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The Bans on Fashion Ads Ads for Calvin Klein, Adidas, and Uniqlo promoting 'recycled' clothing and shoes have been banned by the UK watchdog after the advertisers were unable to prove their green claims. Advertising Claims Under Scrutiny Each of the fashion companies ran paid-for Google ads, with Adidas promoting 'recycled running shoes', Calvin Klein 'recycled' tops for women, and Uniqlo advertised fleece coats and jackets made from 'recycled materials'. The ASA Investigation The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) investigated the ads, challenging the companies to substantiate the claims made. Substantiation and Consumer Perception Adidas said it did not have a recycled running shoe range but certain products across its collections might incorporate recycled materials. Calvin Klein said certain products in its women's T-shirts and tops range included 'environmentally preferred materials' – including recycled, organic and other materials. Uniqlo said that consumers were likely to understand from its ad that the products were made to a 'meaningful extent' from recycled materials. The ASA Ruling However, the ASA said that, in each case, without further clarification the use of the term 'recycled' would lead consumers to believe that the products were all made entirely from recycled materials. Future Implications for Green Claims 'It's important that people can trust the environmental claims they see in ads,' said the ASA director of complaints and investigations, Miles Lockwood. 'When absolute terms like 'recycled' are used, the basis of those claims should be clearly explained and properly supported by evidence.'

The Lead Legendary art duo Gilbert & George, known for their provocative and boundary-pushing artwork, discuss their artistic philosophy, fame, and unexpected collaboration with younger street artist Endless. The octogenarian artists maintain their distinctive presence in the London art scene while reflecting on their legacy. The Artistic Partnership Gilbert Prousch, 82, and George Passmore, 84, have been working together since the late 1960s when they met at St Martin's School of Art in London. They are known for their distinctive appearance in colorful suits and their artwork that often explores themes of sex, religion, death, and urban life. Their decision to work as a duo was deliberate: "For a living sculpture, it was a very good idea to have two people, not one," explains Gilbert. "Two makes a composition; one doesn't," adds George. The Living Sculpture Philosophy The duo famously has no kitchen in their four-storey Georgian townhouse in Fournier Street, Spitalfields, east London, which they've owned since the late 1960s. They regard cooking as time wasted when they could be making art, and instead eat out or have food brought in daily. Their "Living Sculpture" philosophy extends to their daily routines, which they consider part of their artistic practice. This approach has remained consistent throughout their decades-long career, even as the art world around them has evolved. The Unexpected Collaboration Their relationship with 41-year-old London artist Endless began when they noticed one of his street pieces on a nearby wall and photographed it for a 2015 exhibition in Singapore. When Endless discovered this, he contacted them, and they began corresponding by letter. A decade later, Endless now visits them weekly. Their collaboration includes works like "ExG&G;," which features Endless alongside Gilbert & George in their studio, and "Endless's Crotch Grab," a reworking of a 1990s Calvin Klein advertisement featuring Mark Wahlberg. The New Exhibition The duo's latest exhibition is a reworking of their 1990 "London and New York Worlds and Windows" exhibition, now on display at the Gilbert & George Centre, a converted 19th-century brewery that opened in 2023 near their home. The center offers free admission in line with their "Art for All" ethos. The exhibition includes new works featuring George Crompton, a homeless man who would visit their studio regularly and who passed away in 2023. "He wasn't unhappy," says George. "I think he knew and accepted that he was going to fade away." The Legacy Question As octogenarians in an art world that often celebrates youth, questions arise about Gilbert & George's legacy and potential mentorship of Endless. When asked if they're handing down their legacy, Endless responds, "I don't even know what 'legacy' means." George quips, "Leg over-sy," returning to their characteristic irreverence. Despite their age, the duo shows no signs of slowing down, with Endless noting, "You learn how to be an artist from people who are greater than you." Their collaboration suggests a potential passing of the torch while maintaining the rebellious spirit that has defined their career.

The Legacy of Joan Burstein Joan Burstein, a trailblazing fashion retailer, has passed away at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the London fashion scene. Born on February 21, 1926, Burstein began her career as a pharmacist before venturing into the world of fashion with her husband, Sidney. The Birth of Browns In 1970, Burstein and her husband acquired No. 27 on South Molton Street, an 18th-century row house, which would become the flagship store of Browns. Over the next 50 years, Burstein's keen eye for fashion and her innovative approach to retail turned Browns into a mecca for fashion enthusiasts. She pioneered an approach to retail that would now be called 'curation,' selecting clothes and accessories from top designers and emerging talents. A Fashion Empire Burstein's regular customers knew she would always have or could get what they did not yet know they wanted, from a T-shirt to le tout ensemble. Her staff were not Mayfair snooty nor working on commission, making Browns a welcoming destination for fashion fans of all backgrounds. The store served as a museum of current fashion where customers could study details close up. Global Sourcing Burstein went everywhere to source interesting garments: to London fashion student degree shows (John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Hussein Chalayan); Europe (Sonia Rykiel, Missoni, Armani, Jil Sander, Alber Elbaz); to Japan when its designers were considered eccentric novelties (Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake); and the US. She even hunted Calvin Klein down on the dancefloor in Manhattan's Studio 54 to propose a deal. Later Life and Legacy Burstein retired at 90, but remained involved with Browns, which was acquired by Farfetch in 2015. She was appointed CBE in 2006 for her contributions to fashion. Burstein's impact on the fashion industry will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring future generations of fashion retailers and designers.

Ryan Murphy's drama series 'Love Story' has become Disney+'s most-streamed drama ever, captivating audiences worldwide with its schlocky, glossy portrayal of the doomed marriage between John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette. The series, which consists of nine episodes, tells the story of the couple's whirlwind romance and tragic fate.The show's success can be attributed to its unique blend of camp nostalgia, paparazzi exposure, and cultural symbolism. According to TV critic Scott Bryan, Murphy's formula for success involves targeting subjects with tragic backstories and workable legal margins, which in practice means the longer they have been dead, the smoother the adaptation.The series begins as a Cinderella romance between a Kennedy scion and a Calvin Klein publicist who became the most famous and scrutinised couple in the US – and evolves into a lesson in what happens when marriage becomes a form of branding. The show's relatability factor also lies in its portrayal of universal dating themes, great hair, and a wardrobe full of Prada and Kangol caps worn backwards.Social media searches for JFK Jr and Bessette grew by more than 9,100% in the past month, according to FX, which created the show. The show's success has also sparked speculation about Murphy's next subject, with names like Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, and Liz Taylor and Richard Burton being floated on social media.The show's impact can be seen in its ability to resonate with audiences, particularly Gen Z women, who have connected with the show's themes of relationships, style, and tragedy. As Bryan noted, 'Love Story' is 'unapologetically schmaltzy' and doesn't try to be anything more than a show that looks the part, making it a refreshing change from the usual prestige television dramas.