T LOunge for May 5th 2025

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PinGino D’Acampo Restaurant – Manchester, UK

Happy Met Gala Day, darlings! Or, as normal people call it, MONDAY. It’s the biggest fashion day of the year, so we’ll be spending it hydrating and doing our stretches before the stars hit the stairs at the Met this evening, but we have a couple of recaps, one princess, and several celebrities to throw at you before then, so settle in.

The power of Dandyism at this year’s Met Gala
This year’s theme promises to explore a meaningful conversation about fashion’s history and the often overlooked narratives within it
The Met Gala, an iconic event that celebrates both fashion and art, has long been known for its extravagant displays of creativity and culture. But this year, the theme ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ promises to explore a deeper, more meaningful conversation about fashion’s history and the often overlooked narratives within it. Among those whose stories remain on the fringes, is a movement called dandyism which celebrates black culture and the legacy of black tailoring, an art form that has shaped men’s fashion but often been neglected in the mainstream discourse.

These are, hands down, the most fabulous Met Gala looks of all time
Ahead of this year’s event, we take a look in the archives
The Met Gala is one of the most anticipated events in any celebrity’s calendar, and one of the biggest nights out in the fashion world. And while we’ve got a soft spot for the gorgeous, elegant dresses regularly seen on the Oscars red carpet, the Met Gala is a time for stars—and their stylists—to really flex their sartorial muscles and take a risk with their looks for the night.
Overseen by fashion powerhouse Anna Wintour, and with a guest list that’s notoriously difficult to get onto, the Met Ball is by far the most glamorous fundraiser of the year, with proceeds going towards the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute (hence the name). Every year, there’s a different theme for guests to adhere to, so out-of-the-box thinking and next-level creativity are par for the course—and it’s always fascinating to see who really hit the nail on the head (and, who didn’t…).
So, ahead of this year’s event, that’s set to take place, as ever, on the first Monday of May, we’ve gone through the archives to put together some of the best Met Gala looks of all time. Keep scrolling to see our favourites…

Alan Alda at 89: A Legend on The Four Seasons, Life With Parkinson’s, M*A*S*H, and Carol Burnett
“When people ask me, ‘How are you?’ I often say, ‘making progress.’ I don’t mention which direction.”
It’s been 44 years since Alan Alda’s movie The Four Seasons was released, and it turns out that marriage and friendship are still complicated, fraught, and surprising—and an enticing topic for a comedy icon. Tina Fey’s Netflix series adaptation of the 1981 comedy, which starred Alda, Carol Burnett, and Rita Moreno, reimagines a year of couples getaways with Will Forte, Colman Domingo, and Steve Carell, along with a cameo from Alda himself. At 89, Alda still has the impeccable comic timing he did in M*A*S*H, along with a few more decades of perspective on human connection, his Parkinson’s diagnosis, and why he doesn’t want to be remembered.

I know how to spot a trend—these retro-inspired sunglasses are about to be everywhere
The colour of the season
There’s never been a better time to invest in a great pair of sunglasses. With an impending heatwave approaching and summer holidays on the horizon, it’s time to dip into this season’s biggest accessory trends. And that wouldn’t be complete with a great pair of sunnies.
A good pair of sunglasses is a staple in any hard-working summer wardrobe. You most likely have a classic pair of aviators or a sleek cat eye, but I spotted one retro-inspired trend cropping up on all the best runways—most notably McQueen, Tory Burch, Chloé and Lacoste—that I’d advise adding to your collection. We’re talking yellow-tinted sunglasses, to be exact.
The yellow hued sunnies were seen in various iterations: from 70s-inspired aviators to classic cat-eyes and even bold asymmetric frames—perfect for maximalists.

Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with Labubu dolls? The surprising story behind the fashion world’s latest must-have collectible
This unexpected trend was not on our 2025 bingo cards…
How would you spend an eight-hour flight? Sleeping, binge-watching films, or getting nose-deep into a novel are all strong contenders. Two months ago, however, I spent a good chunk of mine being schooled on something far more unexpected: Labubu dolls. And, rather surprisingly, the L-word has come up almost daily since, particularly among my most fashion-savvy friends. So, it’s official: Labubus are the latest—and most in-demand—accessories making their way into the wardrobes (and onto the handbags) of the style set.

