The acclaimed exhibition currently on view at Bailiffgate Museum depicts a Hundred Years of Fashion with a display of gowns from world-famous designers. Here, we unveil the important part Alnwick played in the fashion industry and its connection with the Gazette. More than 100 years ago, before designers such as Lanvin, Chanel, Balenciaga and Gucci had opened their salons, a local modiste and court dressmaker travelled to London and Paris to bring French fashions back to Alnwick. He also made copies of French designs in his workrooms (perhaps those of Worth and Vuitton) and held Expositions of Fashions in designated salons in his shop in Bondgate.Born in 1849, William Percy was the third son of Hugh Percy, a clerk employed in the estate office at Alnwick Castle, and elder brother of Charles Percy who later became a solicitor in Alnwick. There was no connection with the Percy noble family that held the title of Duke of Northumberland.After William completed his education at the … [Read more...] about The dressmaker who helped put Alnwick on the world map
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Age no barrier for China’s senior catwalk models
Wearing a bright floral ensemble with her short hair dyed blonde, Chinese model Ma Yinhong struts a Shanghai catwalk with a style and swagger that belie her 56 years. She made her modelling debut just two years ago and is already in demand, working for leading fashion brands such as Dolce & Gabbana. Ma is one of a growing number of older models sought after by Chinese and international labels trying to court the country's growing faction of "silver spenders". She seems to embody this target market of older Chinese who are spending more on themselves. "I never go out without dressing up and getting made up. I never let myself look like an old granny," Ma told AFP at a recent show for Uooyaa, which used a mix of younger Chinese and foreign models, as well as seniors. Once confined largely to life insurance and healthcare ads, today glamourous Chinese seniors are in demand for high fashion. "They save me as 'best for last' in fashion shows after young models, so I am quite … [Read more...] about Age no barrier for China’s senior catwalk models
The biggest losers of the year will give you inspiration for 2019
One of the most popular New Year's resolutions for people is to get fit and healthy in the coming year. If you need inspiration for 2019, these people may just inspire you to begin your health journey. These eight amazing people and one fabulous slimming group have used their willpower to shed the pounds and they look absolutely incredible. Dreadful Facebook photos, and not being able to play with their young children are just some of the reasons that these people decoded to change their lives. Many of the people below have achieved their goals with weight-loss groups - if you've got an inspirational journey to share, get in touch. Wendy Walters Weighing 18 stone and struggling to walk up hills without collapsing, Wendy Walters realised she had to make changes to her lifestyle - and fast. After her sister had a stern word with her about taking care of her health, Wendy decided to draw up a five-year plan that would improve not just her weight, but her whole life. Now, after a job … [Read more...] about The biggest losers of the year will give you inspiration for 2019
All the celebrities and famous people who died in 2018
We have had to say goodbye to some well-known and much-loved figures in 2018. From television presenters such as Barry Chuckle to music mega stars like Mac Miller, there have been some hugely sad losses in the celebrity world. Among those who died in 2018 were also former UN Secretary Kofi Annan, who had previously visited Hull, and acclaimed scientist and author Stephen Hawking, touted as one of the greatest minds to have ever lived. Fans shared their memories and fellow stars paid tribute as they remembered those we have lost, and as we start the new year, it is with a twinge of sadness that these stars cannot share in all the 2019 celebrations. Here's a look at all of the celebrities we've lost in 2018 who have inspired generations. DECEMBER Peter Thompson Liverpool great Peter Thompson died on New Year's Eve at the age of 76. The former winger was a key part of Bill Shankly's Reds side of the 1960s, and helped contribute to winning two league titles and the club's first FA Cup in … [Read more...] about All the celebrities and famous people who died in 2018
Mindful drinking and multifunctional menswear: Experts pick the trends to watch in 2019
From ‘swackets’ to seaweed, art to armcuffs, Esther N McCarthy asks the experts to tap into the trends we should watch out for in 2019.Chef Andy McFadden: ‘2019 will be all about zero waste’.Food waste/zero wasteMy motto in the kitchen has always been “nothing goes in the bin”.There will always be some form of food waste — skins from vegetables, scallop shells, egg shells, used coffee grounds etc — but we try to minimise it where possible. These could also be used for compost which you could then use to grow your own fruit and vegetables, which is something we will be looking at for next year at Glovers Alley. We also only use whole animals in Glovers Alley, so we have to use every part of that animal for something.At the moment we have whole sika deer, Comeragh mountain lamb, suckling pig, pigeon, and various game including pheasant, partridge, and hare. It’s amazing for the young chef on the meat section who has to butcher-cook … [Read more...] about Mindful drinking and multifunctional menswear: Experts pick the trends to watch in 2019