Browsing: Fashion

Historian debunks claims that Coco Chanel served in the French Resistance EU

Historian debunks claims that Coco Chanel served in the French Resistance

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New documents surfaced in September indicating that Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel may have played a double role during World War II, serving not only as an informant for the Nazis but also as a member of the French Resistance. But a historian who has analysed the new evidence says he has “serious doubts” about her alleged membership in La Résistance, suggesting the French fashion icon may have used the documents to restore her reputation after the war.

We’re in the era of zero f***s dressing, just in time for party season Fashion

We’re in the era of zero f***s dressing, just in time for party season

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Looks were served (Picture: Rex/Getty/Splash)

Last night’s GQ Men of the Year Awards saw the likes of Gary Lineker, Jack Antonoff and Simone Rocha honoured for their work as tastemakers and changemakers in 2023.

Attendees set the style standard on the red carpet as well, with the fashion rulebook clearly thrown out of the window this party season.

Football stars Alex Scott, Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly all wowed in daring sheer dresses at the star-studded event, showing they won’t be pigeonholed by stereotypes of masculinity among women in sport (as well as those surrounding the queer community).

Others also bared nips and hips alike, with many opting for bondage-inspired features like leather, chains and buckles: Normal People actor India Mullen’s leather bralette and skirt was offset with a bold metal neckpiece and zips, while Raye’s full-length PVC gown and Jodie Turner-Smith’s laced-up minidress seemed like clear nods to the world of BDSM.

India Mullen was giving Matrix realness (Picture: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

There was plenty of metallic hardware and leather on the GQ runway (Picture: Karwai Tang/WireImage)

The men were stepping out of their comfort zone too, from Ted Lasso’s Phil Dunster wearing leather trousers for the first time (and with a sheer top too) to Ncuti Gatwa pairing a dramatic floor-skimming black coat by Louis Gabriel Nouchi with a racy patent tie.

This air of punky, outlandish dressing (much of which wouldn’t look out of place in a sex dungeon or Matrix reboot) has been brewing for some time. Bebe Rexha’s dress, complete with bum cheek cut-outs and horse tail, and Doja Cat’s barely-there spiderweb look at this year’s VMAs spring to mind, and everyone from Nicole Kidman and Rihanna to Lupita Nyong’o and Em Rata have put their own spin on the concept.

Bebe Rexha went all out with bum cheek cut-outs earlier this year – and a tail, of course (Picture: John Nacion/WireImage)

Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at online fashion destination SilkFred, tells Metro.co.uk: ‘Certainly, 2023 has been huge for “naked dressing” and also kink-inspired clothing. Once only seen in the Victoria Secret aisles, sheer dresses have been one of the biggest celeb trends this year, being seen on red carpets, runways and even everyday street style.’

One of the stars most commonly associated with fetishwear or “naked dressing” is Julia Fox, says Megan, and interestingly, the actress recently stated in an interview on BBC’s Woman’s Hour that she has actually stopped dressing for men and now styles herself for “the girls and the gays”.

‘For Julia, and perhaps the other women that have leaned into these trends, they find that embracing their sexuality through fashion is empowering and is actually, too overtly sexual to adhere to “the male gaze,”‘ Megan suggests.

‘Sometimes women avoid styles that they enjoy but seem like “too much” and aren’t confident enough to wear. However, taking a risk with clothing can often make a woman feel more confident as they have conquered their ideas of what they think society expects of them sartorially.’

Julia Fox plays by her own fashion rules (Picture: Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

According to Megan, the current craze for irreverent fashion is partly driven by celebrities’ desire to make headlines.

‘However, I don’t think these trends are all about grabbing attention,’ she says. ‘In the post-#metoo era, women are taking back control of their bodies and embracing this through fashion. Women have reached a level of sexual liberation, where we feel more free to talk about sex and also admit that we do actually like it too!’

