must-have, but he will get annoyed if you point it out. Proper sun protection is crucial, but some of his beauty beliefs are significantly less rational, like his insistence that he follow up every professional haircut with a few “tweaks” of his own. Some of them may even be illegal, or at least frowned upon, like hoarding prescription steroid creams and salves that you dole out to your adult children like candy when they complain of any skin ailment — a rash, a blister, a cut, a bug bite, a breakout. Topical corticosteroids for everyone!
Most importantly, my dad has been there during my biggest beauty emergencies. He was there when I tried to speed up the at-home bleaching process by holding a blowdryer directly to my hair, which made it sizzle and set off a smoke detector, at which point he came rushing in to hose me down with the handheld showerhead and also yell. Once, in a stroke of genius, he taped a maxi pad to my leg when I cut myself shaving and, I think, almost bled out on the Persian rug.
He also passed down perhaps the most important beauty rule of all: Don’t care too much about what you look like, because nobody is even paying attention — they’re too worried about themselves to notice if you have a pimple. But it still can’t hurt to stock up on Garnier Fructis Surf Cream pomade (the original, not the reformulation), because even if you're leaving the house in Ugg slippers and a pair of grey sweats you’ve had for a decade, there's no excuse for having bad hair.
These days, many of us don't just mark Father's Day by sending a card and buying a small gift; we also pay tribute to our fathers - or people we view as father figures - by celebrating them in an Instagram or Twitter post. Celebrities never like to miss a social media trend, so today, they've obviously been sharing Father's Day posts like the rest of us. And here are some of the most touching ones we've spotted so far.
Woke up to these balloons & loads of lil thoughtful presents from my babies! Thank you for being a shining light in daddy's 🌎 #FathersDaypic.twitter.com/QGWpITNVh5
Naomi Campbell took the opportunity to thank three men in her life that she regards as father figures: legendary music producer Quincy Jones, record label founder Chris Blackwell, and fashion designer Azzedine Alaia.
A post shared by Naomi Campbell (@iamnaomicampbell) on
In a rare Instagram post, Girls Aloud singer Cheryl called partner Liam Payne "the most amazing daddy." The couple just welcomed their son, Bear, in March.
In the wild world that is the meeting point of fashion and politics, it seems there are two distinct perspectives these days. On one hand, you've got the fashion clan at large: artistic, innovative, progressive, liberal, boundary-pushing, often queer, etc. These are the folks — Zac Posen, Sophie Theallet, Tom Ford, Marc Jacobs, and Derek Lam, to name a few — who are creating and wearing fashions emblazoned with "Black Models Matter" or "Fuck Trump." The ones who are refusing to dress the First Lady.
The singer-songwriter-actress-activist took to Instagram to congratulate her brother Braison on walking in the D&G menswear catwalk show. "Congrats @braisonccyrus on walking in your 1st runway show," she wrote. "It's never been my little brother's dream to be a model as HE is one of the most talented musicians my ears have ever been given the gift of hearing...BUT it is a Cyrus family trait to try everything once (within reason HA) and to embrace opportunities that encourage you to step out of your comfort zone!"
Cyrus could have left it at that, but after all, silence is compliance — so Miley couldn't miss the opportunity to let D&G know she is not a fan of the brand's White House affiliation. "PS D&G, I STRONGLY disagree with your politics...but I do support your company's effort to celebrate young artists & give them the platform to shine their light for all to see!"
As far as public statements of political disagreement go, this one seems pretty mild — even respectful. Stefano Gabbana, however, didn't seem to think so. The Cut reported that Gabbana commented on Cyrus' post by threatening to sever his brand's relationship with Braison: "For your stupid comment never more work with him."
Gabbana also hit Instagram with his own post. "We are Italian and we don't care about politics and mostly neither about the American one! We make dresses and if you think about doing politics with a post it's simply ignorant," he wrote. "We don't need your posts or comments so next time please ignore us!! #boycottdolcegabbana." He followed that hashtag with plenty of laugh-cry emoji for good measure.
Props to Miley for continuing to #resist even during moments of praise. Let's just hope her comments don't cost Braison his next modelling gig. Though, as yet another multi-hyphenate Cyrus artist, he's probably got plenty of other options.
Anyone still holding out for Barb's return to Netflix' Stranger Things is about to get hit hard with a major dose of reality courtesy of the show's executive producer. The AV Club reports that Shawn Levy confirmed Barb's fate during a Facebook Live event, saying that the show's team sought to specifically avoid "fan service-based decisions" in the second season.
Unfortunately for those still seeking justice for Barb, Levy says that the show's first season made it pretty clear that she didn't survive her jaunt to the Upside Down. The footage of Barb's untimely end doesn't stop fans from approaching Levy and questioning the character's fate, however.
"I've had a lot of people — some huge celebrities come up to me at these awards shows and are like, 'So between us, Barb's coming back, right?'" Levy explained during the event. "I'm like, 'No. You saw. She had like a creature-slug-worm-snake coming out of her mouth! I don't know that there's a bounce-back from that!?'"
That's a big blow to fans that had their hearts set on Barb's return this Halloween (rethink those trick-or-treating plans, because that's when the show 's next season will hit Netflix), but Levy says that it's all for the sake of storytelling. Perhaps another epic show (ahem, Game of Thrones) has desensitised viewers to the permanence of death with its resurrections and fake-outs? Levy insists that none of that's at play in Hawkins, Indiana. What's done is done — Barb included.
Instead of changing things to fit fans' fickle whims, Levy explained that he simply wanted the Duffer Brothers to tell the story that they set out to tell. No compromise and no changes just because the show's loyal legion of viewers want something. Those '80s homages, the amazing soundtrack, and the creepy moments? Those are all the Duffers' visions, not them pandering to anyone. So pour one out for everyone's favourite underdog. Here's hoping that season 2 brings fans another character to rally behind.
Check out Levy's full interview, below.
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When the media’s focus – the headline-friendly ‘Calais Jungle’ – was destroyed in October 2016, coverage receded massively, and front pages turned to Trump, snap elections and the EU. Did we think that, maybe, the camp being set on fire had forced a change? That the French government, or the British government – someone, anyway – had stepped up and housed people and that they were steadily processing their claims? Did we think the French police had stopped firing pepper spray into teenagers’ eyes at night because it wasn’t on our Facebook feeds anymore? Or did we just tell ourselves that, so we could turn a blind eye?
