T LOunge for February 16th 2026

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

Pin

PinThe Bar at The Ostendian – Oostende, Belgium

A super-chill LOunge is exactly what’s needed today. Why? You know why. It’s MONDAY. Settle into velvet, put your headphones on, and wait for a very attractive member of the waitstaff to come by and make your dreams come true. Forget all that other nonsense (i.e., reality).

Spirit Awards: Winners List
‘Train Dreams’ won three awards, including best feature. ‘Adolescence’; ‘The Secret Agent’; ‘Sorry, Baby’; and ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ also were among the winners.
Train Dreams was named best feature at the 2026 Film Independent Spirit Awards, which were handed out Sunday.
In total, the movie nabbed three awards. Clint Bentley took home the Spirit Award for best director for the film, which also nabbed best cinematography for Adolpho Veloso.
In the screenplay categories, Eva Victor took home the award for Sorry, Baby, while Lurker won for best first screenplay, with director Alex Russell taking home the award. Lurker also was named best first feature.
In the acting categories, Rose Byrne won best lead performance for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Naomi Ackie won best supporting performance for Sorry, Baby, and Kayo Martin won best breakthrough performance for The Plague.

Spirit Awards Snubs: Top Nominees ‘Peter Hujar’s Day,’ ‘One of Them Days,’ ‘Twinless’ Shut Out
On the TV side, both ‘Forever’ and ‘Mr Loverman’ went into the ceremony with four nominations, the same as ‘Adolescence,’ which swept its categories, but went home empty-handed.
Both Peter Hujar’s Day and One of Them Days received shoutouts in host Ego Nwodim’s 2026 Spirit Awards monologue for the different scale of things each film showed being accomplished in a single day.
But when it came to Spirit Awards wins, Sunday wasn’t either film’s day. Both Peter Hujar’s Day, which went into the ceremony with a leading five nominations, more than any other film, and One of Them Days, one of a number of movies up for four awards including best feature winner Train Dreams and multiple award winners Lurker and Sorry, Baby, went home empty-handed.

75 Thoughts America’s Next Top Model Contestant Sarah Hartshorne Had About That New Netflix Documentary
Sarah Hartshorne, a comedian and the author of You Wanna Be on Top? A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulation, and Not Becoming America’s Next Top Model, competed as Cycle 9’s “plus-size contestant,” and at our behest, she recently sat down to watch the Netflix series, which features interviews with host Tyra Banks (duh), co-creator and producer Ken Mok, judges J. Alexander, Jay Manuel, and Nigel Barker, and several former competitors.

The Major Risk Love Story’s Sarah Pidgeon Took to Look Like Carolyn Bessette
Paul Anthony Kelly and Pidgeon open up about the lengths they went to to play JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
By now it’s been well-documented what it took to get Carolyn Bessette’s very specific look on Ryan Murphy’s Love Story, but less attention has been paid to Sarah Pidgeon’s real-life transformation to play the fashion icon.
The Tony-nominated Pidgeon, best known for starring in Tiny Beautiful Things and I Know What You Did Last Summer, was a brunette prior to being cast as Bessette. Although her Love Story costar, Paul Anthony Kelly, was used to being told he always looked like John F. Kennedy, Jr., Pidgeon tells Glamour she was never told she looked like anyone specific.

‘Ballet-Slipper Lips’ Are the Nostalgic Trend That Will Be Everywhere This Spring
Stars like Pamela Anderson are fans
The Y2K revival shows no sign of slowing down, and the latest trend to emerge, “ballet-slipper lips”, is as wearable as it is pretty. It’s as it sounds: a creamy, frosted pale pink lip, reminiscent of Pamela Anderson’s 90s make-up—but Kim Kardashian was also partial to a pared-down version of the look in early episodes of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Her favourite product for this was M.A.C’s Angel Frost lipstick, which you can still buy today.
In fact, various creators on TikTok have been going viral trying out this trend. Most US-based influencers gush over L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Lipstick in Ballerina Shoes, which, sadly, isn’t available in the UK—but don’t fret: there are lots of good alternatives, and surprisingly, you can wear this look in many ways, depending on how dramatic you want to go.

These Runway-Approved Haircuts Are Perfect for Curly and Afro-Textured Hair
From lobs and shags to curl bangs and afros
Craving a “new hair, new me” moment? Well, the trends for the coming season certainly inspire excitement. “Right now, curly and afro hair trends are all about enhancing natural shape, volume and definition. We’re seeing a clear move towards cuts that celebrate texture rather than control it, a shift reflected both on the runway and across celebrity looks,” reveals celebrity hairstylist Jay Birmingham.
To help you pick your next cut, Birmingham, along with some of the most well-respected textured hair experts, walks us through the on-trend cuts for waves, curls, coils and textured hair.

