UK Fashion News: British Fashion Council takes Fashion Britain beyond London with nationwide September programme

The British Fashion Council (BFC) is taking its fashion agenda beyond London this September with the launch of Fashion Britain, a nationwide initiative designed to broaden participation in the UK fashion industry and strengthen regional creative economies. 

The move comes against the backdrop of a wider political push to rebalance economic and cultural activity beyond the capital, following the Prime Minister's announcement earlier this summer of plans to establish a new government base in Manchester, dubbed “No10 North”. In this context, the BFC's decision to take fashion into cities and creative communities across the UK reflects a growing recognition that the country's creative and economic potential extends well beyond London.

UK long-standing retailer Marks & Spencer will unveil its debut London Fashion Week (LFW) collection to a global audience in September 2026, as it celebrates 100 years in the fashion industry. Image: Marks and Spencer Inc.

The Fashion Britain programme will bring more than 1,000 cultural events and experiences to cities across the UK, including London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, as well as Edinburgh and Dundee in Scotland. The initiative forms part of the BFC's new BFC 2030: Access, Creativity and Growth strategy and is intended to decentralise fashion by creating greater opportunities for designers, creatives, businesses, educators and audiences outside London.

Rather than positioning London and the capital's established fashion infrastructure as the sole centre of British fashion, Fashion Britain seeks to connect the country's different creative communities and highlight the contribution of regional talent to the industry's cultural and commercial landscape.

The September programme will combine public designer conversations, exhibitions, cultural collaborations, retail activations, live performances and other fashion-related experiences. More than 100 BFC designer members are involved alongside cultural institutions, retailers and other partners, underlining the Council's intention to make fashion a more accessible and geographically representative industry.

A central element will be the National Designer Panel Series, developed in partnership with ELLE UK. The series will bring designers and industry figures into direct conversation with audiences in different cities, providing insights into creative careers, regional identity and the development of fashion businesses.

Among the announced panels are a conversation between Nicholas Daley and Charles Jeffrey at V&A Dundee, an appearance by Aitor Throup at Manchester Art Gallery, and a London panel featuring Saul Nash, Clio Peppiatt and Luke Derrick at the National Gallery. In Liverpool, designers Patrick McDowell and Talia Byre will discuss their connections to the region and their creative journeys at the Walker Art Gallery.

The initiative represents a significant shift in the BFC's role. Announcing Fashion Britain in July, BFC Chief Executive Laura Weir said that participation in British fashion had for too long been concentrated in too few places. She described the initiative as a move towards recognising British creativity as a national asset and creating opportunities "wherever it exists" across the country.

Building the industry's regional infrastructure

For the fashion industry, the significance of Fashion Britain extends beyond a month of public events. The BFC says the longer-term objective is to strengthen local creative economies, develop the next generation of talent and establish pathways through which designers and creatives can build sustainable careers in their own cities.

This approach also reflects a broader effort by the Council to combine talent development with commercial resilience. Its recent programme of financial and business support has included the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, which awarded London-based designer Bianca Saunders £150,000 in June, alongside bespoke business mentoring and professional services. Saunders' label, launched after her graduation from the Royal College of Art in 2017, is recognised for its reinterpretation of menswear through a diasporic perspective rooted in her British-Caribbean heritage.

In June, the BFC also announced the 2026 recipients of its Fashion Trust programme: Clio Peppiatt, Conner Ives, Nicholas Daley, Paolo Carzana, Patrick McDowell and Tolu Coker. The grant-giving programme is designed to support designers at pivotal stages of business growth through financial investment and tailored industry guidance. Since its launch, Fashion Trust has supported 59 designer businesses with more than £3 million in funding.

The Council is simultaneously pursuing a stronger international commercial platform for British designers. In May it announced a four-year commitment to expand LONDON show ROOMS in Paris, with the programme designed to give British designers greater access to international buyers, press and markets during the Paris fashion calendar. Confirmed dates extend through 2026 and 2027, covering both menswear and womenswear periods.

Taken together, these initiatives point to a two-track strategy: widening the domestic foundations of British fashion while strengthening its international commercial reach.