The reality of Calais, and Dunkirk, and now overwhelming Paris, is that the situation is still as bad, if not worse, than it was last year. That’s the update.
“In theory, of course refugees have rights,” says Annie Gavrilescu, 26, who’s working on the ground in Calais for the grassroots organisation Help Refugees. “Every person, whether they are documented or not, has the same fundamental rights: They have the right to not get diseases because of the conditions they live in. They have the right to food. They have the right to water. They have the right to shower. They have the right to not be beaten up. In practice, however, there is very little to no accountability for the French police. If a refugee would like to make an official complaint about what’s happening to them, they would have to complain to the police, about the police. The situation is impossible.”
After speaking to long-term volunteers and grassroots organisations based in northern France over the last week, here’s what we know.
1. The living conditions are inhumane
Labour MP for Hackney North, Diane Abbott visited the areas in Paris in April – where many refugees went after the Jungle burned – and wrote about what she witnessed for the Huffington Post, stating that “Conditions in the unofficial Paris encampment are dreadful. In some aspects even worse than the conditions were in the Calais jungle. There is no running water, no sanitation, and no services of any kind, no cooking, heating or washing facilities and many of the inhabitants of the unofficial encampments have diseases like scabies. They are entirely at the mercy of the police who, when they can find them, chase them away and beat them up.”
The flow of refugees arriving in France hasn’t slowed down either. “In Paris up to 40 minors [children] arrive every day, and from that we get maybe a dozen, or a couple of dozen, coming to Calais,” Annie explains. “There are currently about 600 refugees in Calais and at least a third are children. The vast majority are young boys or young men; there are maybe a few dozen girls and young women.”
This number of people – among them unaccompanied children – are sleeping rough every night on the ground with a blanket in the woods. “And the police go into the woods every night and pepper-spray them,” Annie explains. “They even pepper spray their sleeping bags and all of their possessions so they can’t use the same items again, because once an item has been pepper-sprayed it will continue to cause the reaction that pepper spray causes.” Which, if you’ve never been pepper-sprayed, is: swelling of mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and throat, nasal and sinus discharge, coughing, shortness of breath, drying of eyes, painful burning of the skin, hyperventilation, fear, anxiety and panic. The first article the internet throws up on pepper spray says it is used in defence against dogs and bears.
“The police have a mandate to ‘deter and prevent’ any people from settling in the region,” Annie levels, “but that translates into pretty horrific behaviour against the refugees and quite a lot of harassment against the volunteers too because we are seen to be enabling people to stay. As much as I’m trying to understand their point of view, the fact that we give refugees a meal and a blanket every day, does not make people come to Calais. That is not any kind of pull factor, we’re just helping them survive.”
Partnering with L’Auberge des Migrants, and with other French organisations, Help Refugees is taking the local government to court. “We’re demanding minimal provisions for sanitation, hygiene, water and food,” Annie says, “and access to protection for minors. We basically have to force the authorities on both sides of the channel to uphold their responsibility to protect people’s fundamental rights and unless we do that, nothing will change.”
2. Refugees trying to claim asylum are set up to fail
Tamsin Koumis, 24, started volunteering in Dunkirk in February 2016. Then, with a friend (Toto) and a couple of other volunteers, she set up Dunkirk Legal Support Team – initially just to “bring legal information into the camp, because people didn’t know what their basic rights were and some had legal letters but they didn’t know what they meant – papers showing results of appeals or documents from the UK and there was no one to give advice on any of that.”
Tamsin continues: “You really need an organisation or volunteers to help you – you need someone who’s basically going to make it happen. The kids wouldn’t understand the legal system, let alone have any idea how to find a lawyer. And the lawyers of course are based in an office in London or Paris, and they’re not going to spend their time searching a camp for a kid or woman to get her to sign a letter.”
The process, broadly, is that when refugees arrive in France and ask for asylum in the UK, they are given two interviews, which are supposed to take place within a month of arrival, but rarely do. “If you so much as get one fact wrong between those two asylum interviews,” Tamsin explains, “they’ll say you’re ‘uncredible’ and refuse you on that basis. That happens a lot. And often, refugees won’t know the date that they crossed from one country to another, because it’s such a blur, so they’ll say one date in the first interview and then forget it in the second and be struck off on that basis.”
Even if children have family legally resident in the UK, and have a legal right to join them, it’s still a lengthy process getting them there and can take over seven months. “There has been an emphasis in volunteer groups trying now, more than ever, to give people the idea that perhaps France really is the best option”, Tamsin says.
3. The vulnerable children we thought were coming to the UK via the Dubs Amendment Act were stopped in their tracks
Diane Abbott explained this simply in her Huffington Post article, saying:
“British Home office officials visited the children in French centres after the demolition of Calais to determine whether they were eligible to come to Britain either under family reunification provisions or under the ‘Dubs Amendment’ which applied to children who were particularly vulnerable. The public expected thousands of refugee children to enter Britain by this route. But the government closed the scheme in December having accepted a few hundred children. But, since the closure of the Dubs scheme, there has been a surge in child refugees returning to Calais and Dunkirk. There they are vulnerable to people traffickers and sexual exploitation.”
Tamsin further explains that the UK made a commitment to take a number of vulnerable ‘unaccompanied’ children,understood by the public to have been 3000 children, but they closed the scheme in February 2017 after committing to offering sanctuary to only 350 children. Despite new guidance released in March 2017 and an extra 130 places being announced in April following an ‘administrative error’, it is still not clear that vulnerable children are able to access this route.“It now seems like children may only be referred to the Dubs Amendment Scheme if they’re already in protective accommodation such as hostels, which, thankfully, some are. But it’s such a false logic, because the most vulnerable kids are not in protective accommodation [they’re sleeping rough.] It’s so frustrating because the systems and laws they put in place exclude the people who need them most.”