Brooklyn Beckham’s Immediate Response to Gordon Ramsay’s Comments on Family Fall Out
Gordon had his say on the ongoing Beckham drama
Brooklyn Beckham has unfollowed Gordon Ramsay on Instagram after the star chef urged him to “remember where he came from” in the midst of the ongoing feud with his parents.
Gordon had his say on the “very difficult situation” between David and Victoria and their eldest son, which recently saw the 26-year-old hit out at his parents in a lengthy Instagram statement.
In the shock post, Brooklyn claimed that Victoria had cancelled making wife Nicola Peltz’s wedding dress at the “eleventh hour” and danced “inappropriately” on him at his wedding.

All the Stranger Things stars that attended Maya Hawke’s Valentine’s wedding
And who didn’t turn up?
Did Uma Thurman get married again? Nope, that’s her daughter, Maya Hawke, AKA our beloved Robyn from Stranger Things. But wow, the resemblance is uncanny!
Congratulations are in order for Hawke and her new husband, Christian Lee Hutson, who officially tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in New York City. At least now they’ll never forget their anniversary… though that does mean one less bouquet of flowers and gift each year, sorry not sorry.

Granny sandals are the secret to a stylish spring look
They may look like they’re from another era, but these shoes have never been more stylish.
Granny sandals might once have been seen as outdated or too cosy to be worn outside the home. But now? This spring they’re prime to become synonymous with good taste and forward-thinking style.
In 2026 fashion has made it clear that real luxury isn’t measured by the height of the heel, but by the confidence and ease with which you walk. As such, the kind of shoes once associated with orthopaedics (or grandma sandals) has become essential. It’s all about comfort with intention— think soft leather, big buckles, solid bottoms, and the like.

9 best leggings to live in for 2026 and beyond, tried and tested
Plus 6 flared leggings to consider.
In case you missed it, a pair of the best leggings is an absolute must-add for your 2026 capsule wardrobes. They’ve been all over the AW25 and SS26 runways, moving them out of their loungewear-only category and back onto the radar of every fashion person’s daily rotations, and honestly? I’m so here for it.
Hermès and Balmain featured black and grey leggings on their catwalks last year, and Celine brought the trend forward again with a handful of pairs in their spring/summer collection.

A televised apology at the Winter Olympics isn’t romantic – it’s manipulation
The 2026 Winter Olympics kicked off in Milan on February 6th, and it seems that a new sport was added to the schedule: grovelling. After taking the bronze medal at the men’s 20 km biathlon, Norwegian athlete Sturla Holm Laegreid used his post-podium interview to reveal that he cheated on his former partner.
Speaking to Norwegian state broadcaster NRK, Laegreid said: “There’s someone I wanted to share it with who might not be watching today. Six months ago, I met the ​love of my life – the most beautiful and kindest ​person in the world. Three months ago, I made my biggest mistake and cheated on her. I told her about it a week ago. It’s ‌been the worst week of my life.

Welcome to the Gothenaissance
From red carpet glam to Oscar nods for Frankenstein, the Gothic has taken over 2026.
I first realised things were really changing in pop culture when Nosferatu (2024) became a huge hit.
A period-accurate remake of a century-old silent horror movie that follows a wheezing, putrid, child-killing corpse and a girl who spends most of her screen time convulsing with intense psychosexual visions about said corpse? Suffice it to say, I did not expect it to do as well at the box office as it did. Before long, there was nary a Hear Me Out Cake that didn’t feature a little moustachioed Count Orlok.
After that, the Gothic ball really started rolling. This is more than a micro-trend – this ‘Gothenaissance’ is a cultural movement.

Forget Vanilla, Smoky Perfumes Are Our Latest Fragrance Obsession – 6 Of The Best
Enigmatic and irresistibly cool, this fragrance family will keep the compliments coming
Cool, sumptuous, decadent and cosy. If any of these words describe your scent vibe, smoky perfumes are set to please. Far from smelling like handling the barbecue grill, smoky fragrances are warm and alluring, much like having a drink by a roaring fireplace or spending a Friday night on a velvet couch in an underground bar.
Elevated smoky perfumes generally to be darker, more atmospheric and moodier, with hint of decadent sweetness to bring balance and woody notes to add depth. Rather than a specific ‘smoke’ accord, discerning perfumers rely on accords such as incense, which has a resinous touch, earthy tobacco, zingy Palo Santo, and even warm ambers which create a long-lasting ‘glow’ to a scent.