Audrey Hepburn wore this classic floral perfume for a reason—I’m obsessed with it too, 68 years later
If it’s good enough for Audrey…
As someone that has a rather extensive fragrance wardrobe and will find any excuse to switch up my scent, you might think that spring’s arrival would provide the perfect opportunity for me to test some new perfumes. However, while I’ve definitely enjoyed dabbling in more floral fragrances and fresh, fruity aromas now that the seasons have changed, I have found myself gravitating towards more nostalgic perfumes of late. I’m not sure whether it’s personal circumstances or the seemingly never-ending influx of negative news, but there’s something so comforting about spritzing on a familiar fragrance and allowing it to transport me back to simpler times for a moment.

I’ve asked the experts—these 8 pedicure shades are the best colours to wear on your toes this summer
Take note for your next nail appointment
Whether you’re heading away on holiday sometime soon or just want to get your toes prepped and ready for sandal season, you’ll most likely be looking for nail trend inspo to take to your next pedicure appointment. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place, as I’ve quizzed some of the biggest names in the nail business, to share what they think will be the most popular pedicure looks for the season ahead.
From the French-tipped pedicures to trending glazed designs that are perfect for posing poolside, the experts spilled their secrets so we can get our toes in tip-top condition in time for summer. Keep scrolling to see for yourself…

I’m a seasoned hostess—I swear by these 10 beautifully fresh summer candles to win me compliments
Perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings
I get it, summer isn’t usually the time of year you associate with burning your best candles. But, I can assure you, the best summer candles can make all the difference to the vibe of your home at this time of year. While winter candles and autumn candles are adored for making your home feel cosy, and spring candles help inject some freshness, summer candles are probably my favourite of them all thanks to their uplifting nature and the fact that I get to share them with other people.

No Reformer? No problem – the 6 best Pilates balls are a ridiculously affordable way to add resistance to your workout
And they hardly take up any space
If you’ve ever taken a Pilates class, you are probably familiar with the humble Pilates ball. It might seem small, but boy, is this piece of kit mighty. Whether you’re looking to level up your at-home workouts or improve your mobility, investing in one of the best Pilates balls is a very good place to start.
“A Pilates ball, sometimes known as a stability ball, is a soft, round inflatable ball which is used to improve strength and stability. It can be used to advance certain movements by enabling a deeper range or increased intensity to the movements. It can also be used to provide support and aid rehabilitation movements,” explains Lotty Campbell Bird, founder of Collective Fitness.

Rice water for glossy hair is the TikTok trend you need to jump on
The results are insane.
We will try anything in the name of great hair and if TikTok says rice water will give us glossy, strong ends then we’re all over it.
Rice water is being hailed as a miracle ingredient that makes hair glossy, thick and super shiny. In fact, it’s become such a popular term on the social media site, the hashtag #ricewater has had hundreds of millions of views (656 million to be precise). Online searches of ‘rice water’ are booming too.

Lady Gaga Makes History With the Highest-Attended Concert by a Female Artist
With an audience of 2.5 million fans, Lady Gaga broke Madonna’s record in Brazil.
Before kicking off her new world tour, Lady Gaga sets a new record: with 2.5 million people in attendance, her show on Brazil’ Copacabana Beach is reportedly the biggest independent concert by a female artist ever.
On Copacabana Beach, Lady Gaga put on a sensational show on par with the one Madonna did on the same beach in May 2024. “Tonight we are making history. Thank you for making history with me,” Lady Gaga said to a roaring crowd as she goes on stage around 10 pm on Saturday, May 3, kicking off the concert with the song Bloody Mary, which previously went viral through TikTok videos related to the Netflix series Wednesday.
During the song, Gaga was dressed in red, the skirt under which she stands is a giant cage full of professional dancers who, at a certain point, invade the stage as does Lady Gaga herself.