Evelyn McGregor, 67, is a former lecturer in child psychology at Edinburgh University. She started volunteering with Calais Kitchens in January this year, then decided to go back but do something different “because what seemed to be the problem in the camp was that people were just stuck there, and they needed legal advice, they needed to know how to get out”, so she found Tamsin and Toto’s organisation and has worked with them in Calais for the last five months.
“For the kids who are in the hostels, there’s not much for them to do,” Evelyn explains, “they’ve been independent… and wandering… for a long time, so they get very frustrated that nothing seems to have happened with their papers, so then they head off to somewhere else and text us to say they’re in some other part of France and they don’t know what to do. Or else they get themselves to Paris, where they tend to get into problems, and then come back and aren’t allowed back into their hostel. There are a lot of young boys wandering around, not quite sure what to do.”
There’s limited space in the hostels, Evelyn explains, and apparent unwillingness to expand capacity, hence the volume sleeping in the woods. “So we [Evelyn and another volunteer] go to evening food distribution and look out for minors who want accommodation, and then take them to the police station in Dunkirk and say ‘they need a bed’ and the police laugh at us – if they even let us in the door. When the police turn us away, we try to persuade the kids to let us fill out a form to take to the children’s judge to ask for accommodation – which is likely to succeed. But often, the boys don’t want to go to the police station because they’re very frightened of the police and so they go back into the woods.”
In addition to trying to secure accommodation for the boys, and following up on the status of their claims, Evelyn supports them as best she can. “A few boys keep in regular contact with me,” she says, “and I’ve encouraged that, because it’s so difficult for them. There’s a couple who haven’t seen their families for several years – they’ve been refugees in other countries before France. As a psychologist, it’s quite stunning to see, on the one hand, how well they cope, but, on the other... what is the impact of this? What’s it going to be in the years to come?”
“I get a lot of texts about feeling alone,” Evelyn says. When asked how she responds to these texts, she says, “Well if it’s not too late... if I’m awake... then I phone them. We talk things through... but that’s all you can do. You want to just take them all in… but you can’t… so you have to be pragmatic, and talk them down and you, personally, have to accept what you can do and what you can’t.”
Evelyn says the hardest thing is explaining to the boys why there’s been no word on their asylum application in the UK. “They ask very logical questions, they don’t understand what’s taking so long, and so you have to get into the politics of ‘Well actually the UK government isn’t that excited about getting lots of refugees and so they may be finding other things to do in their office rather than processing applications, or there may be a backlog…' You try to explain the ‘real people world’ to them and they struggle to cope with that.”
Evelyn, Annie and Tamsin are all directly – or indirectly through the organisations they work for – involved in legal action being taken against the Home Office. “We have a court date on Tuesday 20th June,” Annie explains, “this is the last chance for the Dubs Amendment. If we don’t win this, it’s over.”
Photo: Getty Images
4. Protection, provisions and aid is reliant on grassroots organisations and individual volunteers
Bear in mind that Dunkirk Legal Support Team comprises just three people in France, and two in London – and they’re actively helping tens of children. Help Refugees has five staff in London, funded entirely by donations with no government support, and two coordinating the efforts in northern France. As Diane Abbott put it in her piece, “they [the refugees] camp in the street in Paris, hoping against hope that some voluntary organisation will help them with their asylum claim.”
“The local government in Calais and Dunkirk have specifically said there will be no more humanitarian action from their part of the state,” Annie confirms, “which means everything is left to us.”
It’s grassroots organisations and individual volunteers that are helping these people survive. On the ground, they are fighting for human rights and being met with an aggressive police force. And behind the scenes, they are tirelessly lobbying the government, appealing to lawyers and law firms, trying to make the people with the power to effect change take notice.
Organisations such as Refugee Kitchen make and distribute 2,000 portions of food every day. The Refugee Youth Service leads the multi-agency child-protection scheme with which Help Refugees works, alongside Safe Passage, who work specifically on trying to get minors to the UK safely and legally. Utopia 56 is a small French organisation who do nightly outreach to make sure people have enough food, especially if they are observing Ramadan. Doctors Without Borders is very present in Paris, where there is currently most need, while MDM (Médecins du Monde) is still coming to Calais as often as possible (once a week) to do medical work.
The individual effort, too, is staggering. At 67 years of age, with “a lot less on my plate now”, Evelyn decided to move to Calais while she “still had the energy”. Asked about her motive for doing this, she says, “Well, I’m not responsible for anyone anymore, so I can do things that I might not have done when I was younger and had young children.” Asked if she ever feels vulnerable in her work, she says, “Generally, no. There was a gun episode quite early on… and I weighed it up and thought ‘I’m much more likely to be killed on the French autoroute than I am by somebody with a gun'.”
Photo: Thierry Orban/Getty Images
5. There are a lot of different ways you can help
The positive side to this effort being run by grassroots organisations and not multinational NGOs is that you can donate to them, or volunteer with them, and it has a direct if not immediate effect.
“You can help by donating in whichever form you can to one of the organisations,” Annie says. “You can help us lobby the authorities too by showing your support at the High Court on Tuesday 20th June. And by talking about it on every possible means of social media. And by writing to your MPs, especially new MPs. And you can come to volunteer. Come to witness the situation.”
The refugee crisis 'on our front doorstep' is as critical as it was, and growing worse every day – losing support, losing public interest (and with that, donations), and losing hope. Volunteers and tiny organisations are fighting for the most basic human rights and being met with closed doors, hostility and violence. If the Dubs Amendment doesn't get reinstated tomorrow, our government must be held accountable for the hundreds of children whose lives they are point blank refusing to save.
Cast your mind back, if you will, to some of the more baffling fitness fads of yesteryear.
Obviously there's the questionable fashion sense that came along with the aerobics movement. Then there was the shake weight, the much-chuckled-about tool which had the misfortune, when used, of emulating a very specific sex act. And let's not forget those trainers which were meant to tone up your bum while you walked.
Perhaps the most interesting fitness fad of old, though, is the vibrating belt. Your friend's mum definitely had one when you were little. The premise was too good to be true: strap it on, sit back, watch the telly, and end up with rock-solid abs.
Of course, people didn't end up with rock-solid abs. Or we'd all be wearing vibrating belts all day, every day.