Fashion Britain therefore arrives at an important moment for the UK industry. As London Fashion Week prepares to take place from 17–21 September 2026, the BFC is simultaneously seeking to broaden the definition of where British fashion happens and who gets to participate in it.

For regional designers and creative businesses, the test will be whether the September programme can translate visibility and cultural engagement into longer-term opportunities — including education, networks, investment, retail access and sustainable business growth. If it succeeds, Fashion Britain could become more than a nationwide celebration around London Fashion Week: it could represent a structural shift in how the UK's fashion ecosystem is developed and connected.

For Fashion Britain full programme, click HERE.

Wool News: THE CAMPAIGN FOR WOOL announce the continued patronage of HM King Charles III

The Campaign for Wool in the UK has announced that His Majesty The King continues to serve as its esteemed Patron, steadfastly backing its educational endeavors and events aimed at highlighting wool's vital role in supporting the planet, thanks to its natural, renewable, and biodegradable properties.

In 2024, the Campaign for Wool will unveil a series of initiatives and collaborations
during Wool Month, observed throughout October.

Originally conceived in 2008 by HM King Charles III during the time when he was The Prince of Wales, the Campaign for Wool was officially inaugurated in 2010. Its primary objective was to bolster wool growers across the Commonwealth in their efforts to counter the ascent of harmful synthetic fibers in fashion, interiors, and construction. 

As the Patron, His Majesty has tirelessly traversed various regions of the UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa over the past decade. His aim: to engage with wool growers and elucidate the distinct environmental superiority and ecological advantages of wool across its diverse applications.

Aligned with His Majesty The King's recent emphasis on Climate, Community, Commonwealth, and Culture, the Campaign for Wool assumes even greater significance today. 

As climate change and rampant plastic consumption dominate headlines with increasing frequency, there is a pressing need for conscientious decision-making. His Majesty ardently champions the natural benefits and usage of wool—a cause he championed over 50 years ago during his student days, upon the introduction of mainstream plastic use. Opting for wool presents a tangible means of safeguarding the planet for future generations.

The Campaign enjoys widespread support from entities worldwide, spanning farmers, the wool processing industry, designers, brands, and retailers. 

In 2024, the Campaign will unveil a series of initiatives and collaborations during Wool Month, observed throughout October.

Images from The Campaign for Wool

Christmas 2023: The UK’s original festive light trail returns to Kew Gardens in London

The world-famous botanic gardens in London - Kew Gardens - is relaunching "the UK's original feature light trail" this Christmas by showcasing seasonal favourites alongside eight never-before-seen immersive installations, and for the first time, featuring with Brand Partner John Lewis.

New displays include 3m high illuminated flowers, cascading lights suspended from the tree canopy and one of the longest light tunnels to ever feature at Christmas at Kew (15 November 2023 – 7 January 2024.)

Palm House light show at the 10th Christmas at Kew
(c) Raymond Gubbay Ltd, Richard Haughton

Highlights include the iconic Palm House light show where visitors can enjoy a series of light displays -  LED lights ‘float’ and dance on the surface of the adjacent lake.

Since the inaugural Christmas at Kew trail in 2013, this festive event has enchanted visitors with a unique seasonal experience.  This year’s trail is a celebration of nature by night, bringing Kew’s incredible natural architecture to life. 

This Christmas, Kew is asking visitors to do One Small Thing. Illuminated illustrations inspired by the natural world will combine with evocative messaging, encouraging visitors to make a small change and help protect the environment. This mirrors Kew’s mission, to understand and protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. Since the first festive trail in 2013, the Christmas at Kew team have been looking at ways to deliver a more sustainable light trail, and their 2022 trail used 50% less power than in 2021.

For the first time, Kew’s iconic contemporary art installation, The Hive, will feature in the light trail. At a towering 17 metres tall, The Hive is a striking multi-sensory installation that connects to a real bee colony living at Kew, expressing its life in light and sound created by U.K based artist Wolfgang Buttress. This Christmas, over 1000 LED lights will glow and respond to a new rhythm triggered by a bespoke soundscape.

