Are “Princess Nails” a Beauty Trend or a Recession Cry for Help?
If TikTok is the new trend oracle, then we’re officially entering a new era—one where short, natural nails coated in whisper-pink polish are the ultimate flex. Welcome to the world of “princess nails,” where subtlety is the statement, and maximalist acrylics are so last paycheque. While chrome claws and 3D nail art still rule the timelines, there’s a growing obsession with going… bare-ish. Think short, softly squared tips in translucent nude pinks. It’s giving quiet luxury, tradwife tease, and possibly—just possibly—a cry for help. The Manicure Meets Minimalism Moment For those with the eyes to see it, princess nails aren’t just a trend. They’re a recession indicator—right up there with TikTok thrift hauls and girls learning how to do their own facials in 480p lighting. Why spend £80 on tiny rhinestones when rent’s due and oat milk just went up again? But beyond budgetary concerns, this trend fits neatly into Gen Z’s ongoing love affair with “clean girl” aesthetics: minimal makeup, slicked-back buns, and nails so demure you could take them to meet your boyfriend’s grandmother. The Great Nail Debate Naturally, TikTok is split. Some are calling it the death of fun nails. Others say it’s simply a palate cleanser after years of maximalist mania. One thing is certain: nail art is officially political again. What This Says About Us Behind every TikTok trend is a cultural pulse, and princess nails are no exception. Whether it’s a return to traditional femininity (hello, “trad” aesthetic) or a beauty strategy that can survive a cost-of-living crisis, the move toward low-maintenance manicures is part of a bigger shift. One where moderation > excess, subtle = sophisticated, and long sculpted claws are being quietly phased out by the neutrals-only committee. The takeaway? Minimalism is in. Again. And this time, it’s not because anyone’s actually over long nails—it’s because minimalism, like short pink nails, is cheaper to maintain. Final Thoughts So, are princess nails cute? Yes. Are they boring? Depends who you ask. Are they a soft pink sign of late-stage capitalism? Absolutely. The real question is: will your next manicure be a scream or a whisper?
Tems Stunned in Bold Blue as She Accepted the Diamond Award at Billboard’s Global Power Players Night
Tems walked into the room, picked up the Diamond Award, and reminded us—yet again—why she’s in a league of her own. At the first-ever Billboard Global Power Players event held in London, the Nigerian singer-songwriter was honoured for her cultural and musical impact on the global stage. But before she took the mic to thank literally the world, she did what Tems always does first: she wore the moment. Tems stepped out in a blue mini dress that whispered “effortless” but screamed “icon.” The off-the-shoulder number featured delicate ruching and a single braided detail running down the front—a subtle flex of texture and structure. Paired with soft waves, understated glam, and minimal gold jewellery, the look said everything without saying too much. It wasn’t just a red carpet win—it was a style thesis. One that said: you don’t need to overdo it when your presence already carries weight. After being introduced by Nkosiyati Khumalo, Billboard Africa’s incoming editor, Tems delivered a speech that hit all the right notes. She acknowledged not just the honour of receiving the Diamond Award, but the significance of the moment for African music. “Being African and a musician is a whole new world,” she said. “This has been a really great honour, especially given that African music is moving to heights that have never been seen before, and Billboard is one of the key players in moving that needle forward.” While the Billboard Global Power Players event was packed with influential names from across the music industry, Tems was undeniably the moment. With this Diamond Award, she joins a rare class of global creatives who are not just riding the wave of African music’s rise—but shaping it. See all the stunning photos from the night below—and take notes. Photo Credit: Tems/Instagram
Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin Have Split After 8 Years—And Honestly, I’m Not Okay
We regret to inform you that Chrota—yes, we’re still calling them that—is officially no more. After eight very cozy, very private years together, Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin have decided to call it quits. And yes, it’s devastating. The Materialists star and the Coldplay frontman were the kind of couple that didn’t need red carpets or matching outfits to prove their bond. They just existed—quietly, effortlessly, and always in Malibu. So naturally, this breakup feels like the end of an indie film we didn’t know we were watching. Wait, Weren’t They Just in India Together? Yes. Yes, they were. Dakota had recently joined Chris while he was touring in India, and they were seen together in Malibu not long before that. Despite rumors of a split last August, her rep was quick to shut things down, confirming they were still “happily together.” Fast forward to June 4, and now multiple sources are confirming the breakup to People—and apparently, this time it’s final. So… What Happened? In true Hollywood fashion, the exact reason for the breakup is vague—“little things kept adding up,” according to The Daily Mail. One insider claims Dakota fought hard to keep the relationship alive, particularly because of her bond with Chris’s kids, Apple and Moses (forever icons, name-wise). Another source told The Sun that age and family planning were dealbreakers. Dakota, 35, reportedly still had hopes of having children, while Chris, 48, felt he’d already ticked that box. “They really tried,” the insider said. “But the age gap kept creeping in.” Were They Secretly Engaged? Apparently, yes. According to People, Dakota and Chris had been “quietly engaged for years” but were in no rush to walk down the aisle. Dakota even sparked ring rumors back in 2020 when she was spotted wearing a chunky emerald stunner on that finger. Our Final Words on Chrota In a world full of PR stunts and red carpet theatrics, Dakota and Chris were refreshingly low-key. No couple selfies, no matching tattoos—just lots of privacy, and, allegedly, a lot of cozy house parties. And now? Just heartbreak. As for Dakota, insiders say she’s “devastated” about not being around Chris’s kids anymore. We’re devastated about… all of it. Here’s to eight years of low-key love, soft-core indie romance, and whatever “Fix You” now sounds like post-breakup. Wishing them healing, clarity—and hopefully a rebound we can root for.