So when a company called E-Pulsive reached out and asked me to try their vibrating fitness class I was intrigued, and yet sceptical.
E-Pulsive relies on EMS or "Electrical Muscle Stimulation" and the company claims that a 20-minute EMS workout "equates to a 90-minute high-intensity gym class."
Essentially, EMS engages your muscles more than in a regular workout. It works them harder. They claim that EMS allows for 98% muscle engagement, compared to the 50% a normal workout would entail. E-Pulsive reckons this means that attending the sessions regularly can result in "a reduction in body fat", "an increase in strength and muscular endurance" and "a decrease in back and joint pain."
E-Pulsive's studio is in a basement in London's Kensington, an area that tends to give me the heebie-jeebies on account of the coffee prices and the absurdity of the various school uniforms you're likely to encounter. Although after the election, perhaps I'm more welcome there than I thought.
I showed up to the studio in gym gear which, it turns out, was unnecessary as the first thing that happens is you're given a set of long johns to put on. "Keep the bra on" I was told, which should probably be a rule of thumb when it comes to strapping yourself into a vibrating suit. All support is good support.
Once in my long johns, I am strapped into my suit. Various Velcro fittings are sprayed with water and strapped around my thighs, my arms, my abs and, most interestingly, my bum. I look like the Michelin Man.
Then, wires which run from the machine itself are plugged into my suit. I am literally attached to a machine that administers electric pulses. Voluntarily. What is going on.
I should note that, during all of this, I had been laughing at what I perceived to be an absurd situation. Perhaps not taking it as seriously as I should have been. My trainer assures me that I will not be laughing once the workout starts. Also, he tells me that there is a shower on the premises for afterwards. I laugh some more. How could doing squats for 20 minutes make me sweat enough to warrant a shower?
We decide I'll do 10 minutes of cardio and 10 minutes of toning. And with that, my trainer turns the machine on. If any of you had the pleasure of growing up in the countryside in a place that favoured electric fences, you'll know the feeling (albeit much muted) I got in all areas of my body; a dull, rolling tightening in my arms, legs, abs and bum.
Not only did I sweat, actual droplets of water were splashing onto the floor. My face was redder than Jeremy Corbyn's tie.
The cardio was brutal. The trainer had me do things like star jumps, running on the spot, side lunges with hops in between – pretty basic PE stuff but, when your muscles are being forced to work much harder, these simple steps suddenly become really tough. Not only did I sweat, actual droplets of water were falling from my body and splashing onto the wooden floor. My face, when I caught sight of it in a mirror, was redder than Jeremy Corbyn's tie. In 10 minutes, I got sweatier than I had in three years of attending the gym and classes on the regular.
I thought the toning 10 minutes would be a welcome respite after cardio but no. The trainer again whacked up the intensity of the pulses (this happens constantly throughout); at one point the pulses were pummelling my abs so hard, I cried out. He quickly readjusted the intensity.
For this section we work on things like squats, lunges, arm raises, bicep curls and all the other stuff I'd usually use weights or a kettle bell to do. Here, in the suit and minus the kettle bells, it's so much harder – even bending my elbow to bring my fist to my shoulder is a big ask.
When I am finally done, 10 minutes later, I eat a lot of humble pie. "That (gasp) was (gasp) so (gasp) intense" I manage, before being directed to the shower to try to do something about my beetroot of a face.
The next day, I've got DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), big time. I walk downstairs bowlegged; lifting my arms above my head is best done slowly.
On the upside, though, I feel like my muscles are next level and they seem pretty darn solid (through my normal padding, that is). I honestly think I look more toned after just one go. E-Pulsive say to allow four sessions to see a difference, and I actually believe them.
I wouldn't replace my regular gym-going and running completely with E-Pulsive – I'd miss the duration and mindful aspect that longer workouts give you. Also, it isn't exactly cheap – E-Pulsive's three-month package works out at £50 a class, although there is the possibility of training with a friend to cut costs.
For weeks when you're short on time, though, in the heady days after payday, it's certainly worth giving it a go. If for the novelty factor alone.
E-Pulsive, Kensington, London. For more information or to book a class, click here.
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Move away from the craft shop glitter, folks. Festival season is back, and this year we're steering clear of two-day-old sparkles lodged in places they shouldn't be. Instead, we're embracing bold beauty looks without the fuss.
Colourful and graphic makeup was seen everywhere on SS17's catwalks. Maison Margiela served space-age beauty with metallic silver lips and accented eyes, while MaxMara gave models flashes of red across the temples. In fact, colour was brushed over eyelids across the board – just see Hermès' fuchsia, Sportmax's mustard, and Kenzo's fluorescent orange.
If you are tempted to get your sparkle on, keep it to lips à la Topshop, Fendi and DKNY, or reach for a stay-all-day metallic liquid lip. Either way, festival makeup is looking bold, bright and colourful. Click through to see our pick of this summer's products, which will keep you looking fresh, even when you're knee-deep in mud.
When you don't have the time – or the tools – to bring limp hair back to life, dry shampoo will keep your roots oil-free and volumised throughout the day. This Soap & Glory number is packed with 'Touch Release Technology', delivering a surge of mandarin and bergamot whenever you run your fingers through your hair.
Soap & Glory RUSHOWER Dry Shampoo, £4, available at Soap & Glory
Elevate a simple beauty look with this long-wearing liquid sparkle eyeshadow, giving you high-impact glitter without the fallout.
Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow, £23, available at Stila
Explore your experimental side with these acid neon shades. There's even a contrasting dark shimmering matte, for those who love the classic smoky eye but are prepared to get a little more creative with colour.
Sleek MakeUP i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette in Acid, £8.99, available at Sleek
This wet-look lipgloss gives a lick of neon colour by day and turns UV-responsive by night. It's a surefire way to amp up your look without looking overly made up.
3INA The Fluoro Lip Gloss, £9.95, available at 3INA
Unleash your inner raver and match your neon lips to your nails. All that hand-clapping, fist-pumping and finger-clicking demands a bold colour that's visible when the sun goes down and the night begins.
