Somewhere by Nico Restaurant – Edinburgh, UK
Darlings, it’s MONDAY and it already feels like 2025 is spinning out of control. Our advice to you is to hunker down in today’s LOunge and let all of that folderol pass you by.
How the Unknown Trans Star of ‘Emilia Pérez’ Became a Controversial Oscar Favorite
Karla Sofia Gascón — set to be the first trans woman nominated for best actress — has inspired fierce love and venomous hate. She feeds off both.
Should she be nominated for an Oscar, which most pundits expect, Gascón is poised to become the first transgender performer to win. (Only one has been nominated, Juno’s Elliot Page, who revealed his gender identity only afterward.) Not since 2017’s Moonlight has an Academy Award front-runner been so well suited to trigger Donald Trump’s base: A Mexican cartel kingpin named Manitas (Gascón) hires a careerist corporate lawyer (Zoe Saldaña) to help him transition to a new life as a woman, fake his death and resettle his wife (Selena Gomez) and kids in Switzerland. And it’s a musical.
The Liberated Life of Colman Domingo
The actor discusses the West Philly musicians that inspired his style; the rejection that nearly made him quit show business; and the experience of making “Sing Sing” with former members of a prison theatre troupe.
The last time I talked to Colman Domingo, in 2021, his life was completely different. At fifty-one, he was a successful character actor, the kind whose face you might recognize from a flashy supporting role on TV—say, a con man turned post-apocalyptic dictator on “Fear the Walking Dead,” or Zendaya’s rehab sponsor on “Euphoria.” After a long career in theatre, appearing in musicals on Broadway and writing and directing Off Broadway, he was popping up in movies—as a pimp in “Zola,” as a creepy laundromat worker in “Candyman”—and on red carpets, where he’d rock a leopard-print or fuchsia suit. But relatively few people knew his name.
A Missoni retrospective: the woman behind the knits
In memory of Rosita Missoni
Rosita Missioni, co-founder and matriarch of Missoni, passed away earlier this month. She was 93 years old. She leaves behind a rich legacy, and of course, the Italian label’s iconic zig-zag knit. Let’s take a look back at her story…
[…] Rosita Jelmini was born in 1931 in the town of Golasecca, Lombardy. Her parents Angelo and Diamante both worked in the family’s shawl and embroidery factory. After graduating from her language studies in 1948, Rosita traveled to London on a trip that was designed to improve her English, supervised by Swiss nuns. There she spent a day at Wembley Stadium watching that year’s Olympic athletics competition, spotting an Italian competitor named Ottavio Missoni win in the 400m hurdles.
Known as Tai, Ottavio was a decade older than Rosita. The pair arranged a proper meeting by the Eros statue in Piccadilly. At the time, Tai was producing his own knit tracksuits, including bottoms with a zip so that they could easily be pulled on over trainers. He later made the Italian uniforms for the 1952 Olympics.
I’m a denim-obsessed fashion writer, and barrel jeans will be the only style you’ll see me in this year
The perfect denim update
If you’re looking for a chic pair of jeans to add to your 2025 denim rotation, look no further than barrel silhouettes. Comfortable, stylish, and practical, these are hands down one of the best jeans to invest in.
Known for their intricate aesthetic, barrel jeans have cemented themselves as one of this year’s biggest denim trends. As seen on the catwalks of Acne Studios and Marques’ Almeida’s Spring/Summer 2025 shows, we are rejoicing in the year of the barrel leg, and as a denim expert, I can confirm these jeans are too good to pass on.
Getting engaged? These are the must-see celebrity engagement rings if you’re looking for inspo
According to top jewellery designers
It is a truth universally acknowledged that celebrity engagement rings are, as a rule, some of the biggest, most bling-tastic, eye-blinding rocks on the planet.
And with engagement season at full force, we’ve had quite a fair share of confirmed (and rumoured) celeb engagements that are well on their way to becoming some of the most iconic and trend-setting rocks out there. From Zendaya’s subtly announced engagement at the Golden Globes to Selena Gomez’s romantic IG carrousel that broke the internet and warranted a sweet request from Taylor Swift.
