T LOunge for August 1st 2025

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PinBlue Bay Marcel Ravin Restaurant – Monte Carlo, Monaco

It’s FRIDAY, darlings. The world outside our windows doesn’t quite capture the vibe of today’s LOunge, but that’s why delusion is such an important tool in our lives. Spend the day virtually drinking cocktails and smelling that virtual sea air. Beats reality by a mile.

Andrea Riseborough Is Donning Archival Couture And Custom Manolos To Play Isabella Blow In A Starry New Biopic
Yes, we’re all waiting to see Ellie Bamber transform into a noughties Kate Moss for Moss & Freud, but there’s also another deeply nostalgic, fashion-filled biopic about a much-mythologised industry legend that you need to have on your radar: the upcoming tale of the thrillingly eccentric stylist and editor Isabella Blow.
Titled The Queen of Fashion, the forthcoming film will be helmed by Alex Marx, who has been developing this feature debut for over nine years. And starring as the style maven? The Oscar-nominated British actor Andrea Riseborough, best known for her roles in the likes of Birdman, The Death of Stalin, To Leslie, Lee and The Regime.

Kardashian’s Skims Face Shapewear and *that* Sydney Sweeney Ad Reveal a Rise of Regressive Ideals Online
Inside the nostalgia for toxic beauty and politics
It’s been a bad week to be on the internet. Kim Kardashian’s Skims has launched a new line of shapewear… for your face. Sydney Sweeney fronted a controversial campaign for American Eagle, igniting debate about race and Western beauty standards. Then there’s Bonnie Blue’s latest documentary and the dark underbelly of sex as spectacle. Oh, and to add to the Black Mirror-ness of it all, Gwyneth Paltrow cosplayed as the new CEO of Astronomer, Donald Trump Jr shared an AI-generated image of Donald Trump in double denim parodying the aforementioned ad, and the White House released a deportation video captioned, “When ICE books you a one-way Jet2 holiday to deportation… Nothing beats it!” overlaid with the infamous Jess Glynne track.
So, what does all this tell us—aside from the fact we’re all going to hell in a handbasket? Though face shapewear, a woefully tone-deaf advert (if we’re being generous), and OnlyFans might seem unrelated, in many ways, they all point to the alarming direction social media is headed (hint: backwards).

‘Project Runway’ Turns 21: Why Heidi Klum Came Back (and Made It Work Without Tim Gunn)
The supermodel and executive producer Michael Rucker discuss their homecomings to the series, the dynamic cast and why Christian Siriano remained as the designer’s mentor with the network shift.
[This story contains minor spoilers from the Project Runway season 21 premiere.]
Being the host of Project Runway is technically a job, but Heidi Klum doesn’t consider it work.
“It’s not even work for me. It’s not, really. It’s a pleasure,” the supermodel and sprawling reality TV host tells The Hollywood Reporter when asked what it’s like to be back on the series alongside some new and old faces. Among those are longtime judge Nina Garcia, new addition Law Roach and the designer’s mentor and season four winner Christian Siriano.
A discrepancy between season 21 and its recent predecessors mark the return of Klum to the hosting chair. By now, Project Runway fans know the timeline of the show’s shifts in the past few years: Klum and Tim Gunn exited the series together after season 16, Karlie Kloss and Siriano stepped in to fill their shoes for season 17, Kloss departed by season 18 and the series subsequently returned to Bravo.

Scissors, Please: The Emotional Truth Behind the Big Chop
Because a dramatic haircut is rarely just about style
When I was in my mid-twenties, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to cut off seven inches of my hair and donate it to the Little Princess Trust. I hadn’t planned to get a dramatic haircut—a friend floated the idea over lunch, and by 5 p.m., I had a bob. I wish I could say it was purely an altruistic gesture. But the truth is more complicated. It was part rebellion, part reinvention—an impulsive exercise in autonomy. I’d just come out of a relationship where I’d felt controlled, stifled. He used to say if I ever cut my long hair, he’d leave me. The chop wasn’t just a style change—it was a way of reclaiming my power and marking a new chapter of independence and freedom.

