How To Dress For A Music Festival

There are a whole load of awful things you could experience at a music festival, but - for other people - your eyebrow-raising outfit choices shouldn't be one of them. Before you set off for Glastonbury, Primavera or any of the brilliant outdoor music spectaculars happening across the globe this summer, put down the fluoro mankini and take note of the items your should avoid wearing at a music festival (plus the pieces you should pack instead). Keep cool, look cool with our guide to what to wear to a music festival.

DON'T: wear low cut T-shirts

Even if you've got a chest to rival Hugh Jackman, there's no way of getting around the fact you'll just look like you're in some terrible early Naughties boyband (or considering purchasing a jumbo bottle of vodka at an overpriced club in Piccadilly Circus).

DO: wear a 'brand merch' T-shirt

It's not just musicians who have upped their merch game over the past year (see: Justin Bieber's Purpose tour or Kanye West's Yeezy line), but more brands than ever before have launched bold new logo T-shirts. Instead of going for one of those ubiquitous Rolling Stones or Smiths shirts, proclaim your brand fandom with something graphic from Gucci, Palace, Supreme or Tommy Hilfiger.

DON'T: wear wooden beads

Because you're in a field with 50,000 other urban media types in their late twenties, not cresting some gnarly waves on your gap year.

DO: wear something subtle and silver

Instead, make like Ryan Gosling (every man's go-to summer style icon) and choose a necklace that's sleek, slim, silver and has something subtly eye-catching hanging from it. They're trending hard right now so whether you've got a budget that stretches to precious metal or something more humble and plated, there's a necklace for you out there-

DON'T: wear Kanye West shutter shades

DO: invest in a great pair of sunglasses

You'll wear them all year round, so why not use a summer festival as your excuse to upgrade your shades? Our tip: go for something lightweight with a metal frame - not only will these be more comfortable if you;re wearing them all day long, but heavier acetate will tend to slip down your face if you break a sweat in the sun.

DON'T: wear comedy fancy dress

Before you pack anything themed, take a step back. You're a grown man now; leave the fancy dress for the school leavers. Plus think how much you'll sweat in that full-length Scooby Doo costume you've been eyeing.

DO: go seriously Seventies

The disco decade is right on trend right now, so if you've been tempted to try out flared trousers, silk shirts or short-shorts, now's the time to set your inner David Bowie or Jimi Hendrix free. It's also the perfect excuse to grow out your moustache and sideburns while your out of the office - just be sure to pack a small tin of moustache wax to keep them under control.

DON'T: wear board shorts or a mankini

We know you want to cool off by getting your legs out, but neither of these items are the right course of action: board shorts will result in an awkward tan line midway down your calf (and make anyone who's not a ripped basketball player look approximately 2 feet shorter than they really are) and a mankini - well, do we really need to go into that?

DO: wear a pair of smart swim shorts

Made from quick-drying, breathable material, swim shorts will not only keep you cool all day long, but a pair that hits mid-thigh will also be very flattering on all body types shapes. As opposed to board shorts that cut off at the knee (which only serve to emphasise the thinner part of your legs from there down), a shorter length cuts across your thigh at its most muscular section making them look as impressive as possible.

DON'T: wear a bad hat

Trilbys, cowboys, the branded straw hats Carlsberg are handing out at the site entrance: none of these are acceptable.

DO: wear a baseball hat

There's a landslide of smart, minimal baseball caps on the market right now - so you can stay brand loyal and keep your head protected at the same time.

DON'T: get naked

Perhaps acceptable at Burning Man (at a push), but - trust us - no-one wants to see your junk at Reading.

DO: go shirtless the right way

While getting all your kit off isn't something we would encourage, we can understand how a man who's baking hot might want to cool off by removing his top layer. However, we'd advise that instead of going to full hog and taking your top fully off, keep a suitably summery, shirt-sleeve shirt on but unbutton it. This will not only look superb in photos, but will also mean your shoulders don't get fried when you forget to apply sun lotion - which, let's face it, you will - and you'll protect any other festival-goers from your unprotected armpits too.