Everything to Know About the 2025 Met Gala: Theme, Hosts, and More
On Wednesday, October 9, the Metropolitan Museum of Art announced the Costume Institute’s spring 2025 exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Drawing inspiration from Monica L. Miller’s 2009 book Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, the exhibition is organized into 12 sections, each representing a characteristic that defines dandy style: Ownership, Presence, Distinction, Disguise, Freedom, Champion, Respectability, Jook (defined in Zora Neale Hurston’s “Characteristics of Negro Expression”—an important reference for the exhibiton—as a space for dancing, drinking, and other leisure activities), Heritage, Beauty, Cool, and Cosmopolitanism.
“Superfine” will feature garments, paintings, photographs, and more from artists including Torkwase Dyson, Tanda Francis, André Grenard Matswa, and Tyler Mitchell—all exploring the indelible style of Black dandies, from the 18th century through to the present day. (Miller also serves as a guest curator for the show, working alongside Costume Institute Curator in Charge Andrew Bolton.)

Body Politic: A First Look at the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” Exhibition at the Met
“Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” hasn’t yet opened, but already a sense of importance, pride, and triumph—quite apart from the red carpet—are attached to this exhibition, which was a long time in coming. It’s the first show at the Costume Institute to deal directly with race, alongside, gender, class, and sexuality, and only the second-ever devoted to menswear.
“Superfine” was organized by head curator Andrew Bolton with guest curator Monica Miller, professor and chair of Africana Studies at Barnard College, Columbia University, and author Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, a prize-winning 2009 book. The academic text provided the initial framework for the exhibition, which examines more than 300 years of Black style and identity through the figure of the dandy. Often male, the dandy is a person who is exceedingly careful and deliberate about their appearance. Mindful, you might say, but extra in place of demure. For Black dandies, there was/is much more at stake—including power and agency—than mere vanity. In fact, dressing well, or “styling out,” might fall under the category of nonviolent resistance.

17 Items That Defined Audrey Hepburn’s Wardrobe
Writing about Audrey Hepburn’s style is an exercise in avoiding cliches. The challenge: What is there left to say about her poise, understated elegance, lifelong dedication to impeccable tailoring, and her enduring friendship with Hubert de Givenchy, that hasn’t already been said?
Hepburn’s power is her ubiquitousness. She’s so embedded in our understanding of fashion history; her outfits on and off screen both totally timeless and emblematic of the sartorial shifts and changes of the latter half of the 20th century. The publicity photographs for 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s have graced thousands of teenage girls’ bedroom walls, and many of the clothes from her films—including the little black dress she wore as Holly Golightly, and the humble polo neck in Funny Face (1957)—are now the definition of iconic.

Nobody Loads a Dishwasher As Well As Someone Who Has Worked in a Restaurant
Back to front is the only way — ask me how I know.
There are not a lot of hills that I’m willing to die on, but I do have a few: The superior flavor of ice cream is vanilla, despite there being hundreds of varieties from dill pickle to rum raisin. The Brady Bunch is one of the best sitcoms in the history of television right up there with All in the Family and I Love Lucy. And nobody can load a home dishwasher as efficiently as someone who has worked in a restaurant.
Loading a dishwasher takes skill and there are probably YouTube tutorials and entire podcasts dedicated to this mundane, but necessary task. Marriages have crumbled beneath the weight of this chore, determining the right way and the wrong way to do it, but I have the answer: If someone says they know the best way to load a dishwasher and that person has worked in a restaurant for more than 18 months, trust them.

Stanley Tucci Told Me the One Kitchen Item He Couldn’t Cook Without
He even travels with it.
Stanley Tucci knows a thing or two about making delicious meals. And, as I learned from chatting with him at a recent event for Sanpellegrino’s Ciao! sparkling water (he’s been a brand partner for years), he also knows a thing or two about prepping those meals. Tucci has more than demonstrated his culinary chops on his show, Searching for Italy, and on his personal social media, and he recently clued me in on the most important utensil in his kitchen.
As a shopping editor, I’m always curious about the one kitchen item pros wouldn’t cook without, so I posed the question to Tucci.

