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Lifestyle Barometer: Your guide to what's hot and what's not this week from London Fashion Week to Frosé

From Mmayochup to Slimming World and Orla Kiely, this is our guide to what’s hot and what’s not

Sarah Young
Friday 21 September 2018 11:48 BST
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Models present creations by Erdem during a catwalk show
Models present creations by Erdem during a catwalk show (AFP/Getty)

Going up:

London Fashion Week


 The capital became the first of the main fashion weeks to ditch animal fur in its shows 
 (AFP/Getty)

This week saw press buyers, trend forecasters and influencers flock to London for its biannual celebration of British fashion. This season, the five-day event saw more than 80 designers put on 54 catwalk shows, 26 presentations and over 20 events with attendees travelling from more than 50 countries.

It was also a season of firsts, with the British Fashion Council announcing that none of the designers on the official schedule would be using animal fur, while Riccardo Tisci​ presented his debut collection for heritage brand Burberry.

Diversity on the catwalks also continued with Alice Temperley casting her own mother while another show even saw a model walk the runway while using a breastpump.

Chrissy Teigen


 
 The model and author had a quick response to someone who asked if she was pregnant... again (Getty)
 (Getty Images)

Presenter and model Chrissy Teigen had the perfect response to someone who asked if she was “pregnant again” while attending the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles this week.

Just four months ago, Teigen gave birth to her second child, Miles, with her husband John Legend and stepped out on Monday to the special event wearing a luxurious Zuhair Murad dress.

As photos began to circulate of the couple online, one man took it upon himself to share his opinion on her body on Twitter, writing: “I’m asking this with the utmost respectful, but is Chrissy Teigen pregnant again?”

Teigen, 32, responded by quoting his tweet and writing: “I just had a baby but thank you for being soooo respectful.”

Subsequently, the new mother received a barrage of support from followers for her response.

Mayochup


 Chip lovers have been combining mayonnaise and ketchip for decades – now Heinz will do it for you (Heinz)

For years, fans have been mixing two of their favourite condiments to create DIY versions of fry sauce or Thousand Island dressing but now Heinz has created its very own, readymade hybrid.

Aptly named “Mayochup”, the sauce was first revealed in April, when Heinz released it in the Middle East. However, after a successful launch, the company has now revealed that it will be bringing the hybrid to the US.

On Twitter, Heinz shared the news, writing: “#Mayochup is here”, before revealing the “saucy cities” that tweet the name of the new condiment the most will be among the first to try the pastel-hued sauce – with a side of fries.

Model diversity


 Autistic 11-year-old Alfie Aldridge has modelled for River Island, H&M and Land Rover (River Island/SWNS)
 (River Island / SWNS.com)

An 11-year-old boy with autism who was banned from taking part in school plays due to his disruptive behaviour is now a model for H&M.

Alfie Aldridge was also barred from having his picture taken at school as his disability means he struggles to cooperate with large groups of people.

However, after being picked up by Zebedee Management, an agency that specialises in models with disabilities, the youngster has discovered his real passion.

Now, in addition to his work for H&M, Alfie is modelling for big brands like River Island and Land Rover and hopes to continue to pursue a career in the industry as an adult.

Going down:

Germaine Greer


 
 The ‘feminist’ has been criticised on social media for recent comments she made on Australia’s ABC 
 (Alamy)

Australian writer Germaine Greer has been criticised on social media for comments that likened the trauma felt by rape victims to her fear of spiders.

While appearing on Australia’s ABC Q&A programme on Monday, Greer was asked to explain previous comments she made about rape not involving injury before being asked to clarify whether being raped when she was 19 did or didn’t traumatise her.

“Trauma is something that is dictated by the sufferer,” she said. “I can’t bear huntsman spiders. It’s not their fault. It’s my fault. I’ve decided to be frightened of them.

“It’s interesting to me that women are encouraged all the time to be terribly, terribly frightened, and nearly always of the wrong thing.”

A large number of viewers quickly took to Twitter to express their outrage at Greer’s comments.

“Has she lost the plot completely or is she just courting controversy?” one person wrote.

Frosé

The once-popular frozen drink is falling out of favour

The cooler, sweeter and slushier alternative to rosé wine, frosé dominated drinks menus throughout the summer but according to The Wall Street Journal, the once-popular frozen beverage could be on its way out.

The publication reported that “a number of prominent drinking spots throughout the city say that their frosé sales declined dramatically this summer over last”.

Bar Primi, located in New York City’s East Village, is just one establishment that’s seen the shift, with managing partner Justin Sievers revealing that the bar has seen a 30 per cent decline in sales this summer.

But don’t just take their word for it. In April, Tatler wrote on its list of 2018’s hottest, and not, drinks: “It should be noted that frosé (frozen rosé) was only ever ‘in’ for those four days it was above 25 degrees in June 2017.”

Orla Kiely

Orla Kiely has ceased trading and closed all of its stores

It’s been a sad week for print-lovers with Irish designer Orla Kiely announcing the liquidation of her eponymous brand.

Renowned for its quirky floral and graphic motifs, the 1970’s-inspired label has garnered a growing list of fans since its launch in the 1990s.

However, as of Monday 17 September, the fashion company ceased trading and closed all of its stores.

The company apologised for any inconvenience caused and in a statement on the now defunct website said: “Thank you for embracing our brand and designs throughout the years and for your ongoing support.”

Slimming World


 The company has announced that Muller Light yoghurts are no longer syn-free (Getty/iStock)
 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Panic ensued among Slimming World users this week as the company announced that Muller Light yoghurts would no longer be considered “free” to eat on the plan.

Dieters following the company’s healthy eating plan are permitted to eat a maximum of 15 “syns” a day – which tend to be “treat” foods and alcohol – alongside “free foods” like fruit vegetables, eggs, grains and low-fat dairy products.

But, while a 175g pot of Muller Light has previously been considered a Free Food by Slimming World, the brand has now made the decision to chalk it up as one syn on the points.

Slimming World attendees around the country were shocked at the announcement with many taking to social media to share their disdain.

“Muller Lights are no longer free on Slimming World. Forget Brexit. This is the real crisis of our generation,” one person wrote.

Confusing fashion


 The company has announced that Muller Light yoghurts are no longer syn-free (Getty/iStock)
 (Golden Goose)

The fashion industry provides us with a heap of fresh and innovative styling ideas, but, for many, some of its inventions can be a step too far.

Case in point: a pair of trainers that have been lambasted on social media for “mocking poverty”.

The Golden Goose shoes, which are on sale for $530 (£400), have caused a backlash on Twitter due to the aged design of the shoes, which appear battered and have duct tape over the toes. While some said the item “glorified poverty”, others branded them “stupid”.

However, this isn’t the first time a brand has come under fire for missing the mark. Earlier this week, high-end fashion brand Gucci was also criticised for selling a $381 (£290) swimsuit that, while seriously on trend, can’t actually be worn in a swimming pool.

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