From Pharrell’s giant Vivienne Westwood panama to haute couture bucket hats, it’s clear the world of fashion isn’t afraid to experiment with silly headgear.The latest – and most outrageous – millinery trend has been popularised by French brand Jacquemus.And just in time for summer, everyone is going crazy for ridiculously large straw hats.It looks cool on the runway and in high fashion editorials, but surely people can’t be wearing it IRL? Jacquemus posted a behind-the-scenes video of a photoshoot that shows just how hard the hat is to wrangle in the wind.Regardless how tricky it is to wear, it would seem people really have started wearing these big hats out and about…1. For a summer partyPaired with a bright floral dress, this hat does look particularly cute. However, we’ve got to wonder – how annoying is it to manoeuvre when greeting your friends and trying to kiss them on the cheek? Surely it’d get in the way? Things could … [Read more...] about 6 times people have actually worn the ludicrously large hat trend
French hat shop
French artist whose paintings survived raid to get first UK show
The first exhibition in the UK of an artist who almost lost his head in the French Revolution, and whose paintings survived the biggest domestic art and antiques raid in UK history, will be seen next year at the National Gallery in London. The paintings by Louis-Léopold Boilly were all owned by the late property billionaire Harry Hyams, who changed the London skyline forever when he built the Centre Point tower in the 1960s. In 1964 he paid what now seems a derisory sum, £650,000, but was then a record price for a beautiful 17th-century Wiltshire mansion, Ramsbury Manor. He filled the house with art and antiques but it remained one of the most private homes in England, viewable by the public only from a bridge half a mile away. In 2006 the Johnson Gang, who over 20 years were responsible for a string of raids on stately homes and antique shops, rammed a ground floor window of the house with a four-wheel drive and escaped with a record haul of more than 300 pieces valued at … [Read more...] about French artist whose paintings survived raid to get first UK show
Akureyri guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Iceland’s most charming city
It’s easy to be charmed by Akureyri. This tiny city is filled with brightly painted wooden houses, cosy bars and sleepy streets leading down to the striking Eyjafjord. Even the traffic lights are cute, with stop lights in the shape of red hearts that glow at each junction. With a population of only 18,000, it’s remarkably calm in comparison to Reykjavik, where the relentless stream of tourists can feel overwhelming. This year, Super Break launched the first direct charter flights from the UK, which means it’s easier than ever to reach Iceland’s second city. What to do in Akureyri Take a stroll The city centre is easy to explore on foot, and you’ll be able to get between all the major spots without getting in a car. Get your bearings with a stroll around the downtown area, then head up the steps to the distinctive spires of Akureyrarkirkja church and wander along Hafnarstræti street. You’ll pass some beautiful traditional … [Read more...] about Akureyri guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Iceland’s most charming city
Hamburg city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Germany’s second city
Nicknamed Tor zur Welt – Gateway to the World – Hamburg has welcomed merchants, sailors and travellers for centuries. These days Germany’s second largest metropolis is best known for its nightlife, northern brick architecture and maritime flair. And since the opening of Hamburg’s new landmark, the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, in early 2017, the city is experiencing an unprecedented visitor boom. What to do in Hamburg Take a walk Hamburg is made up of vastly different neighbourhoods, best explored on foot. Visit the Town Hall and St Michaelis Church (€5) in the inner city and indulge in retail therapy in the small shops in Altona and the Schanzenviertel. Speicherstadt boasts formidable red brick warehouses that have gained Unesco World Heritage Site status, while St. Pauli has been an entertainment district since the 17th century. Enjoy concerts and views Don’t even think about missing the Elbphilharmonie when in Hamburg. Enjoy a concert in one … [Read more...] about Hamburg city guide: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in Germany’s second city
From crisps to cakes…and even condoms how shops are jumping on the Royal Wedding bandwagon
SHOPS, supermarkets and condom manufactures are rushing to raise a glass to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle when they tie the knot this weekend - and its even better if they can make some extra cash out of it too. The Royal Redding could inject over £1billion for the country as retailers, pubs, and hotels get set to cash in, according to financial experts from Brand Finance. Approximately £200 million is projected to flow to shops and restaurants through parties, food and celebratory drinks. Projected sales of Harry and Meghan-themed product are also expected to exceed £50million, especially those focused on commemorative coins, mugs and clothing. And don't we know it here at the Sun's newsroom. Our email inboxes have been FLOODED with press releases and emails about the latest bit of royal wedding tat. So it's not wonder stores have gone wedding mad and there seems to be no limits to what can be turned into a wedding souvenir. It's worth noting that some items - … [Read more...] about From crisps to cakes…and even condoms how shops are jumping on the Royal Wedding bandwagon