8 Books That Explore The Cultural And Historical Legacy Of Black Dandyism
From Harlem to haute couture, explore the legacy and evolution of Black dandyism through fashion, literature, and the Met Gala’s revolutionary new theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
To be succinct, a dandy is a man who puts great emphasis on his physical appearance and grooming, often accompanied by meticulous attention to detail. While historical remnants of Dandyism have always been interwoven into modern fashion stylings and Black fashion aesthetics, Dandyism is an 18th-century art form and often a sartorial way of dress. While in its modern adaptation, it is a deliberate act of resistance against social and historical tropes, it was once a style of dress forced upon house negroes and servants.
Monica L. Miller, guest curator for the upcoming exhibit, shares on Barnard’s site that “Being able to create a multidimensional world featuring historical and contemporary garments and accessories, paintings, prints, and decorative objects from my book Slaves to Fashion has been an incredible honor and a huge, fantastic challenge.” And, Miller looks forward to sharing this rich legacy with the world.

Where Would Hollywood Find Its Guillotines or Pay Phones Without Them?
For nearly four decades the prop house History for Hire has helped filmmakers recreate the past. But with fewer films shot in Los Angeles, they are not sure how much longer they can hang on.
When the Netflix series “Wednesday” needed a guillotine recently, it did not have to venture far. A North Hollywood prop house called History for Hire had one available, standing more than eight feet high with a suitably menacing blade. (The business offers pillories too, but the show wasn’t in the market for any.)
The company’s 33,000-square-foot warehouse is like the film and television industry’s treasure-filled attic, crammed with hundreds of thousands of items that help bring the past to life. It has a guitar Timothée Chalamet used in “A Complete Unknown,” luggage from “Titanic,” a black baby carriage from “The Addams Family.”

How to Make Flavored Whipped Cream 18 Ways, From Coffee to Saffron
Give your everyday whipped cream a flavor boost with these delicious ideas.
Whipped cream complements so many desserts. And, when you make flavored whipped cream, you’re upgrading the classic and adding another layer of flavor. A wide variety of ingredients can be used to flavor whipped cream, and many, like coffee beans, peanut butter, honey, and dried spices, are probably already in your pantry. The method for flavoring whipped cream is easy; not so different from making regular whipped cream, though sometimes you may need to let the ingredients sit together in the refrigerator before whipping.

The Benefits of Macadamia Nuts and the Best Ways to Eat Them
This buttery, sweet nut has a lot to offer and is definitely worth adding to your diet.
Macadamia nuts are creamy, buttery, and teeming with essential nutrients. This nut is often enjoyed in cookies—but the macadamia nut has so much more to offer. The subtly sweet nut works beautifully in a range of recipes, from tarts and salads to meats. Ahead, we chatted with a registered dietitian to learn more about the benefits of this wonder nut and new ways to enjoy them.

Matcha Is More Than Lattes—Japanese Tea Experts Share How to Enjoy This Unique Tea
This time-honored drink is trending for good reason.
What is matcha, and why is it surfing such a wave of popularity? While America’s love affair with Japanese foods and ingredients, from ramen and sushi to yuzu, has been an ongoing obsession, matcha is in a league of its own. This green tea phenomenon has become so widespread that demand can’t always keep up with supply. We spoke with Japanese tea experts to learn how to drink and eat matcha, as well as to discover the differences between the various types of this special ingredient.

I Biked 160 Miles Between 20,000 Islands—and Found Europe’s Most Peaceful Summer Adventure
Cycling Finland’s Archipelago Trail was like riding through a postcard.
There isn’t a grand entrance or archway welcoming you to the Archipelago Trail. It’s just a peaceful road rolling out of Turku, Finland’s former capital, a city of cobbled streets, giant cinnamon buns, and a harbor scented like salt and seaweed. I clipped into my pedals, turned west, and started cycling toward a chain of islands connected by ferries, bridges, and thick forests.
This trip wasn’t only about cycling—it was about finding a new rhythm. Each mile pulled me deeper into stillness, past sleepy villages, fragrant woodlands, and mirror-like lakes that blurred the line between water and sky. No one had told me Europe’s most peaceful summer adventure was hidden in the southwest corner of Finland, tucked among 20,000 tiny islands. But there it was, unfolding beneath my tires.

[Photo Credit: ginorestaurants.com]

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