Lili by TILT

Elsewhere, Lili by TILT, a series of abstract, illuminated flowers that stand at almost 3 metres tall, towering over visitors, makes its UK debut. ArtAV return with Trapezoid, one of the longest light tunnels to ever feature at Christmas at Kew. Along Camellia Walk visitors will wander beneath over 400 colourful cascading lights suspended from the tree canopy, all set against an assortment of neon backdrops.

Moonlight Flowers by OGE Group

Creative studio Pitaya return to Kew with Spark Ballet, 24 lanterns filled with subtly sparkling lights that appear to ‘dance’, and Candles. This brand-new commission sees one hundred candles suspended in the air, magically appearing to float above visitors’ heads. The flickering flames will illuminate tree-lined passageways to create an enchanting festive atmosphere.

With many of Kew’s 12,000 trees and other botanical treasures being accentuated along the route, visitors can wander beneath colourful canopies and bushes draped in seasonal sparkle, experiencing nature from a new perspective whilst treasuring the essential role that plants play in all our lives.

Christmas Cathedral (c) RBG Kew, Jeff Eden

Other returning favourites include Kew’s famous Christmas Cathedral, a twinkling tunnel of light inspired by arched church windows, and a newly designed Fire Garden where more than 300 candles line the path to the Temperate House, the oldest Victorian glasshouse in the world, as flame bulbs create the illusion that this cathedral of glass is glowing from within. 

To add on the experience at Kew, visitors can book a traditional Christmas dinner at The Botanical Brasserie and  Kids favourites can be found at the Family Kitchen & Shop, plus there is a selection of treats from independent street food vendors also available along the route. 

Sandra Botterell, Director of Marketing and Commercial Enterprise at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, said: ‘Christmas at Kew is a magical celebration of Kew’s natural landscape, offering sparkle and festivities during the winter months. With an incredible range of brand-new installations and some returning favourites, this year’s trail is guaranteed to be a seasonal spectacle like no other.’

Rosie Hanley, Director of Marketing at John Lewis, said: 'John Lewis is delighted to be part of this iconic trail which over the years has become a new Christmas tradition for many to enjoy together. As the only brand partner to have ever been integrated into Christmas at Kew, we are excited to unveil our installation for all visitors to enjoy.'

Meanwhile at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, Glow Wild celebrates a milestone 10 years. Bringing festive magic and wonder to the South East with 10 new installations and myriad hand-crafted lanterns, this winter lantern trail is not to be missed.

Tickets for Christmas at Kew and Glow Wild are available to purchase at: www.kew.org

Christmas 2023: UK’s Wakehurst gardens open Glow Wild festival with UK's tallest living Christmas tree

Wakehurst* unveils UK's tallest Christmas tree standing at 37m tall
adorned with 1800 energy-saving light bulbs.
Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

As retailers around the country are promoting Black Friday deals (an American tradition after Thanksgiving that falls on Thursday November 23 this year), Wakehurst* gardens in Sussex get off to a festival start for the Christmas 2023 season by unveiling "UK’s tallest living Christmas tree" and open the 10th anniversary of Glow Wild, a festive trail that is brought to life after dark.

Wakehurst* hosts Glow Wild to light up its wild botanic garden, bringing festive magic and wonder with 10 new installations and myriad hand-crafted lanterns. The 2023 edition of the winter lantern trail marks a decade of mesmerising memories and community spirit.
Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

Glow Wild is opened on selected evenings from 23 November 2023 to 1 January 2024,  from 4.30pm to 10pm (last entry 8.20pm), offering various ticket options including flexible tickets.

Wakehurst celebrates its tenth anniversary of Glow Wild, billed as Sussex's ultimate festive trail, featuring a never-before-seen route with brand new installations, and plenty of other surprises, according to Wakehurst's press statement. 

As darkness falls, the gardens are brought to life with beautifully hand-crafted winter lanterns and captivating light installations created by leading artists.