DON'T: wear flip-flops

Flip-flops are great for the beach, but, as they don't have any form of support or shaping in the sole, your feet and calves will be killing you by the end of the day. Plus, you could quite easily kick 'em off and never be able to find them in the crowds.

DO: wear sandals

Instead, go for a pair of sandals like the Birkentock Arizona EVA. Not only is the formed foam of the shoe itself perfectly moulded to cradle and support your foot, but it's also super lightweight and totally washable should you get them covered in dirt.

DON'T: wear a backpack

We get it, you want to keep your valuables on you, but don't want to pack out your pockets - but no-one wants to get an upper-cut from the bag on your back as you jump up when the beat drops.

DO: wear a bumbag

Keep your phone, card and other all-day accoutrements in something a little more portable like a bum bag. And before you start to get Eighties flashbacks, you don't have to wear it around your waist: clip it diagonally across your body for maximum accessibility (and security).

Anita Pallenberg Has Died

Anita Pallenberg  - the Italian-German actress and model, Rolling Stones muse, Sixties style pin-up and It girl - has died aged 73. The cause of death is unknown at this stage.

The news was announced by Pallenberg's close friend Stella Schnabel, who paid tribute to the star on her Instagram account. "I have never met a woman quite like you Anita," Schnabel wrote, reports Rolling Stone magazine. "I don't think there is anybody in this universe like you. No one has ever understood me so well. You showed me about life and myself and how to grow and become and exist with it all... Thank you for the most important lessons – because they are ever changing and definitive. Like you. We are all singing for you, how you liked it."

Pallenberg was well known for her inimitable sense of style, which captured the energy and aesthetic of the rock'n'roll scene of the Sixties and Seventies, as well as her high-profile relationships with Keith Richards and Brian Jones. She had three children with Richards during their 12-year partnership, Marlon, Angela and Tara, although Tara sadly passed away at 10 weeks old.

Tributes have already begun on social media for the model, who maintained her ties to the fashion industry throughout her life, gaining a fashion design degree from Central Saint Martins in the Nineties and remaining a popular figure on the London Fashion Week scene - just last September she walked in the Pam Hogg show.

Designer Cozette McCreary was one of many well-known names to fondly remember Pallenberg in an Instagram post this morning, posting a recent picture of the late star with the caption: "Beaming beauty busy making drinks and chatting up my boyfriend, letting him take this picture in her kitchen as we snapped Bella's look book. We'd chat about archeology and gardening. Always digging: sites, allotments, scenes."

Sienna Miller Joins Instagram

Sienna Miller has publicly joined Instagram. The self-confessed social media luddite, who is notoriously private about her personal life, launched her account @siennathing with a profile description that reads "Marlowe’s mama" on June 12. Overnight it amassed some 5,000 followers, and at the time of writing has already reached over 60,000.

For her Instagram debut, Miller posted a black-and-white photograph of herself wearing Dior’s spring/summer 2017 catwalk hit, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s "We Should All Be Feminists" slogan T-shirt. The 35-year-old actress holds up her hands in a Star Trek-inspired salute, with the word "greetings" scrawled across her palms. The caption reads: "Hello World Wide Web #givin #peerpressure #luddite."

Miller’s second Instagram post was a poster for her upcoming theatre production, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, which opens at London’s Apollo Theatre on July 13 for a 12-week stint. Her third, a selfie of herself and friend Cara Delevingne, captioned with an in-joke, "There's only one Shnoyster".

Though Miller has private social-media accounts for friends and family, @siennathing is the first time the Vogue cover girl has openly invited the public to share insights into her life.

Miller has already been active following other Instagram users, such as Barrack and Michelle Obama and Bernie Sanders, as well as ex-partner Jude Law’s former wife Sadie Frost, and his two eldest children Rafferty Law and Iris Law. It’s only a matter of time before that blue tick – the holy verification badge – appears on @siennathing’s profile.

Mario Testino Awarded The Légion D'Honneur

Mario Testino  has been awarded Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur. The ceremony took place last night at the French residences in Lima, capital of Testino's native Peru and was witnessed by close friends and family.

The famous photographer, whose work frequently appears in the pages of British Vogue, was awarded France's prestigious honour for his services to culture during his career (which has spanned over 40 years) as well as his philanthropic work through his cultural foundation in Peru.