Emily Ratajkowski Channels Coastal Cool in Gucci’s GG Monogram Campaign at Cannes
Gucci has always been fluent in glamour—but the brand’s latest campaign set against the soft glow of Cannes proves it’s just as fluent in contradiction. Starring Emily Ratajkowski and shot by documentary-style street photographer Daniel Arnold, the new visuals celebrate Gucci’s ever-iconic GG Monogram, reframed through themes of stillness and movement, presence and ease. In a series of images that feel part candid, part curated, we see Emrata glide from cobblestone city scenes to the calm shores of the French Riviera. Whether surrounded by crowds or oceanside solitude, the GG Monogram remains a quiet constant—timeless, tactile, and unmistakably Gucci. At the heart of the campaign? A showcase of signature silhouettes: Debuted during Gucci’s Cruise 2026 show in Florence, the Giglio bag is more than just arm candy. It’s a love letter to heritage—named after the fleur-de-lis emblem synonymous with Florence since the Middle Ages. Tapping into over 100 years of craftsmanship, the Giglio balances archival romance with 2026-ready edge. For the minimalists who love a monogram, the new chapter of Gucci’s Ophidia collection features GG Monogram-coated canvas, forest green cotton lining, and that signature Web stripe that whispers quiet luxury. And yes—the Mini GG duffle has been downsized and redefined for modern wearers. What happens when a heritage house plays on duality at Cannes? A campaign that feels as thoughtful as it is iconic. With Emily Ratajkowski as the effortlessly cool muse and the GG Monogram as the ever-present thread, Gucci delivers a visual story that bridges generations—and wardrobes. Take a closer look at the campaign above and shop the collection now at Gucci.com.
“Iyalode” Brings Power, Patriarchy and Purpose to the Big Screen
Courage wears many crowns. In Iyalode, she builds her own. Opening in cinemas on June 6, Iyalode is the latest Nollywood period drama shaking up the genre with a fierce female lead at its centre. Directed by Adebayo Tijani and co-produced by Toyin Abraham and Kolawole Ajeyemi, the film blends historical gravitas with a deeply human story about power, legacy, and choosing a voice over silence. Set against a richly woven cultural backdrop, Iyalode follows the journey of a woman who dares to challenge the societal mould carved out for her. Rather than simply inherit authority, she redefines it—turning a traditional title into a personal mission. The ensemble cast is stacked with Nollywood powerhouses—Toyin Abraham, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Bukky Wright, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Chatta, Peju Ogunmola, Aisha Lawal, and more—each contributing to a narrative pulsing with intensity and cultural resonance. While fictional, the film draws heavily from the lived realities of women in historical and contemporary Nigeria, offering commentary on gender roles, leadership, and resistance within patriarchal systems. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just retell the past—it interrogates it. Iyalode joins a growing canon of Nigerian films that place complex female protagonists at the centre of period and political storytelling, continuing Nollywood’s turn toward narratives that are both grounded and grand. Watch the trailer here—and mark your calendars.