3INA The Fluoro Nail Polish, £6.95, available at 3INA
Taking your favourite (read: expensive) highlighter with you to a festival is just an accident waiting to happen. To avoid shattering your beloved strobing product (and your dreams), keep it cheap and cheerful with this product.
Makeup Revolution Highlighter, £3, available at Superdrug
It can be difficult keeping your makeup looking fresh all day long, especially with combination/oily skin types. This translucent powder – suitable for all skin tones – is heatproof and waterproof.
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, £29, available at House of Fraser
Without a foundation brush to hand, it might prove a little difficult to replicate your usual base out in the fields. When space is limited, concealers with simple wand applicators are the best to use – especially when your two-person tent suddenly has five occupants. Plus, it prevents the ill-fated foundation bottle spill.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, £23, available at Nars
If you plan on pushing through the crowds to actually get a glimpse of the stage, keep your eyes panda- and smudge-proof with this waterproof mascara, which creates the flutteriest lashes.
By Terry Mascara Terrybly Waterproof, £33.50, available at Space NK
Two-in-one products are saviours for every beauty-devoted festival-goer. With a swipe of your finger you'll have lightly blushed cheeks and plumped lips. This Tata Harper tint comes in three shades, suitable for every skin tone: ‘Sweet’, a soft, shimmering peach; ‘Charming’, a subtle petal pink; and ‘Vivacious’, a modern, juicy coral.
Tata Harper Volumising Lip and Cheek Tint, £32, available at Cult Beauty
Think of this as face paint in a box. Mix, match, contrast and fade these colours to hide hungover eyes.
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette Brights, £16, available at Cult Beauty
Worried your SPF will interfere with your makeup? Fret not. This is non-streaky sun protection that we can mist all over, without makeup smudges.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Face Mist SPF50, £10.50, available at Look Fantastic
This NYX lip cream will bring the heavy metal to your festival of choice.
NYX Professional Makeup Cosmic Metals Lip Cream, £7, available at Feel Unique
Embracing our graphic theme, define your eyes (and brows) with a little twist – coloured eyeliner. Pull off this striking look effortlessly with the glide of a soft kohl pencil just beneath the waterline.
MAC Technakohl Liner in Smoothblue, £14.50, available at House of Fraser
Seeing as we're switching up makeup basics for their bolder counterparts, let us bring you in on coloured mascara. This Tom Ford wand will give you the Midas touch.
Tom Ford Lash Tips Mascara in Pure Cobalt, £35, available at Selfridges
Joining a mile-long queue for the bathroom while your friends are running off to the next stage is not an option this year. Arm yourself with wipes that do the job threefold – cleanse, remove makeup and moisturise.
Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes, £3.99, available at Look Fantastic
You're going to be moving a whole lot so it's vital to keep those pits sweat-free and smelling fresh. With essential oils of sage, sweet orange and lemon, who needs perfume? Yet another practical two-in-one.
L'Occitane Refreshing Aromatic Deodorant, £16, available at L'Occitane
If strobing and highlighter are your game, the metallic sheen of this Topshop liner will bring your peepers to life.
Topshop Metallic Liner in Magnetic, £7.50, available at Topshop
NYX has a great selection of bold and bright colours, and their summer drop has pearlescent shimmers with which to fill your backpack.
NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Eye Pencil, £5.50, available at Cult Beauty
You can use this multipurpose balm for everything: dry skin, pouty lips, sunburn, brow tamer... it also acts as the perfect base, keeping glitter in place.
Clean Beauty Co Babe Balm, £28, available at Clean Beauty Co
Update, 10:o0 am 19 June: London Mayor Sadiq Khan said extra police will be deployed to protest Muslim communities in light of the attack. He condemned the “horrific terrorist attack”, praised the emergency services and advised "all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant," reported the Evening Standard.
Update, 7:25 am 19 June: The BBC reports that a man has died and 10 people have been injured after a van mounted the pavement and struck a group of people just after midnight near Finsbury Park Mosque in Seven Sisters Road. A 48-year-old man has been arrested.
Prime Minister Theresa May said police were treating it "as a potential terrorist attack".
Eyewitness Abdul Rahman said the driver said he wanted to "kill all Muslims". Mr Rahman told the BBC he struck the man and helped subdue him.
Original story: London is once again reeling from a horrific attack after a vehicle rammed into pedestrians on Seven Sisters Road in Finsbury Park early Monday morning.
Metropolitan Police say that they've arrested one suspect and report there are "a number of casualties being worked on at the scene."
London Ambulance has also tweeted a message stating they've "sent a number of resources to an incident in Seven Sisters Road" and that they'll share more details as they acquire more information.
We have sent a number of resources to an incident in Seven Sisters Road. More information will follow when we have it.
According to BuzzFeed News, the UK Muslim Council of Britain has tweeted that the attack appears to have targeted worshippers at a local mosque.
BREAKING: We have been informed that a van has run over worshippers as they left #FinsburyPark Mosque. Our prayers are with the victims. https://t.co/FSE5m3bFpo
"We have been informed that a van has run over worshippers as they left #FinsburyPark mosque," the Muslim Council tweeted from its official handle. "Our prayers are with the victims."
BuzzFeed News also reported that the incident took place near the Finsbury Park Mosque, "where prayers were scheduled to be held shortly before 11 p.m." Muslims are currently celebrating Ramadan, the 29-day holiday which ends this year on June 24.
First announced back in October 2016, Zayn Malik's capsule collection for Versus has landed at long last. The sporty collection designed by the former One Direction star turned solo crooner comprises 10 pieces each of men’s and womenswear, including zip hoodies with Versus graphic logos, jeans with lateral lace-up details, sporty slip dresses, sweat tops, a leather jacket, a parka coat and bombers, all in Zayn's preferred colour palette of khaki green, wine, black and white, with splashes of red.
A reasonably casual dresser (certainly in comparison to former bandmate Harry Styles, who has embraced the world of high fashion, frequently wearing brands like Gucci and Charles Jeffrey), why has Zayn now turned his hand to design? It was actually girlfriend Gigi Hadid who introduced Malik to designer Donatella Versace. In an interview with The New York Times, Versace reflected on the first time she met the singer, admitting that she "was not exactly a fan of that band. But then I met him again when he started to date Gigi, who I work with all the time. And he impressed me very much— he was so mature, so thoughtful, treated her like such a gentleman. They are very nice young people, a lovely couple, in fact. And then he told me how much he loved fashion. It was then I knew he was the right face for what I had in mind."