"France is happy to show its recognition today to a person who, despite living under the brightness and the warmth of the planet, contributes to the development of young Peruvians as well as to the appreciation of the art and cultural heritage of their nation," said France’s ambassador to Peru, Fabrice Mauriès.

No stranger to awards and accolades, the fashion favourite was recently awarded the Fashion & Beauty Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Clio Awards.

"It's important for all of us to receive accolades because the children in us never leave us," he told us at the time. "As a child, if you do something that you're told is good, then you want a prize, and accolades are like our prizes. It's the way that we feel that something is recognised, that we've done something right and I think all of us like that."

Edward Enninful Names New British Vogue Fashion Director

Incoming British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful announced this morning that he has appointed Venetia Scott as fashion director of the publication. Effective from July 10, Scott replaces Lucinda Chambers, who departs the title later this month.

“Visionary, influential and inspiring are overused terms, but in this case appropriate to describe Venetia’s work," said Enninful today. "Venetia will continue the legacy of creativity and innovation for which British Vogue is known, positioning it for its next century."

Scott began her career at British Vogue working under then fashion director Grace Coddington, before moving on to work at publications including Vogue Italia, AnOther Magazine, Self Service, The Face, Arena, i-D and Nova - the latter of which she was fashion director. In the mid Noughties, Scott started a successful career as a fashion photographer, which has seen her images appear in British Vogue, American Vogue, Vogue Paris, W, Self Service, AnOther Magazine, Dazed & Confused, POP, i-D, Document Journal, and Purple.

Scott's appointment is Enninful's first hire since he was made editor-in-chief back in April, replacing Alexandra Shulman. He will formally take up the position on August 1st.

Style.com Discontinues, Redirects To Farfetch.com

Style.com is to discontinue operations and moving forward will redirect to Farfetch.com. The announcement concerning the e-commerce website - which was launched by Condé Nast last year - was made this morning.

"Today Farfetch, the leading global platform for the fashion industry, and Condé Nast, the preeminent content provider, announced a strategic partnership to connect Condé Nast’s global editorial portfolio with Farfetch’s e-commerce, technology and logistics platform," read a statement from the company, adding that, "The partnership will offer readers the unique ability to browse and shop Condé Nast’s inspirational editorial content on a global scale, further commercialising the editorial portfolio."

“As an early investor in Farfetch, this partnership is the next step in our evolving business relationship," Jonathan Newhouse, chairman and chief executive of Condé Nast International and newly appointed board member of Farfetch, said this morning. "It further unites two leaders in their respective sectors, combining best-in-class content with the world’s leading online luxury shopping destination. This is an industry defining collaboration, and I am very pleased to be joining the Board of Farfetch. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Style.com team for their dedication, energy and commitment.”

Style.com was acquired by Condé Nast in April 2015 and marked the company's first solo venture into e-commerce. Its initial focus was to "sell merchandise to consumers, including readers and users of its magazines and websites such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and GQ, targeting fashion brands as well as upmarket brands from other sectors such as beauty, travel services and technology", read a release at the time. Its new venture with Farfetch - founded by José Neves - which it already owns a large stake in, marks a consolidation of all its online-shopping interests.

“We have long felt that inspirational content is a natural part of any luxury shopping experience," said Neves this morning. "In the same way as we empower the fashion industry and connect consumers with the world’s best brands and boutiques, we want to connect them with outstanding content. This global partnership with Condé Nast will significantly augment the retail experience for our customers, and we see it as a natural step in Farfetch’s approach to commerce and our strategic vision to connect those who create fashion, curate fashion and develop fashion content. Farfetch’s DNA is about partnering with those who are the best in their fields, and Condé Nast is one of the world’s best content providers. I am also thrilled that Jonathan Newhouse will be joining our Board of Directors."

The announcement is the latest big development to come from Farfetch this year. In February, Natalie Massenet announced that she was joining the company as non-executive co-chairman, ending industry speculation about her next move after her exit from Net-a-Porter, which she founded in 2000, following its merger with Yoox.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Condé Nast," said Massenet today. "Since 1999 I have believed in the importance of combining content and commerce in order to elevate the digital shopping experience. Content educates, entertains, and inspires purchases which is crucial in the customer journey of discovery. We have long admired the depth, breadth and sophistication of Condé Nast’s international reach and are excited for Farfetch to partner closely with Condé Nast. 