With under 4s going free, Glow Wild is the perfect Christmas sensory experience for little ones and indeed the whole family. This year, Glow Wild celebrates the sublime, inviting visitors to become part of the trail and discover awe-inspiring moments in nature.

Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

During this opening week, Wakehurst offers special ticket promotion plus new flexible ticket offer that allows date swaps and upgrades up to 72 hours before visit in recognition of the strains faced by many during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Wakehurst has released accessible priced tickets for the opening week of Glow Wild and hopes this, combined with its free tickets for under 4-year-olds, helps families as they prepare for the festive season. The new flexible ticket offer allows bookers to swap or upgrade tickets up to 72 hours before their visit – available for new and existing bookings.

Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

There are lots to do in Glow Wild, including a series of new sessions for adult-only nights, quiet experiences, and relaxed slots adapted for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Marking a milestone 10 years, this year’s theme invites visitors to reflect on the awe-inspiring moments in the natural world – from epic examples of wildlife to delicate details of plants and fungi. In true Glow Wild tradition, over 1000 lanterns are handmade by local volunteers and community groups, with the tenth anniversary mile- long trail also boasting eight brand new bespoke installations from leading artists.

Photo: Visual Air © RBG Kew 2023 

There is a new interactive experience with Wakehurst’s ‘Starkeeper’ from Long Nose Puppets. Visitors young and young at heart are invited to make a wish on a star to hang in the ‘sky forest’ before they continue their journey. Other friendly faces can be found in giant parading peacock, Percy who give a glowing welcome to all entering the gardens.

In addition there are pop-up stalls throughout the trail offering dwelling points to admire installations whilst visitors can enjoy hot drinks and snacks. Crackling fire pits located close to the Starkeeper form the perfect spot for toasting marshmallows, whilst festive grab and go options can be found under the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree.

Quiet Sessions are available every night at 4.15pm, whilst a series of Relaxed Sessions offer gentle performances adapted especially for children with special educational needs and disabilities. For those looking for the perfect date-night, adult-only slots will run each Friday at 8pm offering a quieter, more intimate experience.

*Wakehurst is affiliated to London's Kew Gardens. It is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, with more than 500 acres of diverse landscapes and plants from across the globe.

Retail news: Marks & Spencer announces FA Collection for the England senior women’s team

Marks & Spencer has announced its debut FA Collection for the England senior women’s team. 
The European Champions continue to inspire multiple generations and change historic perceptions of women’s football. 

UK's Marks and Spencer has been announced as the Official Tailor of the England Senior Women’s Football Team, as it launches the FA Collection. The partnership builds upon the retailer’s longstanding relationship with The Football Association, dating back  2007 when M&S became the Official Suit Supplier to the England Senior Men’s Team. 

The Womenswear collection sees an in-house designed range of versatile, re-imagined tailoring pieces, that will be worn by the England women’s team in the tournament and in their official England team shot.

The collection allows M&S to hero the European Champions as well as what the players and the concept of women’s football stands for and is a celebration of individuality, made to be effortlessly mixed and matched for work, play and everything in between, according to a press release by M&S.

The supporting marketing campaign launches online and in selected stores from 6th July featuring England players Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze and Jessica Carter seen wearing a selection of pieces from the collection.
Above, left to right, Alex Greenwood wears tailored blazer, ribbed crew neck cropped top, pleat front relaxed trousers; Lucy Bronze wears tailored blazer, waistcoat and pleat front relaxed trousers; and Jessica Carter wear ribbed scoop neck cropped top and zip-detail straight leg trousers.

Maddy Evans, Director of Womenswear,  says: “We’re incredibly excited and honoured to be dressing the talented and inspiring England Women’s Team on their journey to this year’s most talked about tournament. We wanted to ensure the collection delivered on style and versatility, creating timeless pieces with individual styling was at the forefront of our minds and something that I believe underpins the whole collection. The styling options - dressing the pieces up or down - are endless!”

M&S says its womenswear design team have worked hard to integrate both style and comfort when creating the collection. In a contemporary tonal colour palette of navy and white, the carefully considered collection features smart separates that challenge the traditional idea of ‘power dressing’, and instead encourages an individual approach, styling pieces however one chooses. 