Looking For Your Next Manicure Idea? Soft Serve Nails Are The Dreamy Summer Take On The French Ombre
Clean, chic and (subtely) colourful
Despite the number of nail trends that were predicted at the beginning of the year, two looks have dominated our social feeds and salon visits so far: the pared-back, barely there mani and the modern take on the classic French manicure. From the naked manicure and soap nails to ombré French and chrome tips, these two nail designs have been the runaway hits of 2025. So it’s no wonder that we’ve now got the perfect blend of both. Enter: soft serve nails.

Meghan Markle’s Major As Ever Announcement Is Going Viral
The Duchess of Sussex has been front and centre this summer, with her new luxe lifestyle brand, As Ever, releasing multiple seasonal product launches.
And among As Ever’s trademark flower sprinkles, herbal teas and crepe mix, was Markle’s most talked-about product – her own line of Napa Valley rosé wine.
The “bespoke blend” was released last month – selling out in hours, with fans eagerly awaiting the next product release. And in an exciting move, Markle gave a major update this week, confirming that there wasn’t long to wait.

One Emily in Paris Actor Has Spoken Out About Being ‘Fired’ From Season Five
Emily in Paris season five is officially in the works, with the Netflix show already in production. And from the surprise filming locations to the first look images, the fifth instalment is making non-stop headlines.
It is the Emily in Paris casting that has got the world talking the most, with S5 reportedly seeing a major shake up to the credits.
And while Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu and Lucien Laviscount will be among those reprising their roles, there will be some notable absences.

Lizzo Is Living and Loving IRL
Beauty, as we once knew it, has flatlined. In the algorithm’s endless churn, we’ve gone from clean-girl to mob-wife to strawberry milk in less than a fiscal quarter. It’s time for a pendulum swing — a new era — less “what’s trending” and more “what’s true.” Not effortless, but intentional. Less about fitting in, more about showing up — for yourself, in your fullness, in full beat if you damn well please.
And if there’s one person who’s never once diluted her shine to fit a mold, it’s Lizzo.
The 37-year-old, Detroit-born singer/rapper/songwriter has won four Grammies, not to mention an Emmy (for her reality show Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls) and her fabulous new mixtape My Face Hurts From Smiling is out now featuring guest appearances by Doja Cat and SZA — plus Lizzo’s best friends singing background vocals on “We Outside.” Her full-length album Love in Real Life is coming later this year.

Law Roach’s Tense Project Runway Moment Suggests Promising Things for Reality TV
The new season of the beloved competition series isn’t afraid to get a little combative.
On the premiere episode of Project Runway’s 21st season (debuting July 31), the judges rate a designer’s Disney-inspired look among the worst of the week. “Am I being punked?” the contestant puckishly replies, flabbergasted that their work isn’t being wholeheartedly embraced. New judge Law Roach, a celebrity stylist who also occasionally sits on the RuPaul’s Drag Race panel of assessors, glares the contestant’s way and remarks on their poor attitude. It’s the most tense Project Runway judging session since a designer shaded then host Karlie Kloss for her familial associations.

7 Fall Sneaker Trends We Can’t Wait to Wear This Season
Sambas alternatives, sneakerinas, and the $35 Amazon kicks we’re seeing everywhere, right this way.
Like a cool autumn breeze, fall’s biggest sneaker trends are a breath of fresh air for your everyday wardrobe. The season’s vibe, as my colleagues and I have deduced from scouring the fall runways and spending countless hours walking around New York, is a return to elegant simplicity via slim, sporty, retro designs. Barely there outsoles elevate casual outfits; track-inspired silhouettes offer nostalgia and walkability; bright pops of color might just convince you to put your white sneakers to rest. These are the biggest sneaker trends we’ll be wearing this fall, from rich brown suede sneakers to Scandi-girl runners.