‘Industry’ Season 4 Cements Harper Stern as TV’s Best-Dressed Anti-Hero
The scrappy, self-made, capitalist shark has a new, more expensive look. Costume designer Laura K. Smith breaks down the details.
“I support women’s rights and wrongs” has become the internet’s favorite catchphrase for Industry’s Harper Stern, played by Myha’la.
For three seasons, viewers have watched the Black American, twenty-something financial trader at the core of the HBO series muscle her way through a world run by wealthy, white British men. Like all great anti-heroes, she’s complex and walks the line between morally ambiguous (faking a college degree, breaking girl code) and illegal (copious drug use, insider trading). She’s a scrappy, self-made, capitalist shark in a poly-blend blazer and business slacks—or, rather, she was. Now, she wears custom suits and Cartier.
We first see Harper in Industry season 4 power-walking into her office in a three-piece skirt suit; the thigh-high slit, boxy shape, and a draped neckline feel more aligned with Paris Fashion Week runways than London’s financial district. A stiff wool trench sits on her shoulders. She wears Saint Laurent stilettos on her feet and carries a chain-link Chanel 2.55 bag in her hand.

Kiernan Shipka Is Wielding All the Power on ‘Industry’
The actress answers all of our questions about her character, Haley—now that her secret is out in the open on the HBO hit.
This story contains spoilers about Industry season 4, episode 6, “Dear Henry.” Midway through season 4 of Industry, Kiernan Shipka sent the internet ablaze when her character, Haley, pulls a psycho-sexual Uno reverse on Marisa Abela’s Yasmin in the confines of an elevator. With one impeccable, snarky “Thank you, Mommy,” she launched countless GIFs and inspired even more viewers to tune into the HBO hit. But beyond that, the star also made it even clearer that there’s a lot more to the executive assistant than meets the eye.

Platform Sandals and Jeans Are the Stylish Combo I’ll Be Wearing All Spring
It’s the coolest way to embrace the seventies revival this season.
Platform sandals are having a moment. After years as a distant memory and on the shelves of vintage shops, they’re back with a vengeance and more attitude than ever. These are not shoes that seek to be discreet or even reinvent the wheel—they’re simply a reminder that fashion can, and should, be fun.
This spring and summer, platform sandals are the starting point for creating a look that feels intentional yet low-key. They instantly elevate any basic outfit in both height and style to create something put together and elegant. My favorite trick, however, is to wear platform sandals with jeans. Together, they create the kind of effortless style that’s always worth showcasing.

How to Style Wavy Hair, According to Pro Hairstylists
Wavy hairstyles are always trending for a reason: When you want beachy texture and romantic volume, waves are hard to beat. But learning how to style naturally wavy hair is completely different from adding wavy texture for fun. When styling, lots of people struggle with frizz, definition, and day-to-day texture inconsistency in their natural waves.
If you can relate, you’ve come to the right place: A few small tweaks to your routine can make all the difference in your waves. For this hair type, proper hair care matters more than pro-level styling skills. “Wavy hair looks its best when it’s properly hydrated. Care products are just as important as styling products,” says Paula Peralta, artistic director at Paul Mitchell. “If the hair isn’t nourished, waves won’t form or hold the way you want them to.”

32 Lunar New Year Dishes That Symbolize Luck, Wealth, and Longevity
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with dumplings, whole fish, noodles, and more.
The Year of the Horse kicks off on February 17, 2026, marking the start of Lunar New Year celebrations across Chinese, Indonesian, Malaysian, Singaporean, South Korean, Taiwanese, Tibetan, and Vietnamese communities worldwide. Also known as the Spring Festival, the holiday is all about coming together with loved ones and sharing foods meant to usher in good luck, prosperity, and happiness. From long noodles and savory dumplings to sweet, celebratory desserts, these dishes are delicious ways to welcome the new year — and boost your fortune along the way.

How Wuthering Heights Stars Owen Cooper and Charlotte Mellington Became Young Heathcliff and Cathy
Owen Cooper and Charlotte Mellington talk to Teen Vogue about their favorite memories from set.
Warning: Some light spoilers ahead for the Wuthering Heights movie.
Owen Cooper and Charlotte Mellington, who play young Heathcliff and young Cathy, respectively, in Emerald Fennell’s new Wuthering Heights, had no idea their feature-film debut would be in something quite so massive. “Obviously, I knew it was a big film, but I didn’t expect this to be fans outside waiting for Jacob [Elordi] and Margot [Robbie],” Cooper tells Teen Vogue about the film’s world premiere. “It was just mad to see, really.”

‘Wuthering Heights’: Creating Margot Robbie’s ‘Vagina Braids’ Hairstyle and Transforming Jacob Elordi From ‘Jesus’ to ‘Mr. Darcy’
“Wuthering Heights” director Emerald Fennell gave her hair and makeup department head, Sian Miller, a mood board of imagery featuring architecture, landscape, fashion, film, photography, food and kids with grass-stained knees. The vision board gave Miller a good idea of the vibe the filmmaker was going for as she brought her longtime obsession with Emily Brontë’s classic 1847 novel, “Wuthering Heights,” to life.