Of course, lest we forget the classics from Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton’s infamous sparklers to Victoria Beckham’s impressive 15-ring collection. We truly are spoilt for choice when it comes to impeccable engagement ring inspo. So we’ve decided to speak to the experts and, with their help, rounded up some of the best A-list sparklers if you’re looking for that next sentimental piece of jewellery.
The ‘Charlotte cut’ is 2025’s most flattering haircut
Move over, bobs.
Last year may have given us Brat Summer, but things are moving in a decidedly prim direction for 2025. Hair-wise, you’ll be seeing a lot more of the Charlotte cut.
It follows in the footsteps of rising trends we’ve seen elsewhere, like the ultra-feminine hair trend (which has seen Princess updos and dainty buns return), or even fashion re-runs, like the pearl necklace, which is making an undeniable comeback and resurrecting vintage charm, referencing the likes of Jackie O and Coco Chanel as it goes.
57 Valentine’s Day nails we’re crushing on
Regardless of any relationship status, Valentine’s nails offer the perfect opportunity to show your nails a little love. When it comes to romance, we highly endorse a self-care sesh, setting aside time to zone out, nourish cuticles and emerge with a design that brings good vibes each time you look at it.
As for which designs to choose? You don’t have to go trad. Go with your heart (it’s a day to celebrate love after all). It’s the perfect time to pull the trigger on that enviable design you’ve been lusting after on your saved list for months. It’s also a good opportunity to express. Tap into the parts of your personality you want to play up, whether it’s playful colours, glitz accents or if you savour elegant simplicity, roll with that.
47 best wedding guest hairstyles, according to a beauty editor
Gotta represent for the friends and fam.
Wedding guest hairstyles can be a tricky one. You don’t want to steal the spotlight from the bride, but also, you want to show up and show out for your friends on their big day.
If you’re unsure of what direction to go in, there’s a few factors that can play into what style you go with. For starters, do you have a read on what the vibe is for the day? Is it boho? Is it classic? Is it romantic, beachy, OTT or understated? If you really want to represent, ask the bride (or groom) what the mood is, that way you can lean into the wedding aesthetic with a co-ordinated look.
31 best romantic movies on Netflix to watch with a glass of wine and face mask
Because all you need is love.
Past Lives was our top romantic movie of 2023, Notting Hill is one for the ages, while Purple Hearts broke us with its emotional story of a struggling singer-songwriter who agrees to marry a troubled Marine, Luke, for military benefits. There has also been a cultural insight into the topic of love from other countries, including the collection of short stories centred on Indian women depicted in Lust Stories.
So, for your next Friday night filmathon or post-work romcom sesh, make sure to stick on one of the following 31 best romantic movies on Netflix. All you need is love, after all.
What it’s like to visit Bhutan, one of the world’s last off-the-beaten-track destinations
Here’s everything you need to know.
I first heard about the magical kingdom of Bhutan 15 years ago. I heard that it was a country like no other, with one of the world’s highest Gross National Happiness Index’s (measure of the overall wellbeing of its people). I heard about the Tiger’s Nest, a Buddhist monastery perched breathtakingly on the edge of a mountain, that you could trek to, about its magnificent forts, the alpine meadows in the north and sub tropical rainforests in the south, it’s many ornate, Buddhist temples, hiking and nature trails through lush, Pine-laden valleys, fishing in its lakes, (bears, black-necked cranes and leopards are all native to the land) and its people – friendly and welcoming. I filed it in my ‘bucket list’, intending to visit one day. This year I finally made it there. It didn’t disappoint.
A Netflix Series Adaptation of Ana Huang’s ‘Twisted Love’ Series Is Confirmed: What We Know
#BookTok couldn’t be more excited to see these romance books on screen.