And overt sartorial sexuality – either to turn heads or reclaim our sense of bodily autonomy – is a tool that’s been part of the zeitgeist for decades.

During the original era of punk, the movement relied heavily on sexualised imagery to shock and provoke discussion. Vivienne Westwood’s Sex Boutique on London’s King’s Road sold t-shirts with trompe-l’œil bare breasts or with openable zips at the nipples, while the subculture itself was typified by fishnets, studs, chokers and harnesses.

Vivienne Westwood pioneered outlandish fashions in the 1970s (Picture: Daily Mirror/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)

The current iteration of expression through fashion is undoubtedly more polished. Ever since Marc Jacobs took his version of grunge to fashion week for Perry Ellis’ SS93 collection, catwalks have been all about commodifying individuality and turning grassroots creativity into something marketable.

But there’s still merit in happy medium between the two things for the average person; it’s all about understanding what makes you feel most confident and choosing pieces that suit you.

Most of us can’t get away with channelling Siouxsie Sioux in all-over leather on the school run, or bringing out our inner dominatrix with a mesh body-stocking at the office – and that’s okay.

Salma Hayek absolutely rocking the trend at 57 (Picture: Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images)

And Rihanna in leather and mesh while pregnant – what’s your excuse? (Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Megan recommends adding edge to an everyday wardrobe with a pair of faux leather trousers or leggings in place of a black trouser, or by layering sheer items (like a sheer top with a camisole underneath).

‘A lingerie-inspired slip dress can also be a staple piece paired with a t-shirt or shirt underneath and an oversized blazer on top,’ she adds. ‘And women can use accessories to lean into the trend, for example choker necklaces and chunky waist belts as a subtle nod towards fetishwear.’

As a general rule, if you don’t feel confident in what you have on, the whole ‘I don’t care’ vibe isn’t going to play. Plus, the look has to be for you, rather than to fit into what society expects of you.

Jean Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture F/W runway can provide inspiration on adding edge to outfits (Picture: Estrop/Getty Images)

As can Ashi Studio”s use of sheer fabric and corsetry (Picture: Richard Bord/Getty Images)

Still feel like you need to stay inside the lines or lest ye be judged? It can be handy to remember the rebellious dressers who paved the way for the current laissez faire attitude. Whether it’s Prince’s genderless silhouettes, the way Madonna shapeshifts through clothing, or Aaliyah’s uniquely feminine take on baggy hip hop fashion, find your tradition-flouting style icon and follow their lead.

Whether it’s a flash of skin or a thigh-high boot is up to you, but starting with one thing you wouldn’t normally wear and working your way up (if you choose to) can help you push boundaries one step at time.

If Julia Fox can step out in pasties to go to the supermarket, what’s stopping you from taking a few baby steps on the wild side?

The only rule of this unrestrained and provocative trend to remember is that there are no rules: they’re just clothes, after all.

So decorate your outside with the way you feel inside, forget crap advice telling you to try to look younger, smaller and just like everyone else, and remember the words of Harry Winston: ‘People will stare. Make it worth their while.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing [email protected].

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This ‘life-changing’ hair removal device has one user ‘in tears’ after years of PCOS symptoms Beauty

This ‘life-changing’ hair removal device has one user ‘in tears’ after years of PCOS symptoms

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People are raving about this IPL device (PIcture: Rose Skin Co)
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Hair removal is a big deal for many of us. Particularly if you feel like going a week or so without a shave leaves your bare legs looking like a pair of fuzzy leggings. Just us?

But for some it’s so much more, with one woman left in tears after using this IPL hair removal device after previously battling rapid hair growth caused by PCOS.

‘I suffer from PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and one of the symptoms is excess hair,’ she said of Rose Skin Co’s Lumi. ‘I had to shave my face every single day for years and I was absolutely fed up it (as any woman would be).’

She added: ‘Give this device a try and I promise you will not be disappointed! I honestly cried while writing this review, that’s how happy I am so far!’