For the consumer this will be a joy to move from inspiration to transaction at any time and any place. And for the brands and international boutiques that have always partnered with Condé Nast this will further enhance their presence in Condé Nast’s media. It will be thrilling to develop the next evolution of content and commerce with Anna Wintour and all the brilliant talented minds at Condé Nast.”

Wintour, who as well as being editor-in-chief at American Vogue is also artistic director of Condé Nast, compounded Massenet's point. “I’ve always believed that what sets Condé Nast apart is our voice and our vision. Partnering with Farfetch only enhances that, and brings a new dimension to all that we offer the world.”

To The Sea: Bianca Balti Unveils Debut Swimwear Collection

From concept to creation, Bianca Balti's debut swimwear label - which launches on Yoox tomorrow - may be be one of the fastest turnarounds to date. But, as the model told us of her eponymous line, when you have a strong design aesthetic and idea of what you want to achieve, the rest comes easy.

Of course the support from the Italian e-commerce giant helps; the brand's founder and CEO, Federico Marchetti, personally invited Balti to design the collection - an offer she could not refuse, she told us - which, three months later, hits the virtual shelves. It is however, despite the speed of its creation, more than just a vanity project. Italian Balti has incorporated flattering silhouettes and shapes for sizes ranging from six to 20, bucking the barely-there trend, and is intent that comfort lies at its core.

How does it feel to be launching your label?

"As you can understand, everything has been rushed in the last three months, from the first meeting in March during Fashion Week through to the campaign. In my head, it’s like if it has already been launched. At this point, I really hope for the appreciation of our customers!"

What makes your eponymous brand stand out beside other swimwear labels?

"I wanted to create a line that would make women feel comfortable at the beach. The trend now is mini bikinis and, of course, I decided to go in the opposite direction; not everybody feels good exposing a lot of skin."

What was your inspiration?

"The inspiration was the Pirelli calendar, shot by Harry Peccinotti in 1968. It shows the beaches in California, the girls playing volleyball, with their blonde hair and those beautiful bikinis they wore in the Sixties."

What were the main things that you wanted to achieve?

"I wanted to have some pieces that not only would be high-waisted to contain, but also covering the B-side - aka butt cheeks - but also being cool and fashionable. To me it’s all about the details and the quality that were used in the past. Which I never want to lose."

The one-piece swimsuit is seeing a resurgence in popularity - why do you think that is?

"Because you just wear a pair of shorts and you’re ready to go to lunch, then you slip a pair of heels on and you can go to dinner. It’s multipurpose and it reflects the need of a modern woman to be ready to jump into every situation that life brings to her. Not everybody feels good exposing too much skin. That’s why this collection has so many pieces that cover strategically the belly and the thighs."

You are one of a growing number of models to turn designer – what do you think your experiences in the industry bring to the table?

"Well, I’ve seen a whole lot of bathing suits in my career, but also many great designs in general; I think that is the reason why I wanted products that feel more like clothes than bathing suits."

How involved are you in the business side of your business?

"I’m a control freak, so I’m very involved, especially in the design and creativity. I know what I want and it’s hard to delegate."

The size range is from six to 20 so very inclusive – why did you decide on this and why is it important to you as a designer?

"Because my friends and family are real people and they wear all sizes; I couldn’t imagine designing something that my loved ones could not wear."

Bikini or costume: in which one do you feel better?

"It depends; Usually I’d wear a bikini as I like to tan my belly, but after my pregnancy I definitely preferred to be more covered up with a one piece."

How do you plan to promote the brand?

"My dream is for the collection to speak for itself; I would love ladies in their fifties to talk at the beach about the good quality of my swimwear and teenagers about how the cool design is. So I really hope for word of mouth to be effective."

Do you see further categories being added at a later point?

"I totally have something else I’m already working on, something that has been my dream for the last 10 years. But as it is still a dream, I can’t reveal it yet! I can just anticipate that it will be something unexpected."