Calling all fans of book-to-screen adaptations—Netflix is bringing one of #BookTok’s favorite romance series to the small screen. On January 9, 2025, Variety reported that the streaming giant paid seven figures for the rights to beloved author Ana Huang’s new-adult novel Twisted Love and its sequels—better known as the Twisted book series. Soon after, the 33-year-old author confirmed the news herself, to the delight of her extremely passionate fanbase.
Meet the Cast of ‘Americal Primeval’
The gritty Western miniseries led by Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch is bound to be your first Netflix obsession of 2025.
Netflix’s newest limited series takes us back to 1857. American Primeval, a six-episode drama set during the fight for control of the American West, follows a group of men and women as they clash culturally, religiously, and violently with the Indigenous communities who originally occupied the land.
The must-watch series comes from The Revenant scribe Mark L. Smith (it remains to be seen if any main characters will climb into animal carcasses) and is directed by Friday Night Lights creator Peter Berg. Inevitably, American Primeval is the site of a few Friday Night Lights reunions: Aside from Berg helming the series, Taylor Kitsch—who memorably broke out on the NBC drama—stars in one of the lead roles, while Explosions in the Sky, who soundtracked the ’00s TV show, scores the Netflix original.
Kitsch isn’t the only familiar face you’ll see on the Western, featuring both fictional characters and real-life historical figures. Ahead, find out about the cast of American Primeval and their roles.
63 Romantic Movies That Perfectly Explain Your Current Relationship (or Lack Thereof)
Single, married, or fresh off a breakup—there’s a film about relationships for you.
No matter your relationship status, the best romantic movies provoke a rollercoaster of emotions, almost as if you’re the one falling madly in love, losing the love of your life, or both in the span of roughly 90 minutes. At least, those are the ones you can watch over and over again, even when they hit a little too close to home.
Whether it’s Rose’s goodbye to Jack in Titanic or that rain-kissing scene in The Notebook, some cinematic moments are so iconic they’ve transcended pop culture, changing the way we view love in real life. I mean, tell me you watched those couple interviews in When Harry Met Sally and didn’t hope that would be you someday. You can’t!
Mandy Moore Told Critics to “Kindly F Off” After Sharing In-Law’s GoFundMe Amid L.A. Fires
“No one is forcing you to do anything.”
Mandy Moore is facing backlash after sharing a fundraising campaign for family members who lost their home in the Los Angeles wildfires. On Friday, Moore—whose own residence was also impacted by the fires—re-posted a GoFundMe page for her brother-in-law and sister-in-law on Instagram, asking for monetary donations.
“With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever,” Moore wrote in the post’s caption. “Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild.”
The Hate for With Love, Meghan Is as Unfair as It Is Predictable
I’ve always been able to get on board with Meghan. She stands for things, and the fact that she likes to cook just endears her to me more. I’m interested, though, in people’s sense of her “inauthenticity”, which one comment goes so far as to call “her brand.” Her interest in food and drink is well-documented, and was a major feature of her one-time lifestyle blog, The Tig (itself named after her favorite wine), where she shared recipes and chef interviews. And it was food that helped her put her stamp on royal life; she enlisted, for example, the London-based Californian pastry chef Claire Ptak to make the cake for her wedding to Prince Harry, pairing lemon with seasonal elderflower from Sandringham, a step change from the fruitcakes of royal weddings past. In 2018, her first project as an official member of the royal family was the foreword to a recipe book with west London’s Hubb Community Kitchen, a group of women displaced by the Grenfell fire, enabling them to continue cooking together for survivors twice a week in the aftermath of the tragedy. Irrespective of her cooking credentials, Meghan has a track record with food.
15 Soups You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less
From classic to innovative and soothing to refreshing, here’s an array of convenient and quick soup recipes.
Feed your craving for tomato soup, chicken soup, or potato soup in 30 minutes or less with these quick soup recipes that work for every season. Stir in flavor with little extras like crushed red pepper flakes and crème fraîche, add texture with noodles or cooked rice, and set your soup apart with standout toppings like homemade croutons and soft-boiled eggs, Find more techniques for maximizing flavor — from toasting fideos to infusing broth with smoky ham — in these satisfying soup recipes.