The Baked Alaska Is on Fire—Again
What burns bright and cold at the same time? The baked Alaska—a dessert of toasty meringue shielding ice cream and cake from open flame—of course. And right now, the dish is having a moment.
Until recently, like a hot pink Motorola Razr or a Juicy Couture tracksuit phase, the baked Alaska was one of those things people remembered vividly, but couldn’t quite explain. But perhaps it’s no surprise that a dish once synonymous with the brash grandeur of the Gilded Age has found new resonance in an era of gold-dusted, caviar-studded soft serve, and martinis priced like entrées.

This Bride Planned the Wedding of Her Dreams for Just $2,500—Here’s How She Did It
The memories? Priceless.
Ah, your beloved has finally popped the question and you two are gearing up to celebrate your union with the wedding of your dreams. When, all of a sudden, you’re bombarded with anxiety over how much the ceremony might cost. Don’t fret—instead, allow one Reddit user’s nuptials to inspire you.
A user by the name of @Current_Cost_1597 detailed on the r/Weddingsunder10k subreddit how she and her groom had a fairytale ceremony for just $2,500. Anyone who knows anything about modern weddings is well-aware that the events can easily hike up to five or six figures, but they don’t have to.

15 Mermaid Nail Designs for an Iridescent, Under-the-Sea Inspired Manicure
Does anyone want to play mermaids?
From seashell nails and sets with 3D ridges to iridescent finishes and pearlescent glazes, the perfect mermaid mani should look like they were pulled straight from a tidepool. These aren’t your average beachy pastels or basic topcoats; these designs are more intricate and meant to capture the magic of the mystical creatures. Whether you grew up watching Aquamarine or kept to the classics with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, there’s no denying the impact mermaids have had on our collective imagination—especially when it comes to beauty.

This Cheese Was Just Named the Best in the US — and Cider Is the Key
Nothing channels the flavors of fall quite like a cider-soaked cheese.
For American dairy aficionados, the American Cheese Society Annual Judging & Competition is like the Academy Awards of cheese, where top-notch curds from across the Americas are carefully evaluated by industry professionals and scored based on their technical merit and aesthetics. From the 1,500 entries that recently competed in Sacramento, California, cheeses and other dairy products were given first, second, and third place distinctions in dozens of specific categories, and top performers in each category were ranked in a final tasting to determine the Best of Show.

What Is a Golden Retriever Boyfriend?
He’s all over TikTok. But what does a real-life GRBF entail?
Once upon a 2023, Taylor Swift debuted her NFL beau and a new genre of It Boy was born: the golden retriever boyfriend.
Okay, so technically Tay and Trav neither coined nor created the term—golden retriever boyfriends were already making the rounds on TikTok at least as early as 2021. But when the pair first stepped out as a couple nearly two years ago, the golden retriever boyfriend trend was catapulted to peak relevance, with Travis Kelce remaining one of the most recognizable pop culture representations of this coveted brand of male lover today. If you’re just catching up, allow us to fill you in.

Jeremy Strong Circling Mark Zuckerberg Role in ‘The Social Network Part II’
Jeremy Strong may soon be getting a perm and rocking a gold chain.
The Oscar nominee and Emmy winner is the top choice to play Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin’s “The Social Network Part II,” another hyper-literate examination of the dark side of Silicon Valley. Strong would be taking over the role of the Facebook founder from Jesse Eisenberg, who earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in 2010’s “The Social Network,” which Sorkin wrote and David Fincher directed. Sorkin will direct the sequel in addition to handling screenplay duties.

