Black lives matter movement

For the first few years after their introduction to Britain, Dr Martens were very much working men's boots, worn in factories and by postmen. According to Martin Roach, author of the definitive history of DMs, Doctor Martens: The Story of an Icon, it was not until Pete Townshend, wind-milling guitarist and songwriter with the Who, wore them in around 1966 that they became fashionable. Townshend recalls buying DMs because he was tired of the foppish clothes that were so popular during the 1960s. "I was sick of dressing up as a Christmas tree in flowing robes that got in the way of my guitar playing," he says, "so I thought I'd move on to utility wear." The air-cushioned soles helped him bounce around on stage, and wearing the boots, Townshend explained, reminded him of the working-class surroundings in which he had grown up. … [Read more...] about Dr Martens at 50: these boots were made for… everyone

Detailing the advice she'd give to models currently dominating fashion's leading catwalks, Claudia added: 'I would definitely say to the younger generation of models, it's a job at the end of the day – just don't mix it in with anything else. Sometimes, of course, you can't avoid it, even with those rules.'   … [Read more...] about ‘You don’t have to be called beautiful your entire life!’ Claudia Schiffer, 49, reflects on her 30-year career, bullying in the industry and why she’s embracing the ageing process

While there hasn’t been a decade since their inception in the late 1940s that Dr Martens haven’t been aesthetically adopted by a sub-culture as part of their identity – the skinheads in the 70s, punks and new-wave artists in the 80s and the grunge movement of the 90s – the current resurgence in popularity comes as the world’s most influential mainstream fashion icons have been spotted wearing them. … [Read more...] about Fashion reboot: why Dr Martens keep coming back in style

What can we do about our own biases? The key is to pause, breathe, and realise that the spider is not really racing towards us so fast. Research on “debiasing” has attracted scepticism from those invested in the “nudge politics” model – understandably, because for nudge politics to work, we must remain biased automata vulnerable to its paternalistic guidance. And yet many biases can be overcome if we are made aware of them, and incorporate a check for them into our slow, deliberative thinking. “We need time, intention and adequate cognitive capacity and resources to be aware of the activation of stereotypes,” Agarwal writes hopefully, “and then to significantly reduce the application of any stereotypical beliefs on others around us.” Her own book can, perhaps, help readers do the same. … [Read more...] about Sway by Pragya Agarwal review – how we are all unconsciously biased

 Tensions are rising in small towns where New York City residents have fled to escape the coronavirus hotspot as locals complain of ransacked supermarkets and hospitals grow more and more crowded. Pictured: A Stop & Shop store in East Hampton is overwhelmed by customers stocking up for self-isolation … [Read more...] about Eight coronavirus cases are confirmed on Martha’s Vineyard after NYC’s wealthy flocked to their summer homes on the island – where the tiny local hospital has room for just NINE virus patients