L.A.’s Restaurant Community Rallies Together to Offer Relief During Wildfires
Several Los Angeles restaurants announced they were offering meals and shelter to those displaced or evacuated during the many wildfires that have torn through the city throughout the week.
Companies have joined in to help restaurants themselves. InKind, which provides upfront capital purchasing food and beverage credit to restaurants, is donating proceeds from e-cards purchased on its site directly to restaurants in its network.
Eateries around the city have been doing their part to help those suddenly finding themselves displaced, whether that be through meals to first responders, offering their restaurant as a shelter or donating profits to relief efforts. Below, find some of the spots that have joined in to help.
The rise of Ruth Wilson! Tatler hails the brightest – and bravest – actress of her generation as she celebrates her birthday
Ruth Wilson isn’t one to duck a challenge. ‘That’s why art is so important: it has to reflect, to trigger,’ she says. ‘To me, if you’re not triggering people’s emotions, what’s the point? People are very scared of feeling at the moment, scared of being hurt. But I’m afraid that’s what life is, isn’t it? Alongside all the brilliant stuff.’
Showing all sides of being human is what the 41-year-old actress is all about. She seems constantly searching, always curious. That quality has been seen in her Olivier-, Bafta- and Golden Globe-recognised roles; in her TV triumphs in Luther and His Dark Materials; in her emotionally charged film True Things. And it’ll be seen in her latest project, a BBC television drama called The Woman in the Wall, which uses the envelope of a thriller to cast new light on one of Ireland’s biggest scandals, the Magdalene Laundries.
Why Do TV Title Sequences Have So Much … Stuff?
A visual style originally meant to make TV series appear epic and distinctive has become awfully familiar
Whether they work in sand or spores, heavy-handed metaphor is the true material of choice for all these opening titles. The series are different in genres and tone. But all of them seem to have collectively decided that the best way to convey the sense of epic event TV is with an overture of shape-shifting, literal-minded screen-saver art.
Ben Stiller on ‘Severance,’ Selling Out and Being Jewish Today
He became a superstar with his performances in mainstream Hollywood hits like the “Meet the Parents” and “Night at the Museum” franchises. But his most interesting acting work has been in more complicated, tonally varied independent films like “Greenberg,” directed by Noah Baumbach, and “Brad’s Status,” directed by Mike White. As a director himself — directing was always his ambition, not acting — Stiller, 59, has a far more subversive and distinctive touch than the broad comedies that made him famous. See, as evidence, his darkly funny satires “The Cable Guy” and “Tropic Thunder” (which he also starred in), as well as more serious efforts like the 2018 Showtime crime series “Escape at Dannemora.”
The hairstylist turning buzzcuts into an art form
LA-based Jackie Bieber crafts playful hairstyles that reference everything from the Mona Lisa to Moo Deng the pygmy hippo
Like many people, Jackie Bieber was introduced to buzzcut art during the pandemic, when her friend called her panicked having just shaved her head. “I offered some options to calm her down, and we went with the best choice possible – a buzzcut art design like Dennis Rodman,” she says. Again, like many people, she thought the trend would be a fad. But while some pandemic practices faded as quickly as whipped coffee and TikTok dances, Bieber’s designs sprouted a fruitful career.
Today the Hawaii-born Bieber uses buzzcuts as a canvas for her kaleidoscopic creations, everything from the Mona Lisa to Moo Deng.