Making the most of the menswear-inspired trend of the moment and layer a waistcoat into a look, the tailored pieces in this new FA Collection are cut in a refined tailored fit, with mock pockets and neat button fastenings. To complete the outfit is a sharp cut single-breasted blazer or on-trend bomber jacket to elevate casual outfits.

Luxe satin shirts and sporty ribbed knitted tops can be effortlessly paired back with slouchy wide-leg trousers, cut to give a flowing silhouette or smart high-waisted tailored shorts that feature practical side pockets. 

Available in-store and on M&S.com, the range provides outfit inspiration to give customers the confidence to style individual pieces for a more relaxed tailored look.

The supporting marketing campaign launches online and in selected stores from 6th July featuring England players Alex Greenwood, Lucy Bronze and Jessica Carter seen wearing a selection of pieces from the collection.

The launch will be supported by an omnichannel marketing campaign across stores, PR, media, digital and social channels.

Anna Braithwaite, Director of Marketing, comments: “The England Women’s teams’ success in recent major tournaments has captured the attention of the nation. Their performance has showcased skill, determination and teamwork inspiring a new generation of footballers – and that's only set to continue throughout the summer. We’re so thrilled to be launching this campaign and collection – the mix and match, versatile approach allows the players to embrace their own unique style off-pitch, creating a confident, empowering and effortlessly stylish look. We couldn’t be prouder to be partnering with the Lionesses. We’ll be behind them every step of the way.”

Images from Marks and Spencer.

May you Rest in Peace Duke of Edinburgh

Our deepest condolences to our Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom for the passing of her beloved husband of 74 years, the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, who passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle on April 9th, announced Buckingham Palace.  He was 99.

We will remember Prince Philip for his impeccable style, as Michael Hennegan writes in Vogue UK in homage to the prince, the "last Gentleman".  Hennegan recalls, in a list of advice to young people published through his Duke of Edinburgh scheme last year, Prince Philip advised that we should “dress for ourselves and not others”. 

"The Duke of Edinburgh had that understated, English gentleman style that is completely timeless, embodying all the divine traits of Savile Row,” says Manolo Blahnik. “Whether he was in a suit or in uniform, he looked impeccable.”

May you rest in peace, Prince Philip.  

UK Black Friday online sales expected to top Boxing day sales by 77 %

Black Friday is an American shopping phenomenon that happens after their Thanksgiving holiday and this concept has now taken hold in the UK where retailers have adopted the idea since a few years ago, extending it to a last from one day to a week.

This year, Black Friday week total online sales are expected to reach £7 billion, a 164% increase on 2014 and 77% higher than expected Boxing day total sales, according to global real estate advisor Colliers International.

This is reinforced by the decrease in the proportion of Brits shopping on Boxing Day in 2015 (32%) compared to 2016 (23%).

"We’ve seen a build-up of sales which we expect to peak on Friday. "

Mark Phillipson, Head of Retail at Colliers International commented: “Black Friday is evolving into a week-long plus event in the UK.  We’ve seen a build-up of sales which we expect to peak on Friday. This is also a period in the year when retailers should be at full margins but, essentially, they are giving away some of their profits in order to compete for a higher share of consumer spending. However, there is degree of consumer skepticism as to whether any of the deals are actually any better than in standard sale periods, so in reality, it would also seem that Black Friday has just turned into a marketing event craze.”

The research also reveals that Black Friday is becoming much more of an online event since the violent scenes witnessed in 2014. Greater smart phone use and retailers’ much improved mobile websites encourage online purchasing. As a result, footfall was lower than anticipated in 2015 and 2016.

“Black Friday is having a significant impact on consumer spending patterns."

Mark Charlton, Head of UK Research at Colliers International added: “Black Friday is having a significant impact on consumer spending patterns, causing a sharper spike in sales earlier on in the Christmas run-up.  In general, we expect the online sales increase to continue, with weaker footfall on the day itself and a higher surge in online traffic.