In March, Malik starred in the Spring 2017 campaign for Versus alongside Adwoa Aboah, photographed by Gigi, whetting our appetite for his upcoming collaboration. And on Saturday, Zayn finally revealed some teaser images from his own Versus Versace line. The "Pillow Talk" singer shared pictures on his Instagram and Twitter accounts, featuring himself and Bella Hadid, his girlfriend's sister, modelling the collection which is available from today. Both wear athleisure-inspired outfits in the teaser, with Bella in a purple bomber jacket, logoed bra top, jogging bottoms and perforated heels. Zayn wears a khaki parka coat, distressed jeans and a black top. The full campaign, released today, shot by photographer Greg Harris features a broader range of streetwear looks plus accessories such as a cap and cross-body bag.
Photo: Greg HarrisPhoto: Greg Harris
"When I was a kid growing up in Bradford, England, wearing knock-off Versace, I never thought that one day I would actually be designing my own collection. Thanks so much to Donatella Versace for allowing me to do the coolest thing ever," Zayn revealed in a press statement. "When I see this collection, I see Zayn. His attitude, his energy and his individuality are in every single piece. I am so proud of what we have achieved together. The campaign defines everything I love about the new generation today," Donatella Versace added.
The collection debuts on 19th June at versusversace.com and in UK stores on 22nd June. A percentage of the net profits will be donated to charity.
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The mayor of London has condemned both the government and Kensington and Chelsea council over last week’s fire at Grenfell Tower, which he called a “preventable accident” caused by “years of neglect”. At present, 79 people are either dead, or missing and presumed dead.
After attending a church service for the victims yesterday, Khan paid tribute to the "brilliant" local community for its resilience and said some of the stories would “stay with [him] forever.”
He said the anger following the tragic incident was understandable, adding that people were “angry, not simply at the poor response in the days afterwards from the council and the government, but at the years of neglect from the council,” the BBC reported.
He continued: "There's a feeling that the council and government don't understand their concerns and don't care," saying people were “sick to death of platitudes from politicians”.
He also took on those who consider health and safety regulations as unnecessary "red tape", saying: "To those who think rules, regulations, health and safety, investment, are a bad thing, I say come to Grenfell Tower.
"Come and meet the wonderful people that I've met. Or remember those who have lost their lives in a preventable accident that didn't need to happen. The tragedy we're seeing is because of the consequences of mistakes and neglect from politicians, from the council, and from the government."
Khan added that, "As the mayor of London I will do my bit to be the advocate, to be the fighter, and to be the champion of these people."
Prime Minister Theresa May has faced intense criticism for her response to the tragedy. She faced jeers on a visit to the estate on Friday, and protestors marching in the area on Friday and Saturday called for her to resign.
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Update, 19th June: The weather forecast is still looking good. The Met Office is forecasting sun and a 29-degree temperature for Wednesday (21st) – so you'll definitely deserve a cold one after putting up your tent. It won't be sunny on Thursday (22nd) but it won't rain and will be about 20 degrees. Friday (23rd) will also be overcast and a little cooler at 18 degrees but, still, no rain. Saturday (24th) isn't looking sunny either, but will be still warmish at 17 degrees. Sunday (25th) is looking a bit brighter than the few previous days, warm at 18 degrees and still, NO RAIN is predicted. Don't forget your SPF.
Original story, 15th June 2017: If you were at last year’s Glastonbury festival, the memories of the thick and almost dangerously viscous mud, which many said was unprecedented, may still give you nightmares. And if you're anything like us, your wellies are probably still caked in it.
But luckily, the weather at this year’s festival looks set to be nowhere near as treacherous and according to the latest forecasts, there will even be sun. Although, it being Glastonbury, you’d be a fool not to bring wellies and a trusty mac.
Weather forecasts are obviously always subject to change, especially this far in advance, but so far it’s looking good. The Weather Channel is currently predicting no rain throughout the whole weekend. On Wednesday (21st) it’ll be partly cloudy and warm at 24 degrees Celsius, and the Thursday (22nd) will even be mostly sunny and also about 24 degrees.
The Friday (23rd), when the festival starts, will be mostly cloudy and slightly cooler at 20 degrees max, while Saturday (24th) looks a bit nicer. Cloud is predicted in the morning but the afternoon will brighten up and it will be about 20 degrees.
Sunday will also be partly cloudy and similarly warm. A lack of blazing sun means you’re less likely to suffocate to death in your tent, at least. So, swings and roundabouts.
Monday (26th), when most people pack up and head home, looks like it’ll be rainy in the morning, so it may be worth waiting a few hours to pack up (or just do it the evening before).
Update: After months of anticipation, we finally have an official launch date for Rihanna's makeup collection. RiRi announced the news herself today on Instagram that this upcoming 8th September will be the day the world crumbles to the knees of Fenty Beauty and we all copy that "Wild Thoughts" red lip. Let the countdown begin.
This story was originally published 19th June 2017.
This summer, celebs are dropping top-secret beauty news like it's a visual album or baby announcement. First, sources close to Mariah Carey leaked her upcoming beauty store, right before Kim Kardashian West teased an entirely new makeup line. But with all this excitement, we still haven't forgotten one artist collection that's sure to blow the others out of the water. Enter: Fenty Beauty.
After Rihanna exclusively spilled the news to us — and a bevy of fake Instagram posts followed — we've been patiently waiting for more news on her highly-anticipated beauty line. While we have yet to see any real samples, and we email the publicist for updates almost every day, RiRi was kind enough to tease a little somethin' when a fan asked her about the highlighter. Fast forward to June and the Needed Me singer might have just exposed even more.
Photo: Courtesy of Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment.Photo: Courtesy of Epic Records/Sony Music Entertainment.