Carhartt WIP Drops New Womenswear for SS25
Utility just got a soft glow-up. Carhartt WIP is back with its Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear collection—and while it still packs that signature workwear punch, this season adds a delicate edge that feels refreshingly light. Shot through the dreamy lens of Paris-based photographer Fiona Torre, the campaign reads like a haze-drenched postcard from a summer spent somewhere between construction site chic and soft-focus art school. It’s all about contrast: rugged silhouettes meet whisper-soft textures, and structured classics are dipped in sun-faded hues that toe the line between utility and poetry. Anchored by the iconic W’ OG Active Jacket, the collection delivers the essentials you didn’t know you needed: slouchy graphic long-sleeves, cozy hooded sweatshirts and jersey basics that feel like forever pieces. There’s an unmistakable ease here—nothing feels forced, and everything feels lived-in. One of the standout twists? The utilitarian double-knee pant reimagined as a mini skirt—a clever nod to the brand’s blue-collar DNA, served with a wink. Meanwhile, jackets arrive in washed-out pastels and muted neutrals, looking like they’ve already soaked up a few days in the sun. Carhartt WIP’s SS25 drop proves that durability and softness aren’t opposites—they’re a power couple. Click through the gallery for a first look at Fiona Torre’s gauzy campaign imagery, and shop the full collection now on Carhartt WIP’s official website.
Rosé, Lewis Hamilton and Jay Chou Make Luggage Feel Existential in RIMOWA’s “Never Still” Campaign
What if your suitcase was your diary? That’s the question luxury travel house RIMOWA poses in the fifth chapter of its ongoing Never Still campaign—a polished yet personal exploration of how travel leaves its mark, literally and otherwise. This time, the campaign taps three global icons—BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and Jay Chou—to unpack (pun fully intended) how movement shapes identity, purpose, and the stories we carry with us. Rosé, in her usual pensive pop-star elegance, reflects on how life on the move deepens her connection to creativity. “Every journey I take leaves a lasting impact,” she says. “Travelling the world only makes me realise just how much more there is to explore.” For someone who’s been on more private jets than the average passport holder has stamps, that’s saying something. But the campaign’s real star? Not the celebrities. The luggage.RIMOWA’s signature aluminium suitcases get a sentimental upgrade, reimagined as timeworn tokens of personal evolution. The dents? Not flaws—badges of honour. The peeling stickers? Emotional cartography. For Rosé, those stickers nod to her latest album drop. Jay Chou’s are peppered with tennis references (an ode to his not-so-secret obsession). Hamilton? Ever the high-speed philosopher, he lets the road—and the runways—do the talking. It’s a subtle but striking campaign that repositions luxury luggage as something less pristine and more personal. Less “aspirational accessory,” more “emotional archive.” And just like that, your carry-on now has character development. Check out the campaign visuals featuring Rosé above and browse the full collection now at rimowa.com.
African Creatives Shine at Cannes 2025 in Vlisco – A Celebration of Culture and Creativity
Actress Sophie Tankou and content creator Sylvanie Bessong made a memorable appearance on the red carpet of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Their presence was made possible by the iconic brand Vlisco, in collaboration with media outlet Brut. The two rising stars wore custom gowns designed by Francel Guezodje, Vlisco’s Head Couturier at the brand’s atelier in Cotonou, Benin. Sylvanie wore a Satin Royal dress – a romantic and glamorous fabric, with an airy drape and soft, fluid movement – adorned with Swarovski crystals. Sophie wore Vlisco’s iconic Grand Super-Wax – defined and crisp, with a touch of sparkle on the finish – also embellished with Swarovski crystals. This project, initiated by Vlisco, offered these young creatives a one-of-a-kind experience while celebrating their talent. “It’s a joy to see these young women bring their dreams to life and share their creativity and culture with the world,” said Perry Oosting, CEO of the Vlisco Group. By spotlighting their talent on a global stage like Cannes, Vlisco continues to honour and uplift the next generation of African creatives. More than just a brand representation, this is a true celebration of identity, art and savoir-faire through fashion. All fabrics featured in this story are available on Vlisco.com and through your trusted Vlisco retail partner. Explore the collection, find inspiration, and create your own one-of-a-kind look with a Vlisco print.
