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13 trench coats we’re loving right now

If there's on style lesson to take away from New York Fashion Week, it's that there's a trench coat for every occasion. From the runway to the street, from dusk till dawn, NYFW’s designers and attendees have unanimously decided that it's the most versatile piece of outwear to sport this spring. Originally designed by Burberry as a raincoat for army officers in 1901, the World War One trench coat was double-breasted, tailored to the waist and flared to a below-the-knee hemline. The belt was equipped with D-rings for hooking accessories, the caped back allowed water to run off, the storm flap at the shoulder provided ventilation and the buttons at the neck helped protect the wearer from poisonous gas.
You Magazine •

Kylie is this year's Brits Global Icon — 7 of her best moments

Throughout the last five decades, international pop star Kylie Minogue has dominated our world. She has infiltrated our television screens, been blasted out on our radios and can even be found on our supermarket shelves.

The Brits are recognising her for her iconicity by awarding her the prestigious Brits Global Icon Award at this year’s ceremony on Saturday March 2, which is 'reserved for only truly exceptional artists'. Kylie will be amongst music legends including Taylor Swift, David Bowie and Sir Elton John to have received this award.
You Magazine •

How to achieve an ‘invisible kitchen’ à la Courteney Cox

There’s nothing like a celebrity’s house tour to get people talking. Drake recently showed off his £1 million mattress in a video on Instagram, Sofia Vergara told Architectural Digest she doesn’t know how to use her ‘magnificent’ La Cornue stove (‘I do not cook’), and Courteney Cox just offered her followers a glimpse at the minimalist kitchen in her Malibu home.

In contrast to the kitchen we’re most likely to associate the Friends actress with (Monica Geller’s kitchen was kitschy, with mismatched chairs and a chunky retro fridge), Courteney’s kitchen has an understated and clutter-free look. Invisible, so to speak.
SW Londoner •

Are pop-up shops revitalising the brick-and-mortar retail economy in London?

Pop-up shops are giving new leases of life to vacant retail shops on high streets and dormant units in railway stations in London.

According to a report carried out by Eclipse Group Solutions, the number of pop-up shops in the UK increased by 18% in 2023.

Some believe pop-up shops could be the answer to the declining traditional brick-and-mortar retail shop set-up, as we continue to see big retailers, such as Wilko and Debenhams, close their doors.

Former online vintage clothing business owne
SW Londoner •

Why some Londoners are dumping dating apps for singles supper clubs

Are singles supper clubs shaking up the London dating scene?

For over a decade, apps have dominated the landscape of modern romance, promising to match users based on algorithms and preferences.

But as the thrill of swiping gives way to a sense of online dating fatigue, London’s singles are now seeking new ways to find love in the city.

Many are over the ghosting, doom-swiping and hookup-centric atmosphere that dominates their dating app experiences.

Despite clinging onto the success stories
SW Londoner •

Meet Captain Quack: Twickenham’s very own nature watcher

For the past two decades, Captain Quack has borne witness to the ebb and flow of life along the majestic River Thames.

The explorer’s passion for getting outdoors and seeing the local wildlife has led him to document his unique perspective of his sightings on his X, formerly Twitter, account so that others can also experience it.

Nestled by Twickenham’s riverside for over 11 years, Captain Quack has become a local legend, sharing tales of his encounters with the river’s inhabitants, including
SW Londoner •

WATCH: The return of the Colony Room Club, Soho's infamous arts and drinking den

After 15 years of its much-contested closure, The Colony Room Club has been meticulously recreated as “a love letter to London’s lost bohemia.”

Affectionately known as one of the “seediest spots in Britain,” the Colony Room Club was a breeding ground for some of the most internationally important artists and celebrities of its day, as well as young promising artists who drank alongside their contemporaries.

The art installation and immersive bar has been recreated by former member and Young Br
SW Londoner •

WATCH: How are London artists coping with the cost-of-living crisis?

Several artists shared their concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on their careers at the Battersea Affordable Art Fair.

Acme’s recent artist tenant survey found that only 12% of artists can support themselves financially through their art due to the cost-of-living crisis.

A loss of community due to national cuts in funding further threatens the existence of artists, prompting charitable organisations to step in and offer support.

Battersea Affordable Art Fair’s mission is
NE Londoner •

Dirty Laundry at Islington’s The Hen and Chicken Theatre Bar review: An airing out of society’s insanity

Fresh off the back of a month-long run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Meat and Two Veg returned to Islington with a three-night sold-out run of Dirty Laundry.

Dirty Laundry’s Cambridge Footlights alumni comedic trio, Maddie London, Robbie Boyd and Emily Symington, left no stone unturned when it came to dissecting the absurdities of modern UK society at The Hen and Chicken Theatre Bar.

Their hour-long sketch set was a unique blend of humour, political insight and satirical critique, taking a
SW Londoner •

Rugby player ran the entire London Underground for charity

A former rugby player ran the entire London Underground in 11 days last week in aid of a suicide prevention charity.

Jonny Davies, a 31-year-old from Balham, ran one of the 11 tube lines above ground every day, amassing 572 km, the equivalent of 13 marathons, over the course of the challenge.

In the process, Davies has raised over £22,000 for the charity CALM (Campaigning Against Living Miserably).

The atmosphere in parts of London over the weekend was electric, with several hundred supporter