Justin Timberlake reveals he has Lyme disease: ‘Living with this can be relentlessly debilitating’
The “Suit & Tie” singer disclosed his diagnosis because he’s “trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren’t misinterpreted.”
Justin Timberlake is speaking out about his health following the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow world tour.
The “Suit & Tie” singer, 44, revealed on his Instagram Story on Thursday that he’d been privately battling health issues throughout the year-plus tour, including living with Lyme disease.
“As many of you know, I’m a pretty private person, but as I’m reflecting on the tour and festival tour — I want to tell you a little bit about what’s going on with me,” Timberlake wrote. “Among other things, I’ve been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease — which I don’t say so you feel bad for me — but to shed some light on what I’ve been up against behind the scenes.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Yvie Oddly clarifies ‘quitting drag,’ hopes fans ‘forget I ever said I was disabled’
Yvie exclusively tells EW why she trolled “Drag Race” fans with a flier, talks past drama with Nicole Byer, and psychically predicts who will be RuPaul’s successor.
RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Yvie Oddly is quitting drag — just kidding, no she’s not.
One day after shocking the Drag Race fandom with an event flier for an Aug. 22 yard sale in Denver that touted she was at the tail end of her drag career, the season 11 champion and All Stars 7 contestant exclusively tells Entertainment Weekly it was all a bit, albeit one with pointed intention.
In the interview below, Yvie reveals to EW the poignant reason behind why she wanted to troll Drag Race fans with the announcement, gives an update on her relationship with comedian Nicole Byer after some recent podcast drama, and explains her stance on publicly revealing her Ehlers–Danlos syndrome connective tissue disorder, and why it makes her wish fans would “forget I ever said I was disabled.”

Ranking Pedro Pascal’s best movies and TV shows, from Materialists to The Mandalorian
As the Emmy-nominated actor dominates pop culture, EW breaks down his greatest work to date.
After years and years of toiling away in supporting roles, Pedro Pascal has become one of the rare actors to explode in popularity at middle age. It all started to really happen for him after being cast in two massively popular sci-fi series — The Mandalorian and The Last of Us — at the same time, which helped put him on the path toward becoming a dominant presence in film, television, and meme culture.
9 Things You Should Never Do at an Estate Sale, According to Expert Shoppers
Avoid these common estate sale faux pas.
Whether a humble home or towering historic house, there’s a very palpable thrill associated with walking into the doors of an estate sale. You never know what hidden treasures you’ll discover and make your own, and the bargain prices are often unbeatable. What makes this secondhand shopping experience unique, though, is that you’re entering someone’s home, which brings about a whole new set of etiquette rules to follow. That said, make sure you’re not guilty of the following estate sale no-nos.
How to Clean Porcelain Tile, According to a Flooring Expert
Keep your floors looking spotless with our expert-recommended cleaning tips.
Porcelain tile is a favorite flooring choice—and for good reason! Porcelain tiles are highly durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, making them ideal for both high-traffic areas and wet environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Porcelain tile may be tough, but it’s not maintenance-free. Learning how to clean porcelain tile properly can help preserve the beauty and function of your floors for years to come.
We consulted a flooring expert for tips and tricks on caring for porcelain tile and keeping your floors looking their best.

The Most Luxurious Train Ride in the U.S. Is Expanding Its Route—and We Were Among the First to Experience It
Seeing all the beauty of the Southwest just got a lot more luxurious thanks to the Canyon Spirit.
In a move set to elevate rail travel across the American Southwest, Canyon Spirit, the luxury train experience formerly known as Rocky Mountaineer’s Rockies to the Red Rocks, is chartering a stunning new course. Beginning in 2026, the acclaimed locomotive will extend its route to include Salt Lake City, transforming the original two-day itinerary into a three-day journey that links the Beehive State to Denver.

This 500-Year-Old Secret Garden in Venice Just Opened to the Public for the First Time—and You Can Only Visit by Water Taxi
Tucked away on Giudecca Island, this historic convent retreat invites travelers to explore its newly restored beauty.
Travelers can now step back in time and visit one of Venice’s historic “Secret Gardens.”
Located on Venice’s Giudecca Island, the ancient Convent Garden of the Redeemer has officially opened to the public for the first time in its 500-year history. The garden opened late last year following a multi-year renovation of the gardens, church, and greenhouse
The renovation was organized by the city’s Venice Gardens Foundation, a non-profit focused on the preservation of Venetian culture, architecture, and gardens. The foundation documented the multi-year project online, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes preview of the work, including bringing in trees, dirt, and other equipment for the project.

[Photo Credit: montecarlosbm.com]

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