DJ Khaled's newest music video "Wild Thoughts" just premiered last Friday and besides it being the song of the summer, we know one other thing to be true: Rihanna's makeup was trend central. The teal eyeshadow paired with a bold red lip was breathtaking, but even more, her body was beaming with head-to-toe highlighter in a shimmery pink shade that looks awfully similar to the one she was wearing the last time she was rockin' her line. Once we had a chance to collect our thoughts — and stop hailing her #freethenipple moment — we had a wild thought: Is this even more Fenty Beauty?
With the collection dropping in September, it's safe to assume the mastermind herself is currently testing and sampling product shades and formulas. So why couldn't she be wearing the final product in her latest video? While this is yet to be confirmed, we'll keep our hopes high until RiRi gives us more.
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Throughout history, there have always been women who pushed back against the roles society set for them. Suffragettes fought for the right to vote; lesbians fought (and continue to fight) to have their relationships acknowledged publicly and treated equally under the law. But it’s still somewhat taboo for women to push back against the role they have occupied the longest: mother.
Childfree and childless have just one syllable’s difference, but they are a huge chasm apart. To treat all women who do not have children as a single, monolithic group is to ignore the most critical of all questions: why? To parse this, let’s think in slightly longer phrases: childless (by circumstance) and childfree (by choice). A woman who is childless-by-circumstance may want to have children, but could be coping with fertility issues, waiting until her financial situation is different, or trying to find a partner first. Childfree-by-choice women do not have children because they simply have decided not to.
Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert has said that she believes there were always women who knew they had no maternal desire; historically, these women would become nuns, governesses, or whatever option was available to women of their era and status. Often, they took on the role of caretaker for other women’s children. But celibacy, poverty, and a life without protection from the male-dominated law was often the price they paid for this freedom. For Gilbert, it seemed that she couldn’t be her whole self — someone completely devoted to her writing work — and also be a parent. This career-woman-or-mother dichotomy has plagued women for centuries, but it leaves out the many women who simply never wanted children and who never had to prioritise a career over something else. “I have chosen to remain childless, which is a decision that reflects my own life, my own desires, my own destiny,” Gilbert said.
She isn’t the only woman writer who has considered this subject. In 2015, Los Angeles Times columnist Meghan Daum edited the collection Selfish, Shallow, and Self Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on The Decision Not To Have Kids, which included essays from Anna Holmes, Kate Christensen, Lionel Shriver, and Geoff Dyer. And although Daum has become a major face of the childfree movement, she isn’t a fan of the word itself. “I am sort of allergic to jargon, and it sounds like jargon,” she said over the phone from her home in L.A. “‘Childfree by choice’ is redundant.” Daum refers to herself as “childless by choice,” but she finds the phrase cumbersome and would rather keep working toward finding a sharper, snappier term. (She likes "barrenness," because it sounds like “baroness.")
It’s still somewhat taboo for women to push back against the role they have occupied the longest: mother.
Daum’s book came out of a desire to soften the us-or-them language that so often makes childfree people feel like they must be strident in their beliefs, using dismissive terms like “breeders.” As a result, some of the essays in Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed feature men and women talking about how they like kids in theory or enjoy being around them despite opting not to become parents themselves. Some talked about economics; others about desire. "I was trying to put together a book with broad appeal that would reach parents and non-parents," Daum explained. "A few years ago we were in a moment where we had to bring the discussion [about people choosing not to have children] into the mainstream. I can’t tell you how long I’d been wanting to do this project, and [potential editors and publishers] told me that I was addressing this tiny niche group." As a result, she adds, "One criticism that was made [of the book] is that a lot of people seem to be bending over backwards to say they like kids or feel like they have to apologize for it."
That’s because Daum essentially had to reach two groups at once — she had to speak to parents who believed they’d made the right decision by having children but were curious about those who’d chosen to live a childfree life, but also be a voice for childfree individuals who felt like they’d been ignored by traditional narratives about families and relationships. That false dichotomy went back to Daum’s initial issue with the word "childfree" — it created a division that felt politicised, rather than simply identifying a group by name. But when her book was published, it became a New York Times bestseller, spurring comments and reactions from around the world. Despite the initial concern by book publishers that Daum’s book wouldn’t find an audience, it wound up finding several. And it was a sign that childfree people were interested in buying more than just books.
The I-don't-have-kids-but-I-like-them community has been dubbed PANKs (Professional Aunt, No Kids). The term was coined by Melanie Notkin, who turned her Savvy Auntie blog, aimed at women like herself who were involved aunts or godmothers and wanted to buy kid stuff without the judgment, into a full-on lifestyle brand dubbed "Otherhood." She has been praised by some feminists for acknowledging all the underappreciated childrearing work done by non-mother family members and criticised by others for taking too much advantage of marketing opportunities. Last year, she appeared in a New York Post photoshoot proclaiming, "I'm 47 and my love life is better than ever!"
Although Notkin has been dinged for using her platform for profit — she has partnered with Westin on hotel rooms specifically aimed at female solo travellers, for example — it's not at all unusual for women in the public eye to leverage their motherhood status for financial gain. For example, actress Jessica Alba is now arguably better known for her green baby and kid-product brand, the Honest Company, than for her film and TV roles, and part of her narrative is that obsessively checking the ingredients in products she used for her two daughters was what inspired her to become an entrepreneur. Notkin isn't just savvy at being an aunt — she keenly recognised that a significant group of women were being ignored by advertisers, and put herself in front of those companies as an ambassador. In America, where money is viewed as proof of success, Meghan Daum and Melanie Notkin have been able to prove that women without children are willing to buy books, stay in hotel rooms, and purchase kids' toys — and once you're worth being marketed to, you matter.
Photo: Pexel.
It must be said that, like many conversations about femaleness, discussions around being childfree have often centred around white, middle- or upper-class women. In the past, white women have been more likely to have access to contraception, to medical care, or to doctors who would perform abortions in secret when they were illegal otherwise. As Braelin E. Settle of Wayne State University notes in her 2014 dissertation, "Defying Mandatory Motherhood: The Social Experiences of Childfree Women," "Women of colour were assimilated into dominant white culture to take advantage of their labor, leaving them with few or no policies to protect and preserve their families in comparison to white women’s families. Women of colour have performed the mothering work for white children, resulting in the neglect with their own children. Whereas women of colour have always worked, white, middle-class women have often had the option to concentrate only on motherhood and other caregiving responsibilities." For her study, Settle surveyed a range of women about their decision to be childfree. Predominantly, it was white women who identified as "active" and “certain,” while Black and Latina women were more likely to say they were "passive" and “ambivalent” about their choices. In 2016, actress Joy Bryant wrote an essay for Lena Dunham’s Lenny newsletter entitled "Stop Telling Me I Should Have Kids." Bryant addressed some of the most common sentiments lobbed her way — namely, that her being pretty meant her kids would be pretty, or that she "owed" it to her husband to reproduce — but race didn’t appear to be among her reasons for or against parenthood.