Lumi is a handheld device that tackles the hair at the root and destroys them with light pulses. But there’s no pain, no burning and no damage to your hair. Best of all, it stops hair from growing back for long-term reduction.

And right now it’s on sale, with an epic pre-Black Friday discount until November 20, where shoppers can get 25% off Rose Skin Co, site-wide, plus free shipping (no code needed, discount(s) will be reflected on site).

They claim you can really see the results after just four uses and get the full finish between 8-12 uses.
Rose Skin Co Lumishop £142 (save £50)
Customers have described this device as ‘life changing’ (Picture: Rose Skin Co)

The device is a game changer for at home hair removal (Picture: Rose Skin Co)

Honestly, is this not music to your ears? Especially considering during our last bikini wax we had to take a friend for moral support and lay there deep breathing like we were in labour.

And have you looked at the prices of professional laser treatment? We can barely afford butter in this economy.

Plus, the last time we tried to shave our nether region, we blunted the blade. In about two seconds…

If you still need convincing, just check out the reviews.

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One satisfied customer said: ‘I was worried about taking the plunge with a device like this – I’ve never used one of these before – but 8 weeks in, I’m glad I did! The hair on my leg is almost gone & my underarms have a noticeable difference too.’

Another said: ‘The Lumi changes the game for at home hair removal,’ whilst one commented that it was ‘literally life changing’.

Consider us influenced *adds Lumi to card and proceeds rapidly to checkout*.

‘I am completely blown away’: This serum is giving thick lashes and growing brows, according to shoppers Beauty

‘I am completely blown away’: This serum is giving thick lashes and growing brows, according to shoppers

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Augustinus Bader’s skincare sets feature this beauty, which is impressing shoppers (Picture: Augustinus Bader)
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
This Eyebrow and Lash Enhancing Serum has caused a bit of a sensation with customers, who are now fluttering their luscious lashes all lover the place.

Currently, mascara feels like as much of a necessity for us as food and water. Mainly because without it, our eyes look as tiny as mole squinting.

Plus, in a world of people blessed with long, full and curly lashes, the beauty gods appear to have had a day off when they made ours. Hence our short, sparse and straight pathetic excuses for lashes.

But this serum is giving thrilled users lashes that flutter and brows that undo all the wrongs of early noughties over-tweezing, according to reviews.

It works by strengthening and nourishing the hair follicles, which creates longer and fuller brows and lashes.

Not only that, but this clever little serum supports more efficient hair follicle functioning, which means less shedding and faster growth. Sign us up.

The multi-use serum from celeb-loved brand Augustinus Bader was tried and tested on a lucky batch of individuals, with 96% saying their lashes looked and felt healthier, 96% saying their lashes and brows felt fuller and 100% saying they saw results in as little as four weeks.

In other words, this serum be doing the most. And then some.

Just the bottle alone is pretty gorgeous (Picture: Augustinus Bader)

The customers reviews for the product are also as banging as a Ricky Martin 90s hit.

One happy customer said: ‘I am very pleasantly surprised by the fast results on both eyebrows and eyelashes…..soon I think mascara will be an option rather than a necessity! Wow!’

And another added: ‘I am completely blown away with the number of new hairs. I went to have my brows tinted again today and my eyebrow stylist nearly fell off her chair. She was so impressed she ordered it immediately for herself.’

‘I like what I’m seeing,’ another mused. ‘My eyelashes have always been pretty nice but I can see they have grown more. My eyebrows have gotten a little thicker and darker.’

MORE : This serum claims to ditch dark spots in 2 weeks – and ‘reduce wrinkles’ in 7 days

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You can buy the Eyebrows and Lash Enhancing Serum on its own or really treat yo self and buy it as part of The Supreme Collection. It will set you back £1,200 but with a bundle of goodies, including their Rich Cream, The Body Cream and the incredible Face Oil, your hydrated glowing complexion won’t even care.

Dry ashy skin? Never heard of her.

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