Inside Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sandra Jerze’s Effortlessly Stylish Wedding Weekend
It started with a sock. That’s where Premier League striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin stashed the ring—tucked inside his suitcase—for the entire sun-drenched holiday in Sardinia. Six almost-proposals later, with timing never quite right and nerves running high, he finally got his perfect moment: a private beach, a 2001 bottle of Sandra’s favourite Sassicaia, and a sunset straight from the movies. “I’m not the best organiser,” he admits. “Sandy is the planner. I just needed it to feel right—and somehow it took until the very last day.” She said yes. But their love story had been unfolding quietly for three years already, ever since that fateful night at London’s Chiltern Firehouse, where mutual friends and magnetic chemistry collided. Sandra—model, interior designer, and low-key bridal visionary—was based in Switzerland at the time. Dominic, in Manchester. “We kept meeting up in London,” he recalls. “Then Sandy came up to Manchester for a few days…”“…And I never left,” she grins. By summer 2023, their daughter Ahava had arrived. Nearly a year later, the proposal. And then, in a crisply-lit weekend in March, timed to the international football break, came the wedding. The weekend kicked off with an intimate civil ceremony at The Old Marylebone Town Hall. Just the couple and their parents. Sandra wore a Karl Lagerfeld-era Chanel jacquard two-piece—sourced via a perfectly impulsive Google search and Farfetch click. “I knew what I wanted. I typed it in. I saw the listing and just bought it,” she says. Dominic wore a bespoke Andréa Kọsta suit—the first of three custom pieces he’d wear that weekend. “No pressure, no frills,” he says of the first day. “Just us.” The next day, the mood shifted into full celebration. Sixty guests gathered at The NoMad Hotel, a venue that reminded the couple of their Chiltern beginnings. The brief: soul classics, soft florals, warm light, and zero stiffness. The priest? Also a musician. The vibe? Think Motown-tinged supper club, with a touch of candlelit mischief. Sandra walked down the aisle in a long-sleeved, embroidered lace Dana Harel gown—the first (and only) wedding dress she tried on. But not before surprising Dom with a pre-recorded message from baby Ahava playing through the speakers. “I was crying before I even saw her,” Dominic says. The cake was Biscoff and four-tiered, cloaked in roses. The dance floor? Instant magic. Sandra’s final outfit change of the evening was a silk corseted Danielle Frankel number, made for spinning through the night. The weekend wrapped with a cozy, candlelit lunch—just their nearest and dearest, a lot of laughter, and more exceptional wine. “It got messy,” laughs Dom. “You don’t want to see those pictures.” What began with a sock and a secret Sassicaia ended in three dresses, a crying groom, and a Chanel suit that started it all. And somewhere between the soul music, rose-stacked cake, and whispered vows, Sandra and Dominic did what all the best couples do: they made their own rules.
Jonathan Anderson Takes the Reins as Dior’s Sole Creative Director
It’s official: Jonathan Anderson is Dior’s new fashion sovereign. The Northern Irish designer, long admired for his cross-genre sensibility and cerebral approach to clothing, has assumed full creative command at Christian Dior—overseeing women’s, men’s, and haute couture collections. It’s a historic appointment that makes him the first designer in decades to control the house’s entire creative vision. Dior made the announcement on Instagram, shaking up a Monday that was otherwise set to be business as usual. Within moments, the fashion world recalibrated. “I have always been inspired by the rich history of this House, its depth, and empathy,” Anderson shared in a statement posted on LinkedIn. “It is a great honour to join the House of Dior… I look forward to working alongside its legendary ateliers to craft the next chapter of this incredible story.” What It Means for Dior—and for Fashion Anderson’s first official runway outing for Dior Men will take place on June 27 during Paris Fashion Week, but his creative impact will reverberate much further. He steps into the role vacated by Maria Grazia Chiuri, whose departure was announced just last week, following a reign that was both commercially successful and critically polarizing. Now, Dior finds itself at a new crossroads—one that blurs the gendered boundaries of the brand’s legacy and invites a fully unified design vision under Anderson’s lead. Delphine Arnault, CEO of Dior and longtime LVMH powerhouse, gave her blessing: “I have followed Jonathan’s career with great interest since he joined the LVMH group over ten years ago. I am convinced that he will bring a creative and modern vision to our House…” A Legacy That Precedes the Future Anderson isn’t arriving empty-handed. His 11-year run at Loewe redefined luxury storytelling with conceptual cuts, artsy surrealism, and a brutalist-meets-baroque aesthetic that carved out a singular lane within the LVMH portfolio. His own label, JW Anderson, remains a breeding ground for gender play and experimental silhouettes—elements that could now find a sharper, couture-finished edge under the Dior umbrella. The announcement follows months of fashion-world whispers after his April appointment as Dior’s menswear lead raised eyebrows—and questions. Now we have the answer: Jonathan Anderson is Dior. The move marks a new era for the House—one that feels at once risky and remarkably right. Will Anderson’s eccentric edge meld with Dior’s romantic codes? Can he honour Monsieur Dior while reinventing the wheel? We’ll find out soon enough. And the whole industry will be watching.