Muslim fashion on San Fran runway
A major exhibition exploring the diverse dress codes of Muslims, and the first of its kind dedicated to displaying Islamic culture within a fashion context, is to open this month. From the launch of Vogue Arabia to Uniqlo and Dolce & Gabbana branching into modest fashion lines, Islamic style has become a burgeoning global market in recent years — and a profitable one, too. Figures from Thomson Reuters forecast that the global fashion spend by Muslims will reach $373bn (£288bn) by 2022.
Focusing on — though not limited to — clothing aimed at Muslim women, Contemporary Muslim Fashions will take over San Francisco’s de Young museum from September 22, and aims to shine a light on the evolution of Islamic style via Nike hijabs, online influencers and couture gowns.
The show opens with an exploration of modesty, incidentally a fashion buzzword of recent years thanks to the increased interest of western retailers and designers. It focuses on the role of head coverings, sportswear — including Aheda Zanetti’s controversial burkini, which was temporarily banned from some French beaches — and showing custom designs from couturiers including Oscar De La Renta and Yves Saint Laurent, designed to accommodate religious considerations. These include pieces which ensure heads, sleeves and cleavages are covered.
What Theresa May does to unwind
Theresa May has said she did not enjoy watching the BBC drama Bodyguard, which focused on the relationship between a Rightwing Home Secretary and her personal protection officer. The Prime Minister switched off after 20 minutes of the first episode and told reporters while visiting Africa that she preferred watching programmes that were not so close to home. “I watch TV to unwind,” May said. “I’m not sure a drama about a female Home Secretary is the best way for me to do that.” The PM is a fan of the American police show NCIS, The Great British Bake Off, and Strictly Come Dancing — a notable choice given the mixed reception for her dancing at a South African school, where she joined in with teachers and parents shortly after her arrival on Tuesday morning.
In Bodyguard, Keeley Hawes plays Julia Montague, a Conservative MP who supported military intervention in Iraq and wants to restrict civil liberties by updating phone-tapping legislation, but ends up in a relationship with her protection officer — David Budd, played by Richard Madden — a war veteran bitterly opposed to her politics. Hawes said she had looked to Amber Rudd for inspiration rather than May, partly because Rudd was Home Secretary at the time of filming. “We’re not playing Amber Rudd. That wasn’t what we were going to do. But she’s a very good example. She was brilliant for me to research,” Hawes said.
Bono loses voice, U2 cancel concert
U2 have apologised for cancelling a concert after Bono lost his voice. The Irish band were playing in Berlin on Saturday but had to stop after only a few songs as their lead singer struggled on stage.
The band said in a statement: “We’re so sorry for tonight’s cancellation. Bono was in great form and great voice prior to the show, and we were all looking forward to the second night in Berlin, but after a few songs, he suffered a complete loss of voice.
“We don’t know what has happened and we’re taking medical advice. As always, we appreciate our audience’s understanding and all our fans’ support in Berlin and those who travelled from afar. We will update you very soon.”
The statement, shared on the band’s official website, was signed by Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr and the Edge. Bono, 58, had halted the gig and told fans: “I think we can’t go on, it’s not right for you.”