“Historically there has been a much more gradual increase in sales in the six weeks prior to Christmas however what we are now witnessing is a potential decrease in consumer spending in the New Year sales due to the possibility of customers suffering from “sales” fatigue.”

Britain’s men get better with age: 75% of men aged 65 and over feel confident about how they look

Don't know how they do it, but according to a recent research from Mintel, British men are like fine wine in that they get better with age.

London-based MOT Models recently set up a division called RETRO in response to latest developments that the post-war baby boomer generation is leading the way in the world of luxury purchases.  Seen here are two of MOT's top models Remco (43) and his father Aad Van Der Linden (72). Photo by Thomas Kettner.

Luxury automobile Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of their "First fragrance for Men" to add to their lifestyle high-end fashion accessories.  Designed by master perfumers of his time, Olivier Cresp (Firmenich), the new frangrance "reinterprets and enhances the luxury world of Mercedes-Benz, presented in a luxurious yet masculine shaped bottle".   Highly inspired by the brand, Olivier Cresp has dreamt up a naturally sophisticated essence, tinged with refinement and modernity, He chose to combine citrus fruits among others, bergamot from Calabria and mandarin orange from Italy with the violet leaves absolute whose green facets envelop the fragrance's top notes with originality. The heart of the fragrance plays on an exclusive contrast between the overabundant aquatic notes of cascalone® and the powdery accents of violet.
The vibration is provided by spices, bourbon pepper, nutmeg, and galbanum.
Information and photo from Beautypress.com

According to Mintel, as many as 75% of men aged 65 and over feel confident about the way they look, compared to just over half (56%) of men aged 16-24 and an average of 61% of all men.  What is more, while 67% of all men say they look good for their age, this increases to a self-assured 71% of those aged 65 and over.

Interesting Facts:-* 38% of men check themselves in the mirror throughout the day* The facial skincare market is estimated to decline by 4.7% in 2017* Usage of beard products rises from 18% in 2016 to 23% in 2017

Proving Britain’s men are happy to accept ageing with grace, almost four in five (78%) men agree that it is acceptable to have some wrinkles, while 68% agree that skin ageing is a natural process that can’t be stopped. 

Men’s Grooming Face & Beard Care Kit from Scottish Fine Soaps.
Scented with their invigorating Thistle & Black Pepper fragrance, this new kit contains a gentle Face & Beard Soap, Beard Oil, Moisturiser and a branded hardwood beard comb.

Giorgio Armani SS18 Men's Collection
at Milan Fashion Week.
Source: Giorgio Armani

However, while the majority of men adopt a relaxed attitude towards their appearance, two in five (38%) men say they check themselves in the mirror throughout the day, according to Mintel,  rising to 65% of those aged 16-24.  

And, almost one in five (18%) men enjoy taking selfies, rising to 35% of 16-24s. And while 25-34-year-old men are most likely to say they like posting pictures of themselves on social media (39%), those aged 45-54 (13%) are not averse to uploading the odd image too.

Roshida Khanom, Associate Director, Beauty & Personal Care at Mintel, said: “Today's older men are brimming with self confidence, with high proportions thinking that they look good for their age and feeling confident about the way they look. "Following role models such as Pierce Brosnan, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, Britain’s older men are adopting a relaxed attitude towards ageing with the majority of men agreeing that ageing is acceptable, and that skin ageing is a natural process. "Whilst advertising in the women’s facial skincare category often features photoshopping to optimise the appearance of skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, such images may not appeal to men. Allowing skin to look aged but healthy may instead have greater resonance.”

The men’s facial skincare category in the UK was valued at £104 million in 2016; however, things are not looking too beautiful for future sales, as this year the market is expected to decline 4.7% with sales dropping to £100 million. 

Giorgio Armani SS18 men's collection
at Milan Fashion Week.
Source: Giorgio Armani

Mintel research highlights a less is more approach towards men’s skincare regimes as only 15% of male moisturiser users apply moisturiser more than once a day, whilst 28% use it a few times a week.   Meanwhile, almost three in 10 (28%) men who use facial skincare products use them when their skin feels like it needs them and a quarter (24%) of men who use facial skincare products say they use them when they remember to do so.