Margot Robbie’s Skin Was Photographed to Become Cathy’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ Wallpaper; How Filmmakers Made the Walls Sweaty and Moist
“Wuthering Heights” production designer Suzie Davies was excited to get a call from Emerald Fennell, since she’d worked on period dramas from this era before — not to mention on Fennell’s lavish “Saltburn.”
“I thought it’d be fun,” Davies says. But Fennell had a different vision for adapting the Emily Bronte classic. Not only did she want the world built on sound stages, this was a story told through the lens how Fennell’s experienced the story as a 14-year-old. “That opened the treasure trove for me, and we could go in all different directions,” Davies says.

Amanda Seyfried on Masks, Lexapro, and Letting it all Go
I’m at Angelika East for the premiere of Mona Fastvold’s Discipline, a conceptual, dance-centric short commissioned by Miu Miu Women’s Tales. This is the 31st film in a series created to “celebrate femininity and vanity,” and I can’t think of a better subject to toast to. Speaking of toasts, there are trays of champagne, Miu Miu-branded popcorn bags, and a lot of delicious outfits. Our modern day Bessette is here (Sarah Pidgeon), as is Chloë Sevigny, Myha’la Herrold, Hailey Gates, and just about every other New York It girl with a proximity to film and fashion. More importantly, the literal star of the show Amanda Seyfried has just slid up to the step and repeat, and I only have three minutes to interview her.

The 20 best John Williams scores, ranked
The Oscar-winning composer is responsible for some of cinema’s most recognizable instrumentals.
If the American blockbuster had a signature sound, odds are that it would come from the mind of John Williams. Having crafted the memorable melodies of Jaws (1975), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Home Alone (1990), Jurassic Park (1993), the first three Harry Potter films, and all nine movies in the Star Wars saga, there has arguably never been a more impactful composer in film history.
Working steadily since the mid-’60s, Williams has earned a whopping 54 Oscar nominations — the second-most for any artist behind Walt Disney — winning five. His score for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) also made him the oldest person to receive an Oscar nomination, at 91. While Williams previously implied he would be retiring after that fifth Indiana Jones film, he has since changed his mind, saying in 2023, “I’ll stick around for a while. I can’t retire from music. A day without music is a mistake.” Williams has since composed the score for Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, set for release on June 12 this year.
As we look forward to more lush, adventurous music, read on for EW’s ranking of 20 of John Williams’ best scores.

How to Remove Stains From Cashmere Without Ruining It
This simple cleaning method will save your favorite sweater.
Few wardrobe moments are more stressful than staining your beloved cashmere sweater. Because cashmere is such a soft, delicate fiber, the damage can feel permanent in that moment. Unlike sheep’s wool, it doesn’t contain lanolin, the natural wax that helps repel moisture. As a result, stains settle into the fabric quickly if you do not treat them properly.
Fortunately, you can remove most stains safely at home with the right products and approach. We spoke with laundry experts Theresa and Corinna Williams, co-CEOs and founders of Celsious, to explain how to treat stains on cashmere. Ahead, we outline the materials you will need, provide a step-by-step guide, and share advice on when it’s time to take your sweater to a professional.

The Most Annoying People in Airport Security, According to the TSA
Don’t be that passenger.
The vast majority of the travel experience is magical, from spending the night at an incredible hotel to exploring a brand-new place to dining in all those restaurants you’ve been looking forward to. There is, however, one small spot that can cause an undue amount of stress: getting through airport security. And that is usually due to passengers who try and cheat, hasten, or trick the system.
To help ensure you’re never that traveler in the airport security line, we asked the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to pinpoint the biggest troublemakers. This way, you can easily avoid being the most annoying person at airport security. Here’s what a former Transportation Security Officer (TSO), now a TSA spokesperson, had to say.

20 of the Best Things to Do in Dallas
From updating your wardrobe with some Western wear to finding the best barbecue, add these activities to your Dallas to-do list.
Dallas is one of those cities that tends to be unfairly judged by travelers who have never been before—or by those who have only experienced a sliver of its offerings. If they look beyond the heat and traffic, though, they’ll discover a long list of reasons to visit this Texan metropolis. Lily Cabatu Weiss, the executive director of the Dallas Arts District Foundation, describes it as a destination that’s “diverse with an energy, synergy, and an economic engine,” partially fueled by its exciting arts scene, popular sports teams, and an extensive list of first-rate museums. In her words—and as evidenced below—there’s “so much to do, see, explore, and enjoy” in Dallas.

[Photo Credit: blcn-design.com]

• T LOunge