“You’re a Rock Star, Man”: Michael Shannon, in Conversation With Austin Butler
Documentarian Joshua Oppenheimer’s first narrative feature, The End, is an outlandish, post-apocalyptic musical that stars Michael Shannon as Father, an energy scion at the helm of an elite family of survivors, still living amongst their treasured possessions (just now in an underground bunker). Grappling with guilt, parenthood, and a stranger poking around outside, Shannon puts his permanent expression of bewilderment to good use, whilst singing to the tune of the world’s end. The role probably couldn’t have been a better fit for the beloved Southern actor, an eccentric who’s spent his life deeply immersed in music, and a permanent state of anxiety about climate change. “I try to pick things that are provocative and make people consider our common trials and tribulations, because I know that I’m not going to be the one that comes up with the molecule that replaces the atmosphere or somehow gets greenhouse gases to disappear,” he told his friend and former co-star Austin Butler on a call just before the new year. “The only thing I can really do is, through my work, try to keep these concerns at the forefront.” In conversation, the two went deep on Shannon’s eternal love of jazz, coming up in Chicago’s “spontaneous theatre” scene, and whether or not he’ll one day host Saturday Night Live.
18 Netflix music documentaries to watch now, from Martin Scorsese’s Bob Dylan film to a Quincy Jones retrospective
Turn it up!
We love movies that can do a lot of things at once — like music documentaries! Sounding as good as they look, music docs are often dramatic, rags-to-riches (and sometimes back again) tales full of spicy stories and fascinating histories. And here’s a little secret about musicians: they don’t know how to be boring.
Netflix’s music documentaries showcase a wide range of genres, from hip-hop to rock to classical. Whether you’re a dedicated Bob Dylan fan or a ride-or-die member of the BeyHive, there’s a movie to suit your taste.
How to Eat Fava Beans, Including How to Peel and Cook Them
These bright green legumes have a creamy texture and buttery taste.
In the world of legumes, fava beans stand out. They are the oldest variety; there’s evidence of fava bean cultivation as long as 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. They stand out visually, too: Their pods are larger than average, and favas have a unique texture and a distinctive grassy flavor. Chefs embrace fresh favas as a herald of springtime, and they’re also a joy to cook. The one hurdle you might encounter is getting the beans out of their pods. Here, we spoke to culinary experts, who shared their best tips and tricks for prepping and enjoying fava beans.
5 Dijon Mustard Substitutes That May Already Be in Your Pantry
Piquant and powerful, Dijon perks up salads, marinades, sandwiches, and more—but there are good alternatives when your jar is empty.
Is there such a thing as a Dijon mustard substitute? Mustard mavens who delight in slathering this pungent condiment on everything from French fries to ham and cheese sandwiches may be hard-pressed to come up with an alternative, and with good reason: There’s nothing quite like the distinctive taste of the real thing. Still, sometimes your recipe calls for a dab or two, but there is no Dijon in your pantry—or perhaps you’re itching to experiment. Whatever the case, there are worthy stand-ins. We connected with culinary experts to learn more about how best to replace Dijon mustard.
6 Ways to Remove Nail Polish Without Using Nail Polish Remover
No acetone? No problem.
Is your bottle of nail polish remover bone dry? Been there. Does acetone leave your cuticles feeling dry or cracked? Whatever your reason for needing to know how to remove nail polish without remover, there are a few alternative methods that will work (and may feel better on your hands). The best part? You likely already have at least one of these common essentials somewhere at home.
Keep in mind that non-acetone removers are gentler on the nails, but they need a little more time to be effective. Before starting any of the removal processes below, soak your nails in warm water to expedite the process. This can help loosen the polish and prime your nails for one of the following expert-recommended methods.
How to Use All Kinds of Peppercorns, From Black and White to Pink
Learn which types of peppercorns pack the most heat and flavor.
Ground pepper, and the peppercorns it’s derived from, is so ubiquitous and reliable that it’s no wonder many home cooks take it for granted. But take a closer look and you’ll realize how nuanced each variety is from black and white to green and pink. With that in mind, it’s no wonder this spice was considered a luxury during the Middle Ages and among the first to be traded on the Silk Road.
We turned to two spice experts to learn more about peppercorns, the best ways to use each one, and the world of flavor every variety offers.
[Photo Credit: studio-two.co.uk]
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