Ultimately, Daum says, choosing not to have children is fascinating and controversial to so many people because it gets at a larger question about what it means to be an adult. Many of the social markers we’ve used in the past — owning a home, having a steady job, leaving the big city for the suburbs, being married — have fallen away or been redefined. The ongoing debates about whether women can “have it all” inquire whether a woman can balance a spouse, kids, career, and personal pursuits like hobbies — without stopping to ask what “all” would look like for a woman who’s not interested in one of the usual elements, or to consider what that means for women who marry other women. And that's not to say that any woman who decides to have a child is a tool of the patriarchal past. Simply providing women with choices about motherhood — how many kids and when, what kind of labor and delivery she wants — is a revolutionary and modern concept. What the childfree-by-choice movement does is include "whether" in that list of choices.
While the question of what makes a man a man has been a subject of philosophy since the days of Homer, the notion of a woman expressing opinions about her own body, especially if that opinion is that she doesn’t want to have children — whether because of health, economics, or simply not feeling up to it — terrifies much of our society because it means that a woman is choosing to live her life for herself and herself alone. It means that she is a whole, entire person defined solely by her words and actions, not by her relationship to someone else. It means that she can become what men have always been. No matter what name it goes by — childfree, childless by choice, barrenness — it is a major sign of forward movement that more and more women around the world have the ability to make their own decisions about their bodies and, by association, the shape of their lives.
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Sofia Coppola is one of the must successful women in Hollywood. Scratch that — she's one of the most successful people in the industry, period. The director has a host of award-winning, critically acclaimed titles under her belt. And last month, she made history when she became the first woman in 56 years (and second ever) to win Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for The Beguiled, hitting cinemas June 23. All of which is to say: she is definitely somebody we'd look to for career advice. That's why we're taking the words of wisdom that she shared with Marie Claire, both personal and professional, very seriously.
Marie Claire published 31 facts you never know about the filmmaker, whose movie are marked by her signature aesthetic, incredible soundtracks, and strong female characters (1999's The Virgin Suicides, 2003 's Lost In Translation, 2006's Marie Antoinette, and 2013's The Bling Ring). The accomplished and successful mom of two (with Phoenix singer Thomas Mars) said the best career advice she's ever gotten came early the game, courtesy of Anjelica Huston, when Coppola was just 20 years old: "Not everyone's going to like you." That's a great one for any woman who knows she has an ingrained habit of people-pleasing, in or outside the workplace. It also goes along with the three qualities that Coppola says got her to where she is today: "Stubbornness, strong work ethic, basic manners." In other words, don't budge on your values and vision, work hard, and be polite.
Coppola also got personal for a few of the questions. She said the relationship she'd give to her younger self is "Don't get married before 30." At age 28, Coppola married director Spike Jonze ( Where the Wild Things Are, Her); the couple divorced four years later. It seems like Coppola probably has a good attitude about her split, though. She told MC that the advice she'd give to a woman with a broken heart is this: "It will make a good story someday that you'll laugh about." Sounds like a healthy philosophy to us. God, is there anything Sofia Coppola doesn't know? (Yes: how to sing, according to her.)
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If you've got a case of wanderlust but are hesitant to put your career on hold in favour of traipsing around the globe, the results of a new survey will undoubtedly be music to your ears. Because according to data gathered by Hostelworld, being well-travelled may actually make you more employable.
Although it can feel daunting and sometimes even irresponsible to travel the world rather than take the first steady job opportunity that comes along, many employers view travel as an asset when they're reviewing those stacks of résumés. The survey found that 64% of UK adults think travelling makes a person more employable but, notably, this number jumped to 82% when employers themselves were polled.
There are a number of reasons being well-travelled can make a person more employable. The perception that it boosts confidence topped the list, followed by stronger interpersonal skills, the ability to adapt to new situations, and a more global view.
Among those surveyed, 62% of the participants who had travelled reported that their experiences helped them figure out what they truly want to do with their lives. Another 61% reported that job experience abroad looked good on their CVs, and 46% of the travellers said they made connections during their travels that ultimately helped them land long-term employment when the time was right.
The study also showed that individuals who travel are more likely to be entrepreneurs: 34% of the travellers were self-employed, compared to 14% of the participants who hadn't explored the world.
Matteo Colombo/Getty Images
"We know that for some people employment can be a barrier to travel — whether it be young adults wanting to get on the career ladder, or those further down the line with mortgages to pay — but our research shows that this doesn't have to be the case," said Feargal Mooney, Chief Executive Officer at Hostelworld.
These are certainly legitimate concerns: Regardless of how much a person enjoys travelling the globe, it's often impossible to not compare ourselves to our peers who are rapidly climbing the corporate ladder. However, Hostelworld's research indicates that travel has a positive impact on long-term employability.
"Thousands of young adults will be graduating this summer and thinking about their next steps in life — but with growing competition in the jobs market, candidates are finding it harder and harder to stand out," Mooney said. "Travelling not only allows people the space and time to think about what they want to do with their lives and ignite their passions, but also provides you with invaluable skills including increased confidence that will help you to stand out from the crowd."
When we graduate, many of us assume that the next step has to be securing a career in our field of choice. The fear of falling behind our peers is strong, especially when social media is quick to remind us of every single promotion they secure. And despite how much we may value following our own path, plenty of people are concerned that employers may not see travelling as an asset.
But as it turns out, following a passion for travel isn't just good for the soul, it also means many employers will view you as more confident, versatile, and entrepreneurial. So if you've got the travel bug, there's no need to fight it in favour of locking down a corporate job STAT.
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