Currently, the top three facial skincare products are soap (87%), moisturiser (50%) and lip balm (38%). There has also been a sharp rise in the number of men using facial wipes which grew from 26% in 2016 to 32% in 2017.

Finally, facial hair remains a growing trend amongst British men. Usage of beard products has risen from 18% in 2016 to 23% in 2017 and almost two in five (38%) men say they pay more attention to their facial hair than their facial skin. 

While 68% of men are removing hair from their jawline, more than half (53%) of males agree that it is fashionable to have a beard, according to Mintel.

“The fact that so many men are removing hair from their jawline, but over half agree that it is fashionable to have a beard, suggests that the beard trend may have evolved to a more flexible approach with men shaping their facial hair rather than sporting full beards or opting for a clean shave.” Roshida of Mintel concludes.

Thomas Sabo launches SS2017 collection featuring Ambassador Frankie Bridge

English singer-songwriter Frankie Bridge, a member of the girl group The Saturdays, is UK and Ireland ambassador of global premium jewellery and lifestyle brand THOMAS SABO, and is seen in their latest campaign for promoting the brand's Spring/Summer 2017 collection featuring two distinct looks; which continue to be inspired by the universal ‘Together’ message that has become a hallmark of the THOMAS SABO brand.

The new images display an eye-catching and fashion-forward selection of the new Spring Summer 2017 range, which includes elements of the new Africa collection.

Frankie Bridge comments:
“Summer is nearly here, so I need to update my jewellery wardrobe! I love when the sun is shining and the new collection really brings across the feeling of summer. I look forward to wearing it whether I’m on the beach or dining out..!”

All jewellery is available to buy in store and online now at the Thomas Sabo website.

Beat the Monday Blues - Plan a Staycation or simply have a cup of Tea!

Never mind the gloomy weather.  If it's not for Blue Monday, I'd probably feel more positive about today.

But the third Monday of the year (that's 16th January this year) aka Blue Monday is reported to be the most depressing day of the year. With the New Year in full swing, diets and fitness routines beginning and the gloomy weather dampening our spirit, it is no wonder many are feeling down in the dumps.

Salcombe Pocket Square in 100% silk twill with hand-rolled hems by David Watson, available at In-spaces.com
 David Watson collaborates with local artists creating classic British designs made in Britain.
Image is originally by Claire Henley who painted the scene after sevel holidays with her family in Salcombe sailing, in South Devon, UK.  She uses an acrylic paint to create a variety of textures bringing the harbour alive.

Clayton John Ainger, a motivational speaker and author of best-selling book The Ego’s Code, describes how negativity is in fact, a very natural and normal process. “By labelling negativity as bad, we provide it with more fuel. By changing our perspective on negativity and the meaning behind it will undoubtedly have a positive effect on your life. Feeling down is not meant to hinder you, it is there to learn from, so embrace your negativity and move on,” he says.

So to beat the Monday blues, some of us would opt to book a sunny break or a holiday at this time of the year when travel agents and airlines are offering great deals.  Getting time away from the daily grind of work and commute can help break our stress cycle, surely and help promote positivity.

But if our bank balance doesn’t allow for an extravagant vacation abroad, especially with the weakening British Pound Sterling, how about a long weekend away and take a rural escape from city life.  Judging from artist Claire Henley's acrylic painting of the Salcombe Harbour (see image above), a "staycation" to South Devon in the UK can do the trick nicely.

Apparently even having a cup of tea can improve our sense of "wellth".

A Tea Caddy from Graceandgloryhome.co.uk to store your specialty, or favourite teas. 

According to experts, tea has a range of psychological and physical health benefits that can improve our wellbeing. Used for centuries across the world to help with relaxation, improve spirituality, nourishment and healing, speciality teas have a range of exciting ingredients that promote health. 

“Studies reveal that tea can increase blood flow, lower anxiety and improve sleep quality and blends such as peppermint, rooibos and green can fight against insomnia, regulate blood sugar and stimulate your metabolism”, explains Paresh Thakkar, founder of O-teas.com